tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post4892273330780776364..comments2024-03-29T13:05:24.150+00:00Comments on On Probation Blog: TR Day FourJim Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-82528340836969939842014-06-27T17:22:03.542+01:002014-06-27T17:22:03.542+01:00I am pleased about that JB - it would be terrific ...I am pleased about that JB - it would be terrific if your blog can somehow celebrate the efforts of colleagues - especially those who have needed to stand aside for the time being - for whatever reasons.<br /><br />Sadly - my experience of probation - particularly when I realised just how isolated some colleagues & relatives get when I was an Edridge rep back in the 80s is that sometimes we are not good at honouring and upholding the contributions of at least some folk who cannot carry on. Maybe we have an unconscious fear that such conditions might be 'catching' or of not wanting to be publicly associated with folk who some would wrongly say failed whereas - my experience was that some who withdraw from action, actually expend extreme effort, so that they keep going literally till they break, rather than sensing they are becoming overwhelmed and withdrawing (perhaps temporarily) and so be able to "regroup and fight another day" - rather than as I probably did in 2002/3 - carry on "past a point of no return".Andrew_S_Hattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09115192522317353139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-55591108032399741992014-06-27T16:01:07.969+01:002014-06-27T16:01:07.969+01:00Very sorry to hear that you've been driven to ...Very sorry to hear that you've been driven to go on long term sick, but I know for certain that sadly you are not alone. Your feelings are shared by many, many others and some feel letting off steam on here is helpful - I hope so.<br /><br />I intend to republish your contribution as part of a roundup of views on TR one month in and hope this ok with you.<br /><br />Take care, look after yourself and stay tuned as they say. Thanks again for making contact,<br /><br />Jim<br /><br />Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-45791592606025048172014-06-27T15:38:12.318+01:002014-06-27T15:38:12.318+01:00Well thanks for posting Anon at 12.09 - I hope you...Well thanks for posting Anon at 12.09 - I hope you have found some stuff that is uplifting and supportive.<br /><br />I recall a sense of shame when a GP told me I had work related stress and I felt somehow incompetent and diminished.<br /><br />I eventually had to take early retirement, rather than risk fighting via an employment tribunal - I was given a lot of support from Napo - mainly through the negotiation process, when I realised that I had been working in ways that were damaging myself for many years and pushed myself beyond a point of no return, trying to cope with one too many reorganisation when a disability I had always had (dyslexia/dyspraxia) though hidden from me, handicapped me from the start, especially as in my earlier years I had much admin support whereas then I was all of a sudden expected to be a probation officer, typist and computer operator - despite the last two of those jobs not being mentioned in my contract of employment.<br /><br />However, I got over it and realised just what an abusive employer probation frequently is, and that was years before the now notorious sifting.<br /><br />I reckon, maybe the best thing - which was hard for me - was to turn the probation switch off and focus on uplifting things rather than keep re-running the nonsenses in my head. What has been put in place is flawed, from what I can understand it seems almost impossible to do the job as one was trained and as experience tells it should be done. That some - too many it seems to me - are prepared to soldier on, is their concern, maybe some are avoiding doing it properly - there seem a few clients who are around the internet, who feel really let down, so maybe some pbn folk are consistently giving a bad service.<br /><br />I know: - my last manager lied, and avoided the real job, probably because she had never done it properly and had got into management to avoid clients - she seemed generally scared to ever meet one, going to considerable lengths to avoid them, but somehow sustained her employment, playing at management, leaving a generally experienced team to deal with the real issues.<br /><br />So eventually, I just let go, even though I tried going back a couple of times - this is turning out to be about me and is may not be helpful - I did almost 30 years - I know I was professionally competent - because of the recognition I got and responsibilities I was given to publicly represent probation.<br /><br />What is being expected of dedicated staff is unreasonable - obviously different folk are affected differently - the TR scheme is seriously flawed - it is wrong that practitioners should be expected to just make it work.<br /><br />I believe the sooner TR collapses (if it is not to be abandoned or majorly amended) the better in the long run for probation and the public - it is just tragic that honourable folk are going to get hurt in the process - no blame should be attributed to them.<br /><br />I hope Anon1209 can perhaps get away from Probation websites, at least until a sense of well being returns - if you feel able to share your experiences with your MP, that could help, although, as I discovered watching the debates over the last year or so, MANY, are surprisingly ignorant of the true concept of probation and the complexities involved in officers balancing all the competing demands of society, as they strive to engage with damaged, deranged and sometimes instrumentally destructive people (most of whom are usually clients!). Those MPs are unlikely to be supportive as they strive to advance their own careers whatever the impact on constituents.