Regular readers will be aware that this blog has been following the Justice Affairs Committee of the House of Commons as it takes evidence for their wideranging enquiry into the Role of the Probation Service. As part of this process they are canvassing views from far and wide and in order to assist have set up a forum that is open until 21st June.
"The Justice Committee is setting up this web forum to hear the views of probation staff, and others with experience of probation and offenders in the community, on the challenges currently facing probation services.
The Committee would like to hear about the impact of recent reforms to probation services stemming from the creation of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), including the establishment of probation trusts, on the people who have day-to-day contact with offenders in the community.
Views are also sought on further reforms proposed by the current Government, including the development of a system in which probation trusts would compete with other providers from the voluntary and the private sectors.
The Committee will use the information gathered through the online forum, alongside written submissions and evidence given by experts in oral evidence sessions to make recommendations to the Government about its policy on probation. Quotes from the forum will be used to support the Committee’s final report and recommendations."
I have to say that I'm normally quite cynical about so-called consultation exercises, especially when the questions seem to be framed in a particular way or are narrowly defined so that wide-ranging responses are discouraged. This feels a little like this, but potential contributors will have to make up their own minds. It's never discouraged me from giving expansive views, but then you have to decide if initiatives like this serve any purpose at all. At the very least I find it can make you feel better and in the pub you can say with some pride that you have done something other than just moan.
The forum can be accessed here, but only until 21st June.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteI share your reservations on how much of an impact the JSC Inquiry will have on policy formulation & practice.. I have made my views known on the Forum( albeit in truncated form) & have spoken to Snr Clerk for JSC to suggest that front line staff have a direct input( as well as the practitioners forum).. as this perspective is sorely missing from the list of witnesses( thus far).. to digress . the APPA( American Parole & Probation Association) is having a Probation & Parole Supervision Week in July -see below ..called Creativity in times of crisis!
You might want to receive their e-bulletin which is excellent( for future comparative blogs!!) - if you do, best contact is Diane Kincaid who will set this up..
Regards
Mike
http://www.appa-net.org/eweb/Resources/PPCSW_11/