tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post5324698565797640949..comments2024-03-29T06:40:58.606+00:00Comments on On Probation Blog: Guest Blog 55 - Follow UpJim Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-84520965654752901362016-05-31T22:29:58.730+01:002016-05-31T22:29:58.730+01:00Reading through the comments, is it me or has Andr...Reading through the comments, is it me or has Andrew Bridges #EpicFail response totally missed the point? I'm sure he's reading but does he understand how detached people like him are from the realities of what probation work is, of what doing probation work is like, and of what being a probation officer actually is? Of course he does, but as usual with people like this what we have to say is unimportant to them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-72800296623946154802016-05-31T21:28:02.771+01:002016-05-31T21:28:02.771+01:00Mr Bridges, Prof Senior & many other "rea...Mr Bridges, Prof Senior & many other "realists" pontificating about making TR work are in the enviable position of not having to face the daily stress of trying to make silk purses under threat of disciplinary action. They have secure & comfortable lifestyles (I would imagine an ex-head of HMIProbation is unlikely to be on Skid Row) so can espouse cool pragmatism from afar. To describe informed criticism of the TR shambles as "letting off steam" is a cheap shot at experienced practitioners fighting for their livelihoods, their emotional welfare & their profession.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-90144423160768872572016-05-31T20:52:47.127+01:002016-05-31T20:52:47.127+01:00Does anyone know if E3 is actually starting in Jun...Does anyone know if E3 is actually starting in June 2016? Very stressful for everyone waiting game just like with Crc so unfair.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-6249452137328715522016-05-31T20:24:28.032+01:002016-05-31T20:24:28.032+01:00Andrew, it is wrong that the harm done to victims ...Andrew, it is wrong that the harm done to victims is exploited for the profit of shareholders...letting off steam or the simple truth?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-10043401103118853752016-05-31T20:12:22.630+01:002016-05-31T20:12:22.630+01:003 weeks of hell with new it system and an inspecti...3 weeks of hell with new it system and an inspection coming up. No doubt the figures will be fudged and all will look wonderful. Try living and working in the real world and seeing misery day after day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-64510406433187224082016-05-31T19:47:02.485+01:002016-05-31T19:47:02.485+01:00Very well saidVery well saidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-1431083667700738092016-05-31T19:13:32.650+01:002016-05-31T19:13:32.650+01:00Well said that's just how I feel !Well said that's just how I feel !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-7822577182670223032016-05-31T18:21:56.385+01:002016-05-31T18:21:56.385+01:00Andrew,I achieve against all the odds every day an...Andrew,I achieve against all the odds every day and to be honest so do many of my offenders Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-23115071021835801362016-05-31T17:48:37.483+01:002016-05-31T17:48:37.483+01:00Mr Bridges lets off some steam on truth and on the...Mr Bridges lets off some steam on truth and on the public vs private sector, Mr Bridges is a pragmatist. He does not have a problem with the profit motive – nor do I when it's profit that arises from actual wealth creation. But the 'profit' in this context is taxpayers' money being diverted to the private sector, who, as we know, reduce costs by cutting terms and condition of workers and basically dumbing down the workforce. There is no evidence that the private sector delivers better public services. If Mr Bridges knows otherwise, then he will enlighten us. There are no pragmatic grounds for supporting the role of profit in the public sector, unless of course you don't mind staff being impoverished. There are, however, moral grounds for objecting to the taxpayers of the UK funding the profits of multinational companies. Netnippernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-31561303066826889782016-05-31T17:31:43.628+01:002016-05-31T17:31:43.628+01:00Oh Andrew, when will the practitioner's voice ...Oh Andrew, when will the practitioner's voice be heard? Ivory towers and all that...we are not "letting off steam" we are raging against the multiple changes which ensure quality practice CANNOT BE DELIVERED.<br />All we want is to do our jobs with an infrastructure which is supportive and not destructive. For example the IT System in NPS which is a disgrace and yes, FAILED AGAIN TODAY!!! Go on Andrew use your clout to condemn those who impose this rubbish on hard working employees, look at the cost in terms of lost opportunity to work with our offenders when we are having to repeat computer work because the system has failed again. Remember people like you only reflect what is recorded. Shame on you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-5367206015685833822016-05-31T16:39:32.624+01:002016-05-31T16:39:32.624+01:00Crown Court Judge: "when I reserved breaches ...Crown Court Judge: "when I reserved breaches of this Order to myself at sentence I made it quite clear that any breaches of this Suspended Sentence Order would result in activation. This breach report is asking for the Order to continue. What does the officer really think?"<br /><br />I was really pleased to explain the difference between CRC and NPS and what the officer really thought, as opposed to what the officer had been instructed to propose. A violent offence where individual had been given a chance and failed to take it. The Order was activated.<br /><br />An absolutely ridiculous state of affairs causing embarrassment and loss of credibility for all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-69257622188817006762016-05-31T15:24:54.793+01:002016-05-31T15:24:54.793+01:00I think the 'letting of steam' phrase was ...I think the 'letting of steam' phrase was a bit patronising. There are some reasoned critiques of TR on this site - and were the 90% plus who rejected TR at the consultation phase merely letting of steam. Does Grayling do ideological steam? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-4306798261981201212016-05-31T15:19:08.079+01:002016-05-31T15:19:08.079+01:00And, of course, governments often perform U-turns ...And, of course, governments often perform U-turns when there is widespread protest. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-92216109281460875132016-05-31T15:06:12.176+01:002016-05-31T15:06:12.176+01:00"Would anyone want to write a short descripti..."Would anyone want to write a short description of a recent piece of Probation practice that you’re particularly pleased with, perhaps achieved against all the odds?"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-47288090214956256562016-05-31T15:04:21.550+01:002016-05-31T15:04:21.550+01:00What does he mean by this last bit? A write up to ...What does he mean by this last bit? A write up to show goodwill and say 'the show must go on' maybe? What a patronising git!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-89262272849894752272016-05-31T14:36:19.907+01:002016-05-31T14:36:19.907+01:00That's what we're waiting for, someone wit...That's what we're waiting for, someone with the courage to speak the truth, someone not worried about upsetting anyone or losing a promised favour.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-61866847050494651082016-05-31T13:01:00.618+01:002016-05-31T13:01:00.618+01:00Reading his entry again it's quite a cheek And...Reading his entry again it's quite a cheek Andrew Bridges has returned to excuse valid concerns over TR as "letting off steam" and his advice is to get on with it, a polite JFDI. Today's entry is worse than his original blog and comparable in approach to the recent blog from Paul Senior. This is an example of the pompous self styled know it all's we have running probation services, leading the HMIP and advising the MoJ. No surprise that Mr Bridges is a fellow of the Probation Institute, aka the "lipstick on the TR pig". Is it any wonder probation is in such a mess. Is there really nobody throughout the whole of probation and beyond that is able to say something worthwhile?Probation Officernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-16323163645105331692016-05-31T12:47:29.076+01:002016-05-31T12:47:29.076+01:00Hi Andrew, I think you will find that most of us w...Hi Andrew, I think you will find that most of us will respect your dialogue with us, it is refreshing to have someone of your position do so and state what they think. Good for you. As an example of good practice despite all the odds:<br />I am officially on annual leave this week but I have worked this morning. This, if you were to ask, is how many people in the Probation Services are getting by, a way to ameliorate their stresses, by working over and above. However, in my case and in this instance this is not the case. One of my cases is imminently due for release and the paperwork has not been done and sent to the prison. Due to other pressures I had not been able to do this on Friday but I rang the prison and agreed a back - up plan to which they agreed. The job is now done. The reason I did this are twofold, one it is unfair to lump stuff on my colleagues who are already overburdened and two, the case in question deserves a service and his liberty in this case, he will now be released on HDC.<br />You might say, all good and well but surely this should have been completed weeks ago? I can state that the problem without fear of contradiction is that staff keep leaving, are not replaced or if they are not in good time. This means that everyone else shoulders their workload which means that some then struggle and go off sick. The target was not met but the service maintained if only just and because I care. <br />On adages it might be worth remembering this one, ‘the targets were met but the point was missed.’ <br />I do think that we have to make the best of what we are faced with, that is a fair point, but the very understandable ‘letting off steam’ by Probation staff will not stop and neither will increasing exits from the Probation Services whilst staff are faced with the chaos that has been wrought.<br />On a personal note, possibly ideological, it does matter to me who does the work, it matters a great deal and I intend to publish something about why I believe this to be the case.<br />Once again thanks for taking the time and courtesy to be involved.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-61761273319864262792016-05-31T12:45:09.130+01:002016-05-31T12:45:09.130+01:00And on those new ships the CRC owners are the Pira...And on those new ships the CRC owners are the Pirates, the NPS the slave-traders, and the Ministry of Justice the Church telling us the world is flat!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-38173945738978731442016-05-31T11:55:55.621+01:002016-05-31T11:55:55.621+01:00I am a retired PO, Andrew, but keep in touch with ...I am a retired PO, Andrew, but keep in touch with friends, colleagues and the Blog. I have stood on the sidelines and watched the destruction of not just the Service, but colleagues, who were strong, skilled, empathetic people, who loved the job, took a pride in the job and produced quality work. Yes,systems were irritating at times, and IT had its problems, causing occasional squeals of frustration along the corridor - but - they were usually remedied by the local IT staff, and rarely stopped work coming to a complete halt (although I do not deny that once in a blue moon, crashes did happen).<br /><br />But Andrew, you are telling people to make workable what they have, and produce quality work. But - if people are having to use (or not use) systems which delete hours of work, or do not allow you access to produce that work, or take up so much time that you have no time to see the person that they are supposed to be working with (and certainly have no time to get to know the person, and allow them to get to know you, and trust you, and open up to you), or go home so knackered that they are unable to do their best, how on earth can they produce quality work? And in addition, how many inexperienced, unqualified staff are stuck in maze of shit, not knowing which way to turn, or just guess the right way and plunder through the shit, leaving their client to fend for themselves, because they are unable to do anything which could bring about a positive result.