<br /><br />It is summer, there are good things to do, even good old films to watch on TV - at times even probation folk owe it to themselves to actually put themselves & their families FIRST - then they may eventually be better able to deal with the tough stuff the job throws at them, or even get strong enough to decide - I have done that long enough - time for a change - I am not personally responsible for probation for evermore!Andrew_S_Hattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09115192522317353139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-90033008994148181292014-06-27T12:09:58.818+01:002014-06-27T12:09:58.818+01:00Just found this useful blog (no time to suss it ou...Just found this useful blog (no time to suss it out at work. . .) and have now for the first time in 18 yrs in Probation been forced to take l/t sick leave due long-term stress and anxiety about the farcical 'sift' process which landed me in the CRC and the fact that I feel wholly deprofessionalised, marginalised, thoroughly shat upon by the former Trust and MoJ, and the worst I've ever felt over 30yrs + at work in my life. No-one who isn't in the CRC appears to understand how totally demeaning this is for qualified PO's, although some NPS [former] colleagues appear to have rather more insight and sympathy than others. Sorry if this sounds very pathetic and 'poor me', but it's a good opportunity to get it off my chest. Each day brings fresh scandal about the TR joke. The entire process has got to be illegal, surely?? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-20396058167494259062014-06-07T11:16:38.472+01:002014-06-07T11:16:38.472+01:00I cant understand the PI that says from 1st Nov su...I cant understand the PI that says from 1st Nov supervision for U12mths will commence - it seemed a bit vague about who would be doing this. Can anyone shed any light??Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-60961420433791956582014-06-07T11:04:52.744+01:002014-06-07T11:04:52.744+01:00EVR email has come out in wales and is only for b...EVR email has come out in wales and is only for back room roles and upper managment. Find it highly unlikely that evr will be offered across the board when there are so many front line staff vacancies. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-47891589133628234912014-06-07T08:49:01.723+01:002014-06-07T08:49:01.723+01:00And Vera BairdQC, PCC for Northumbria is on record...And Vera BairdQC, PCC for Northumbria is on record as saying the prisond minister (presumably Jeremy Wright) said that supervision of under 12 months sentenced prisoners is not going to start soon.Andrew_S_Hattonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09115192522317353139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-16991753441872385052014-06-07T08:05:49.791+01:002014-06-07T08:05:49.791+01:00Don't worry Deb - I'm assured more on the ...Don't worry Deb - I'm assured more on the way!Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-12560136110538061072014-06-07T08:04:41.296+01:002014-06-07T08:04:41.296+01:00Rumours only - but well-founded rumours I'm su...Rumours only - but well-founded rumours I'm sure. There is definitely trouble with the bidding process and the potential bidders know they've got the upper hand.Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-72607058896706785912014-06-07T07:28:29.118+01:002014-06-07T07:28:29.118+01:00^^ Yes. If the Trusts had been freed from the stra...^^ Yes. If the Trusts had been freed from the straitjacket of the PTRS and just told to reduce reoffending in their areas, using their local knowledge of what was needed and available, the Government's stated objective could have been achieved without any costly, demoralising restructure and privatisation.<br /><br />Of course that wouldn't have helped achieve their unstated objective, which was to sell off a high performing service to their mates in the private sector.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-3294693918981901712014-06-07T03:48:43.766+01:002014-06-07T03:48:43.766+01:00I work in a specialist unit and have been allocate...I work in a specialist unit and have been allocated to NPS. That has not stopped me going on strike because I want to fight to do what I can to save our probation service. I think people who have not supported the strike action should be ashamed of themselves and those that are doing sessional work should consider the damage they are causing in the long term instead of thinking about their own immediate gains. I would fully support further strike action even though my financial situation is poor at this time. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-30199088792750548792014-06-06T23:37:54.939+01:002014-06-06T23:37:54.939+01:00I think they might just have begun to realise that...I think they might just have begun to realise that a lot of the under 12 month custodials may actually have to be allocated to NPS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-31603176674861299632014-06-06T23:24:14.441+01:002014-06-06T23:24:14.441+01:00I am anon 21:37. I wish it were the case they'...I am anon 21:37. I wish it were the case they'd be more up for fight but it's more the case of being resigned to split . Don't follow all the news campaigns etc so don't get the fight for the sell off. I've been pulled for being to vocal etc and sometimes feel like an outsider for being such an activists.. Also been told by my new spo 'you r a civil servant now' . Which is why I've stopped signing my name at the end of my post. Cos been warned about Facebook and twitter. It's like some people have been assimilated into the noms/Moj Borg collectiveAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-86454146907371774242014-06-06T22:47:52.535+01:002014-06-06T22:47:52.535+01:00This work still could have been continued with and...This work still could have been continued with and expanded without TR. