tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post1110273664937001341..comments2024-03-28T23:10:52.046+00:00Comments on On Probation Blog: A BreakJim Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-89261297004830580992013-09-29T19:23:33.433+01:002013-09-29T19:23:33.433+01:00I want to get closer to finding out why this butch...I want to get closer to finding out why this butchery is taking place:<br />“The supervision of offenders in the community has its roots in 19th century voluntary associations such as the Church of England Temperance Movement. Today it is a complex process which pulls together accommodation, job-seeking, drug testing, counselling, administrative and information services.” From Serco website, 2013 - sounds very similar in tone to the following source:<br />“The Carter But Smarter report warns that the official reoffending rate is unsafe. It recommends a radical shake-up of the criminal justice system in order to truly reduce reoffending, including the abolition of the regional structure of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) and the introduction of new public-private partnerships to reduce crime and recidivism.” – Policy Exchange website referring to the Nov 2010 report by Max Chambers.<br />Chambers offers a carefully worded history in his report: “Until the Morrison Committee of 1962, the probation service had no active relationship with prisons at all, and the aftercare work of prisoners was delivered by the Discharged Prisoner’s Aid Society. Although the growth of welfare work in prisons post‐1962, aftercare services in the 1960s and statutory licence services (such as parole) increased the points at which probation interacted with prisons, both retained very separate identities, cultures and histories.”<br />“Indeed, in the 1980s, the probation trade union NAPO (National Association of Probation Officers) actively campaigned against probation officers working inside prisons at all, regarding the stigma of ‘dehumanising’ prison institutions as anathema to probation officers’ core aims and goals. Not only was there a palpable disconnect between prisons and probation, but the two organisations themselves were also very differently constituted. On the one hand, ever since its inception, Her Majesty’s Prison Service was a national organisation with a very centralised ‘command and control’ organisational structure. The system of probation, on the other hand, had grown up organically and locally, beginning with a group of faith‐based organisations in the late nineteenth century.”<br />“Prior to 2000, 54 ‘probation areas’ were in operation, with a degree of autonomy from central government. Without a national framework or coordinating body, probation areas were largely free to distribute the resources allocated to them by central government as they saw fit, and areas were accountable only to a probation committee made up of local magistrates.”<br />Chambers highlights a couple of interesting and important concerns that are fundamental to Grayling’s position in 2013 but which have been deleted from Grayling’s gameplan. Firstly: “The reality is that the services required by offenders are currently largely provided by the state. Public sector provision ‐ such as housing, job training, education and skills, addiction treatment, mental healthcare and social services – will still exist even if a payment by results mechanism is introduced.<br />Offenders will still be entitled to public services;... As these services are largely being provided by the state, there could be a situation whereby private providers are using public money to commission services back from the public sector. In effect, this means that the state is paying twice and...unless the measurement of success is robust, the state could be spending twice for outcomes that have not actually improved.”<br />Secondly: “So far this report has described the failure of a monolithic agency in Whitehall to impose a system of case management from the centre onto very different prisons and probation systems... This report’s fundamental criticism of NOMS is that reform has been too prescriptive and centrally directed – prioritising process ahead of incentives...”<br />I wonder where Max Chambers is now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-15887631823643906392013-09-29T18:52:13.000+01:002013-09-29T18:52:13.000+01:00I would also like to say thanks Jim for your insig...I would also like to say thanks Jim for your insight and the comments you have generated. You have earnt a break (as long as you have not been nobbled!). I hope you have at least caused some reflection in those who senior managers who have felt unable to speak fearing the consequences. Cheers have a pint on me for a job well done<br />doughnutnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-25576601872517572672013-09-29T15:43:59.144+01:002013-09-29T15:43:59.144+01:00With nine people being charged with fraud relating...With nine people being charged with fraud relating to the A4e work programme fiasco, can we assume that the 'rap' for any shady dealings uncovered by the Serco/G4S investigation will be mantled on employees, and not the company itself?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-1392392237057421412013-09-29T14:44:45.505+01:002013-09-29T14:44:45.505+01:00Jim