<br /><br />As we are talking adages, yes, my mam used to talk about 'making the best of a bad job', and I am sure many staff are doing that, but she would also say, 'a man is only as good as his tools' -sorry about the sexism in the sentence!.<br /><br />Listen to what people are saying Andrew, they are more realistic than you,(other than the TR trolls), and come up with a solution to get back quality, and passion and pride in their job, which of course, involves the client's participation and engagement, giving them hope and skills and the determination that they CAN turn their lives around, albeit 'a day at a time' (adaging again). mlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-6901516100456560882016-05-31T11:49:08.154+01:002016-05-31T11:49:08.154+01:00TR has damaged communications irreparably between ...TR has damaged communications irreparably between the NPS and CRC. Reports carried out at court can be rushed. Information on ND is limited and officers now mobile and not as easy to contact. Breach information limited and proposals skewed in favour of targets, which is noticeable to Judges and sentencers. Emails bounce back undelivered. Numerous queries daily regarding charges, sentencing details and ancillary orders as court officers too busy with oral report targets and unable to cover court. It is not a question of perception in these circumstances - we are like the child pointing out the emporer's nakedness. It is chaos. Yes, there may be many examples of good practice, but that doesn't detract from the perfectly rational argument that TR does not work and in not working increases risk. Mr Bridges in one of your own reports following an SFO you quite rightly pointed out that good communications are fundamental to managing risk. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-32294611317082845482016-05-31T11:01:35.919+01:002016-05-31T11:01:35.919+01:00"Whereas I can understand that some may want ..."Whereas I can understand that some may want this site to be solely about repeatedly letting off steam about the current very unsatisfactory arrangements (which indeed they are)" ... "I would like to believe that many of the contributors who let off steam on this website have nevertheless managed to do some good quality work" - Andrew Bridges<br /><br />This is the point, the current probation arrangements are appalling. This is not about "letting off steam", the issues here are presented and discussed. There is no outlet for discussing these issues elsewhere, especially for the now civil servants amongst us. Some like Andrew may expect us to be instead proposing how to make the current mess work, but forget we were asked to do this before, during and after the TR implementation and our views were ignored just as we are ignored now. <br /><br />The probation practice forced upon us is about meeting targets and we have no say in this even though all can see the problems and that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously Andrew is unable or unwilling to understand this and even rather strangely doesn't support a return to social work which even some academics have called for, which would bring the required checks, balances and credibility into probation work and training. Andrew says he wants "to talk about how to make practice work well" but instead encourages the towing of the government line and working with the current arrangements. <br /><br />I was surprised an ex probation officer, Chief inspector and "fellow" believes the current post-TR probation and training supports "talented newcomers who want to build their career in-service", despite the evidence even in the media that it does not. Why doesn't he test this by spending a few days at a Sodexo Links CRC and see how different things are to Berkshire circa 1998-2001. <br /><br />As expected, another patronising and pointless response from the 'ivory tower' overall.Probation Officernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-2664104619881522092016-05-31T10:51:01.839+01:002016-05-31T10:51:01.839+01:00"But our constitutionally elected Government ..."But our constitutionally elected Government had made a decision and was acting on it accordingly - It is a matter for each of us to choose whether thereafter we want to talk about how to make practice work well (despite the changes) or just carry on repeatedly letting off steam."<br /><br />Every time somebody makes a statement like this I think of the politicians that voted against civil rights, the businessmen that didn't want to give women the vote and the Nazi's who claimed to have "just been following orders"!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-20644495285867113012016-05-31T10:50:09.483+01:002016-05-31T10:50:09.483+01:00 "I note that the Inspectorate’s focus on qua... "I note that the Inspectorate’s focus on quality of Probation practice is described here as “idealistic” ...... "For the record, I think that while the various previous arrangements were “not perfect either” they were certainly less bad, though also nothing to idealise."<br /><br />So in a nutshell the probation inspectorate under your watch was a waste of time and you have nothing positive to say about the service you inspected (except in Berkshire where you worked 1998-2001!!!).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-31321037767971365022016-05-31T09:58:14.866+01:002016-05-31T09:58:14.866+01:00Life as a citizen in this country is all about con...Life as a citizen in this country is all about conforming and following the rules. So if you did this to get out of prison and continue to do this at least once a week at probation, then the system clearly worked for you. This is the same for many others and over half never reoffend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com