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-69454019505838979872014-06-06T22:44:10.546+01:002014-06-06T22:44:10.546+01:00I am all for striking couldn't happen fast eno...I am all for striking couldn't happen fast enough for me. Unions are not saying anything. all they want is evidence, you give it to them and never hear from them again. I don't know what they are doing with all this evidence of the failures of our practice in TR, does anyone know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-88783495252641985412014-06-06T22:36:48.942+01:002014-06-06T22:36:48.942+01:00Jim have you heard any rumors, would love to know ...Jim have you heard any rumors, would love to know if prb is not happening. It sounds as if different things are happening in different areas and we are getting mixed message, Some areas want staff and others look like they are offering redundancy, there seems to be a sense of uncertainty and panic. Hope this blog contributed to getting the truth out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-63489359146162241932014-06-06T22:32:13.794+01:002014-06-06T22:32:13.794+01:00What are the chances of another strike ballot do y...What are the chances of another strike ballot do you think? I seem to remember that IL hadnt ruled it out in one of his recent missives or is that just wishful thinking on my part? We might get a stronger ballot response this time around. Could be a powerful message on top of everything else that's happening.......<br />Deb<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-19229900206672474892014-06-06T22:24:26.586+01:002014-06-06T22:24:26.586+01:00Have only just come in to read the link details; n...Have only just come in to read the link details; now says 'page no longer available' so think I have missed the boat. Shame as it would have been the most perfect enduring silent protest on my desk.......<br />DebAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-55578549311296807522014-06-06T22:23:27.141+01:002014-06-06T22:23:27.141+01:00As you stated you felt alone in your NPS team, exa...As you stated you felt alone in your NPS team, exactly my point. I would love to know why NPS staff abandoned the fight, it feels to me that the true ethos of probation is in fact in the CRC. <br /><br />Sad to hear NPS staff are stressed maybe now they can rise and join the fight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-45724021629211359682014-06-06T21:39:08.906+01:002014-06-06T21:39:08.906+01:00No I was not being serious about things improving ...No I was not being serious about things improving at 19:21Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-72191440203138729282014-06-06T21:37:04.411+01:002014-06-06T21:37:04.411+01:00I am in nps .. And I have never stopped fighting. ...I am in nps .. And I have never stopped fighting. I am a napo activist. And have felt quite alone in that in my nps team. Besides the fight was never about how TR affected us.. It was about how risky it was to the public and our clients. Nps in my office have been very stressed this weekAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-48174405191870206242014-06-06T21:25:24.247+01:002014-06-06T21:25:24.247+01:00I welcomed the opportunity to be able to assist sh...I welcomed the opportunity to be able to assist short term, revolving door prisoners. We managed to do some good work with STP's as part of our IOM cohort, and it is depressing to see the same people perpetually on the court list. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02835387633702641755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-91726842539686166072014-06-06T21:19:35.132+01:002014-06-06T21:19:35.132+01:00The advert offering posts to PO's from outside...The advert offering posts to PO's from outside of the UK , Australia and New Zealand was also offering to pay £27 hour.... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-20524893397378402782014-06-06T21:17:35.382+01:002014-06-06T21:17:35.382+01:00I think that anyone who took leave or carried on w...I think that anyone who took leave or carried on working when they should have been on strike should be very very ashamed of themselves. I am in a specialist unit which remains NPS but even though my job appears safe ( for now) I am beyond angry about what is happening to our service. We must not give up now - I think things could still be turned around but only if we report the crap that is going on and give our full support to future action if and when it is taken. For all those doing extra sessional work please think about the long term outcome for everyone and stop focusing on short term gains. This is after all what we encourage our clients to do. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-70586737121953662462014-06-06T21:15:34.787+01:002014-06-06T21:15:34.787+01:00Our ACE reckons both the NPS and CRC will have to ...Our ACE reckons both the NPS and CRC will have to take on more staff to survive.Suspect the EVR is for back room staff (so called) and Head office staffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com