A belated thanks for all your hard on the Pro...Jim<br /><br />A belated thanks for all your hard on the Probation Matters Blog. <br /><br />Your provision of information (mostly lacking from others) and analysis of the Transforming Rehabilitation 'Omnishambles' has been excellent. <br /><br />As a regular reader, including being one of the 2,480 'hits', on Thursday 19 September 2013, I think you deserve a hard earned break.<br /><br />Hopefully not too long !!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-53134216533142432422013-09-29T08:16:23.411+01:002013-09-29T08:16:23.411+01:00The allocation model offers those who are not auto...The allocation model offers those who are not automatically allocated the opportunity to submit an expression of interest. No-one will express an interest in the CRC as they don't know if the employer will be G4S, Serco, Sobarts, Tesco or Toys 'r' us!! Too risky.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-53191603256519695802013-09-28T20:13:26.143+01:002013-09-28T20:13:26.143+01:00I like the analysis - you put it so much better th...I like the analysis - you put it so much better than I could - thanks!Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-33035267454606493572013-09-28T09:48:38.033+01:002013-09-28T09:48:38.033+01:00Good point 9'36' Merseyside chief is wait...Good point 9'36' Merseyside chief is waiting clearance for heading up C.R.C in Merseyside. However leaders in that position won't have the same contracts as the subordinates I would imagine anyway.I'm not sure why a chief would opt for this given all the uncertainty surrounding C.R.C? I guess there is limited positions for chief's in N.P.S and. the bulk of offenders clients will be in the C.R.C. It just brings it home that Merseyside is forging forward with T.R.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-40278490760320182832013-09-28T08:54:58.145+01:002013-09-28T08:54:58.145+01:00"seeds" (Skills for Effective Engagement..."seeds" (Skills for Effective Engagement and Development) was/is an attempt to re-introduce person-centred/client-centred/social work values into probation practice.Once upon a time the probation training route was intrinsically linked with social work training, at one time being a Home Office sponsored specialism within the social work qualification which gave successful candidates professional options of probation and social work posts. For reasons beyond our ken the training was hived off - some cynics at the time suggesting it was a means of divide & rule, a means of controlling & bringing into line the two fluffy bunnies that were social work & probation. How astute those cynics were.<br /><br />Anyhow, it seems that a growing level of realisation that Boateng's robocop "we are an enforcement agency" approach was shall we say "unhelpful", led to an expedition to search for a new silver bullet. After much soul searching they made the discovery of a sexy 'new' approach. It came packaged with its own made-up name - Desistance - a rather fortuitous piece of social work archaeology by Fergus McNeill & co.<br /><br />There remains a level of suspicion about the adoption of this approach as many believe it is Wooden Horse, a wolf in sheep's clothing, a fist in an iron glove, a means to an end - otherwise why would a hardline sec of state like Grayling agree substantial funding to give staff big warm cuddles?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-27151125638408801122013-09-27T22:53:48.161+01:002013-09-27T22:53:48.161+01:00What is seeds observations?What is seeds observations?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-57179200199049115172013-09-27T15:29:14.578+01:002013-09-27T15:29:14.578+01:00Investigations into G4S and Serco have begun. Wher...Investigations into G4S and Serco have begun. Where will Graylings TR be if it turns out that neither company can bid? And what about exsisting MoJ contracts? I feel grayling may be a very worried man at the moment!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-24262658719632750492013-09-27T14:47:57.369+01:002013-09-27T14:47:57.369+01:00I have checked - the journey from Hertford Town to...I have checked - the journey from Hertford Town to Hollesley is over 80 miles by road - almost impossible by public transport, which takes 4 and a half hours each way. Presumably it is worse for other Hertfordshire towns.<br /><br />I am genuinely surprised, how little public attention has been given to this aspect of the TR plans. With only one male prison in Essex - it will be just as bad. As for women,I understand there are only two Women's Open prisons now, so it is just a complete non starter and always obviously was.<br /><br />Haverigg is even difficult for other places in Cumbria and I think Durham is their local prison. Still when Wrexham is built - it will all be straightforward - except what is needed in Wrexham is a modestly sized local say 500 or so for N Wales and perhaps West Cheshire - but instead a 2,000 giant. I wonder if there is a long term plan to replace Walton as unless that or Strangeways goes the Wrexham place will have a massive catchment area.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-44126452116505296782013-09-27T14:01:02.372+01:002013-09-27T14:01:02.372+01:00It was the first thing I said was undeliverable wh...It was the first thing I said was undeliverable when Grayling first announced his plan, I have seen complaints on line from Hertfordshire folk that their local gaol is not The Mount at Bovingdon, Herts but Hollesley Bay colony in the wilds of outer Suffolk!