tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post1830118615792981996..comments2024-03-28T12:02:49.472+00:00Comments on On Probation Blog: Back To the Good Old DaysJim Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-3882370279820200292016-03-24T20:33:48.281+00:002016-03-24T20:33:48.281+00:00Foundation degree or HND will not get you a PO qua...Foundation degree or HND will not get you a PO qualificationAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-83874461586384926802016-03-24T16:40:14.110+00:002016-03-24T16:40:14.110+00:00I've invited Chas to pen a guest blog but he&#...I've invited Chas to pen a guest blog but he's declined "No. Let's just do it." <br /><br />"I am only too happy to be challenged by anyone with different ideas". But sadly the debate can't get going because it seems Chas prefers soundbites Nike-style. Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-33411270183215191342016-03-24T15:14:27.892+00:002016-03-24T15:14:27.892+00:00The Good Old Days? For me that would be the late 1...The Good Old Days? For me that would be the late 1980s. Prison secondment with essential car user allowance, home-to-office mileage, daily lunch allowance and environmental allowance. Effectively a doubled salary. As Mr M. Loaf put it,"It was long ago and it was far away and it was so much better than it is today"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-2478806987700605312016-03-24T12:05:04.071+00:002016-03-24T12:05:04.071+00:00The likelihood of reoffending drops to zero, and p...The likelihood of reoffending drops to zero, and precious state resources are saved - it even frees up accommodation for someone else - a triple win! (gallows humour, as I hope the majority can see!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-39505888679150707432016-03-24T11:35:05.597+00:002016-03-24T11:35:05.597+00:00Haha that website (http://www.traintobeaprobationo...Haha that website (http://www.traintobeaprobationofficer.com/apply/#/) has this on the home page:<br /><br />""The woman who didn't need treatment, For the overdose that was never caused, By the drugs she didn't buy, Because you proposed a curfew.<br /><br />Set the boundaries. Change the outcome. ""<br /><br />I never knew changing lives was so easy! A curfew will take away the cravings and its common knowledge that drug dealers are not mobile, and i can be trusted not to buy drugs outside the curfew hours.<br /><br /><br />""The woman who needed treatment, For the overdose that was caused, By the drugs she did buy, Died. Because you proposed a curfew, nobody was able to put her in the recovery position.<br /><br />Set the boundaries. Change the outcome. ""<br /><br />Oh dear to what did i dedicate my lifes work :( :( <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-11143958829367263112016-03-24T10:56:17.057+00:002016-03-24T10:56:17.057+00:00Interesting that you choose to project me as an in...Interesting that you choose to project me as an incompetent, touchy senior manager with a sinister agenda - after all, anyone who disagrees with your all-knowing wisdom couldn't be anything else, right?<br /><br />Cutting through your self righteous butt-hurt for a moment, what have you with your attitude changed? I don't disagree that the changes forced upon probation are for the worse, but at some point everyone left in it needs to make a fundamental choice (this is different to a binary choice btw, but let's not deprive you of your fancy buzzword eh?) Will you accept the new parameters of your job, and do your best in it, or is your disagreement with what's happening so severe that you no longer wish to be involved with it? Once this choice is made, it's possible to strategise for the longer term - I understand that you may not like having to make that choice, but make it you must!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-4695792794052057202016-03-24T09:49:41.954+00:002016-03-24T09:49:41.954+00:00With such a spectacularly arrogant condescending a...With such a spectacularly arrogant condescending attitude, you must be in a senior management position or on the fast track there. Possibly you're a consultant, busy telling people how to do a job that you don't understand yourself, and couldn't do.<br /><br />I'm not living in denial of the facts of the situation. It's abundantly clear that none of the people currently in charge of probation work know the slightest thing about it, which makes it all the more important for people who care about the job to stick around and pick up the pieces when it falls apart. Life isn't about binary choices.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-16485321576733366052016-03-24T09:42:21.462+00:002016-03-24T09:42:21.462+00:00As Joe Hill once said, "Don't mourn, orga...As Joe Hill once said, "Don't mourn, organise". It really is a waste of time wringing our hands. We lost the TR battle and I'm sad about that but there's plenty still to defend and to fight for as long as we organise to do it. You can criticise Napo all you like but what other organisations are there trying to stem the tide? If you don't like the current leadership get involved and change it, I am only too happy to be challenged by anyone with different ideas. Dropping out or looking out for number one may give you temporary relief and sastifaction but it won't help you in the long run. As probation practitioners I think we should be more aware of this than most!Chas Berryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08041300139127185255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-5434671171355295332016-03-24T08:33:44.970+00:002016-03-24T08:33:44.970+00:00(Dodge of previous question noted) Do tell me then...(Dodge of previous question noted) Do tell me then, as you've apparently gone for the third option I suggested - how has your lack of acceptance of the situation helped any of the groups you mention? Try to answer without parroting a quote from the internet if you can, and try and do a bit of critical thinking about the situation. <br /><br />You don't have to accept the scenarios I put forward, certainly but living in denial of the facts of how probation is now doesn't make it any less true... The interests that are served are those of the role you are getting paid for. Your inability or unwillingness to looks facts in the face isn't changing anything you know... I'm not sure probation (either now, or in its fictional rosy past) is right for you now - why not consider moving your skillset to somewhere you might be able to make a difference?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-42778359873310837862016-03-24T07:57:45.194+00:002016-03-24T07:57:45.194+00:00Nice that the picture on the website shows someone...Nice that the picture on the website shows someone sat in front of a computer, though. That's all the job is these days.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-71829965678051382512016-03-24T07:40:37.845+00:002016-03-24T07:40:37.845+00:00Wow, did I touch a nerve?