<br /><br />Andrew HattonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-47993208788447780992013-09-27T13:00:10.461+01:002013-09-27T13:00:10.461+01:00Time to explore our options such as only working t...Time to explore our options such as only working to contracted hours, refusing seeds observations (which I feel will be used against some officers come the TR shambles) any strike action needs to be for a few days at least one day is pointless Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-50926322074107537412013-09-27T10:57:42.450+01:002013-09-27T10:57:42.450+01:00Napo has registered a trade dispute, there is goin...Napo has registered a trade dispute, there is going to be a ballot for industrial action. Netnippernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-42127627764321764262013-09-27T09:36:18.481+01:002013-09-27T09:36:18.481+01:00Fundamental fact. Moving into a CRC voluntarily is...Fundamental fact. Moving into a CRC voluntarily is a leap into the unknown Choosing to go to CRC before 1/4/14 would be foolish as, until 1/10/14, no-one knows who the employer will be. Why would anyone put themselves in that position. It would be like buying a house without knowing where it is. You just wouldn't. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-71707137043564228712013-09-27T09:13:31.125+01:002013-09-27T09:13:31.125+01:00How are you old mate! Keep smiling - at least, in ...How are you old mate! Keep smiling - at least, in my office people are getting the message not to get involved in anything which has 'voluntary' attached to it - i.e. volunteering to move to CRC's etc. Hey and it's Friday!30 years innoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-14613928874853407402013-09-26T12:33:32.468+01:002013-09-26T12:33:32.468+01:00I have been pleased to have been reading your blog...I have been pleased to have been reading your blog since its inception. The contrast between briefings by probation chiefs locally, your insight and my own experiences in court has been mind boggling. Have a rest and return refreshed. The Justice of the Peacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05795957459681808206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-44424248955995801862013-09-25T08:27:41.439+01:002013-09-25T08:27:41.439+01:00"The Guardian, Move resettlement prisons to r..."The Guardian, Move resettlement prisons to reduce re-offending".<br /><br />Very good article showing that the government ae not actually delivering what they said they would for TR.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-41434196201549875152013-09-24T14:34:10.363+01:002013-09-24T14:34:10.363+01:00Whilst Starbucks took the main focus on tax dodgin...Whilst Starbucks took the main focus on tax dodging, its important to remember that between 2012/13 G4S paid no tax at all to the UK government. That is something that should be mentioned alongside its outstanding issues of fraud. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-40413685313835299022013-09-24T11:44:31.545+01:002013-09-24T11:44:31.545+01:00Financial Times reports today 'Serco counting ...Financial Times reports today 'Serco counting the cost of working with government'. Shares have dropped 11% mostly as a consequence of recent negative publicity regarding MoJ contracts.<br />I see the day approaching, and fast, when no-one will touch a government contract with a bardge pole. <br />I'm led to believe both Serco and G4S have aroused the taxmans interest of late?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-42937926912221519732013-09-24T10:17:44.783+01:002013-09-24T10:17:44.783+01:00Thanks for all the kind words everyone - I'm s...Thanks for all the kind words everyone - I'm sure some rest and recuperation will restore my mojo. Meantime, keep sharing info.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Jim Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-3490845352239150792013-09-24T09:57:54.003+01:002013-09-24T09:57:54.003+01:00To provide sizzling critques of TR is not in my vi...To provide sizzling critques of TR is not in my view negative. If something is wrong-headed, to oppose it with vigour is surely a positive act. We should not couch opposition as negative. Repetition is different, though I don't think there has been much of that going on. I guess there will be some who will be pleased that you are taking a break, those who did actually see your words as negative and underming of the TR project. I cannot associate a smile with Grayling, but I am sure he would smirk to know that On Probation Blog is taking a break.Netnippernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-26904502239067152872013-09-23T22:56:10.092+01:002013-09-23T22:56:10.092+01:00Thank you so much for all you have done. You have ...Thank you so much for all you have done. You have given us a voice when many dare not speak out and you have tried to make sense of the unthinkable and unspeakable.Rest well my friend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-43931628860621393902013-09-23T22:00:33.967+01:002013-09-23T22:00:33.967+01:00Jim thank you so much you have become one of the f...Jim thank you so much you have become one of the family· my teenagers having a laugh at my devotion to your blog fighting over the kindle every night so I can check in with you and our colleagues after a mad day in probation.! You have been amazing and helped the cause no end. I know we have moaned a bit and had a rant , We can't all be analytical . I hope we haven't depressed. you Jim big hug : ) well deserved rest xxxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-49028259148252348862013-09-23T20:30:59.521+01:002013-09-23T20:30:59.521+01:00Jim, Your a saint for doing this blog for so long....Jim, Your a saint for doing this blog for so long. I've been an avid reader and have logged in each day to have read. I must say I've learnt more from your blog than any Probation briefing and have always thought how spot on you are. Have a good deserved rest and don't let the bastards get you down as the saying goes ! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com