When you say "Eith...Wow, did I touch a nerve?<br /><br />When you say "Either commit to doing the jobs the way the CRCs and NPS now want it done, or get out and do something you consider more fulfilling", you're telling people to get out or shut up. <br /><br />Now tell me, whose interests are served with that attitude? The CRC owners and NOMS - not clients, staff or the public. Why should I just accept things for the way they are?<br /><br />Since you enjoyed my last quote so much, here's another one for you: "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-2382790737469863672016-03-24T07:35:09.249+00:002016-03-24T07:35:09.249+00:00£75 fee to apply to check if you're eligible t...£75 fee to apply to check if you're eligible to apply. Never heard of that before. Either they don't want any applicants or they only want applicants with a bit of spare cash. Typical tory thinking! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-56703466685683804802016-03-24T00:58:28.667+00:002016-03-24T00:58:28.667+00:00(It was me @ 15:28) Shut down the discussion? Whic...(It was me @ 15:28) Shut down the discussion? Which discussion was that? The dead horse of TR has been flogged until its bleached bones are showing, as for the rest of the debate, you'll have to talk up a bit, I can barely hear you over the bolting of stable doors... (Btw, interested to hear of the 'we' that you mention - which 'we' are we referring to here, just to be clear? The 'we' that's waiting for NAPO to spring into action? Or the 'we' that have signal failed to deter the government's plan by one inch?)<br /><br />Here's a mis-quote back atcha in return - "frankly my dear, they don't give a damn!" Now if you don't mind, I'd better get back to my sinister agenda :/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-37610755988670344672016-03-23T23:33:54.664+00:002016-03-23T23:33:54.664+00:00
More dumbing down of probation training!
New qua...<br />More dumbing down of probation training!<br /><br />New qualification:<br /><br />No relevant degree required. A foundation degree or HND is enough to apply. <br /><br />Police vetting is required.<br /><br />A £75 fee is required to apply.<br /><br />http://www.traintobeaprobationofficer.com/apply/#/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-11511878850873822232016-03-23T23:31:38.366+00:002016-03-23T23:31:38.366+00:00http://www.vice.com/read/bernie-warner-management-...http://www.vice.com/read/bernie-warner-management-and-training-corporation-uk-probation-privatisationAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-69850695804594422322016-03-23T22:57:34.487+00:002016-03-23T22:57:34.487+00:00Pretty poor standard of comments on here today, mo...Pretty poor standard of comments on here today, mostly unworthy of the blog. Anon 14:43 popping up with his/her lame buffoonery and adding nothing whatsoever to the debate (now there's a "boom!" for ya). More sinister is Anon 15:28's "get on with it or get out" agenda - we can see through your attempts to shut down the discussion, you know.<br /><br />To quote Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Jim is clearly both thoughtful and committed, so more power to his elbow.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-10719292455733459292016-03-23T21:48:07.258+00:002016-03-23T21:48:07.258+00:00Thought provoking post Jim. Raises many issues fo...Thought provoking post Jim. Raises many issues for debate to inform forward thinking. It appears that your efforts are being sabotaged. Shame. Drugs policy seems key to making progress as does the culture that prison risks creating. Clearly the community and the relationship that those that we work with have with their community is also key. Probation culture similarly needs reviewing, desistance theory seemed to promise much but fallen to one side. There are many, many other topics that can usefully be debated. Keep on blogging Jim. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-84393378446883557252016-03-23T20:35:47.863+00:002016-03-23T20:35:47.863+00:00The Blog serves no effective purpose. It used to i...The Blog serves no effective purpose. It used to inform during the TR debacle. No longer. It's a sounding board for cranks, the whingeing and Jim's niche interests. Never saved one job or stalled government policy. I sometimes wonder whether it's some form of fifth columnist sponsored by NOMS. Sure I don't have to read it but like a moth to a flame I revisit it when I should know better. I imagine most of the hits are from repeat offenders. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-8759009111163491322016-03-23T19:06:14.040+00:002016-03-23T19:06:14.040+00:00Better how. Elaborate Better how. Elaborate Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-63578854979480204842016-03-23T18:54:42.351+00:002016-03-23T18:54:42.351+00:00Our customers have same problems and needs,present...Our customers have same problems and needs,present the same challenges,and come from the same places. Has the politics and the organisation changed for the better. A resounding no. Case of hankering for the past.no. Looking back when times were relatively better.yesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-52306490912904531362016-03-23T18:34:35.482+00:002016-03-23T18:34:35.482+00:00I'm with you 15.28. You're so right and I&...I'm with you 15.28. You're so right and I'm sure the same old idiots would have been on the blog pre TR harping on at how bad things are! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-73857436817587239472016-03-23T16:12:34.687+00:002016-03-23T16:12:34.687+00:00ok taking this blog to the next level.
Most immedi...ok taking this blog to the next level.<br />Most immediate threat to the NPS is E3. We have had a couple of blogs about it, a bit of a rant in the comments section and we know the effects of E3 will not be to our benefit.<br /><br />So what do we do? What can we do? How should it be done?<br /><br />Personally, i feel the only way to effectively do this is by active union participation. After all this is work, we have an employer and we have a voice - via our unions.<br />Our unions keep us safe from persecution, they provide a lawful outlet for employees to air concerns and influence the decision makers.<br />For sure Ian is a waste of space, we know that. We change that by becoming active in the union, from talking about issues while at the watercooler to seeking election into a branch officials position. Its all possible.<br />Through our unions we engage with our employer. Our employer is not our dictator, its a partnership. Sometime they need reminding of that, unions act as reminders.<br />What would we say to someone fresh from prison moaning about how hard life is. We would say do something about it, dont give up, try another tactic.<br />We can give up, accept our place, watch our careers be destroyed, see our wages drop and moan all day long until we wake up and realise we are wearing G4S uniforms. Or we can organise with our unions, stand together and make those above accountable for everything they are doing. We can demand our stake in this is recognised and that we are recognised for the professionals that we are.<br />We may lose, we could win, we will have our self respect intact.<br /><br />One thing for sure though, as it stands we are having the piss ripped from us. <br />See you in the union when you finally get fed up getting wet x<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-80716164857314316622016-03-23T15:28:02.512+00:002016-03-23T15:28:02.512+00:00Oh I've no doubt that some people do give a sh...Oh I've no doubt that some people do give a shit now, but they're the ones with zero influence to alter anything (and no, even if that socialist mountebank Saint Corbyn were voted in tomorrow would anything be done to reverse it at this point). This blog really only exists for the same reason most other blogs, forums and chatrooms exist: As a perpetual argument engine and electronic whining machine. <br /><br />Either commit to doing the jobs the way the CRCs and NPS now want it done, or get out and do something you consider more fulfilling - ultimately that's the only choice left (unless you count turning up, doing the job on auto pilot, constantly harking back to the good old days - which weren't that good either btw , and moaning your way through the day!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-76905533817075423492016-03-23T15:17:38.932+00:002016-03-23T15:17:38.932+00:00When was something last leaked to this blog. Never...When was something last leaked to this blog. Never. This blog is like Mike Tyson. Once Al mighty but now forgotten and making the odd appearance. It's not Jim's fault. It's the people who visit this site failing to take it to the next level. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-44916089270036806042016-03-23T14:43:01.817+00:002016-03-23T14:43:01.817+00:00Boom 14. 02. You're on the money. No one gives...Boom 14. 02. You're on the money. No one gives a shit now. It's business as usual and those trouble makers have been booted into touch.... Or the nps hahaha Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com