I notice Russell Webster has invoked some war rhetoric to describe the current chaotic state of probation. He reckons the 'phoney war' will probably end about mid-May when the Ministry of Justice eventually announces the planned shape of the Service.
Having his ear obviously close to the ground, we learn from MoJ rumours that the contract packages are likely to be bigger than first thought, thus confirming the success big boys like G4S have had in their lobbying. They obviously want to maximise the economies of scale that size will bring and hence opportunities for profit, whilst at the same time ensuring the small fry don't get a look-in as prime contractors.
Talking of small fry, we learn that there are seven Trusts, or groupings of Trusts, who are intending to try and 'mutualise' in order to bid for the work. Interestingly, it pits Cabinet Office against MoJ who basically detest the idea! Of course Trusts who do not try and go down this route are prevented from bidding. According to Russell Webster:-
For anyone that doesn’t know, the seven areas are: Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside; Dorset and Devon & Cornwall; the East Midlands REACH service (run by Leicestershire & Rutland probation); Essex; Kent and Surrey & Sussex; the London Probation resettlement services known as RISE; and Warwickshire/West Mercia.
It's a sad indictment indeed when we have to resort to private blogsites in order to discover what's going on, rather than the Probation Chief's Association, Probation Association or NAPO even, but there we are. As Russell reminds us, there's a lot of frenetic speed-dating going on as everyone sizes each other up as potential partners. As with all dating I suppose, a mostly clumsy and inelegant process, fraught with possible embarrassment and rejection, so best to say little.
It's no good looking to NAPO either for information during this 'phoney war.' As far as I can see, they haven't even told the memberhip that Harry Fletcher will shortly be departing and there is understandable evidence of disquiet in the ranks at the woeful speed of updates on the website. One forum commentator reminds us of the recent words by Sir Michael Wilshore the new Chief Inspector of Schools who, upon taking up his post said, "If anyone says to you staff morale is at an all-time low, you know you are doing something right."
This is clear confirmation, if any were needed, that government policy involves pissing-off as many public servants as possible. Probation are merely the latest group and join teachers, nurses and of course the police who are still getting over the indignity of having the dreadful Tom Winsor lord it over them as HM Chief Inspector.
Sign the No10 petition here.
Definitely is the case that the only useful commentary on probation is being provided by blogs. The probation authorities were slapped down when they tweeted critically and, contrary to what should be the response to bullying, they donned their sackcloth and ashes. As for Napo, who legend has it would routinely punch above its weight, well, to pursue another clerical analogy, they appear to have taken a vow of silence.
ReplyDeleteIndeed - I sometimes have to slap myself to make sure I'm not day dreaming! If blogs are the only source of decent information, I think I'd better appeal for more information.
DeleteBlogs are a very unreliable source of information when they misinterpret other peoples rumours as you have done above. This is no more than used to pass for staff room chat, just because you publish on the internet does not make it true!
DeleteI understand people's frustration but there is an argument that NAPO,
ReplyDeleteas the spokesperson of its membership, needs to respond to official positions at the appropriate time, not lash out at every rumour and piece of gossip that appears on Twitter or Facebook. Local representations are made when necessary but these are never reported. National office needs to address the formal response to the consultation when it is published.
Rob,
DeleteI respect that view, but union's don't just act as spokesperson for the membership - I think they should be providing a bit of leadership, or at least information. Members are feeling very worried and to put it bluntly, all at sea. At the very least it would be good to see the website being updated rather more frequently than monthly. We are in the middle of a fight for survival after all.
Cheers,
Jim
Jim
ReplyDeleteI did not read RW's "the number of probation trusts and of Contract Package Areas may both be somewhat larger than originally thought" - as meaning larger Contract Package Areas - in fact quite the opposite i.e. there will be a a larger number of CPAs - therefore smaller in size. If I am right your second paragraph is wide of the mark. But that just shows you the danger of relying on blogs for information!
You are right about NAPO though, when the going gets tough they are nowhere to be seen. To be honest I don't see anyway back for NAPO.
Yes reading it again it looks like you might well be right - so it just shows the danger of jumping hastily to conclusions that you hope supports a particular viewpoint! My excuses are that I'm not a journalist and I do indeed have an axe to grind, lol. We should know for certain in a week or two.
DeleteThanks for pointing it out though - it shows that you are paying attention!
Cheers,
Jim
Jim,
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith & adjudge the runes ....as for Napo's detractors ( not that recent HQ shenanigans have gone unnoticed by members) perhaps a cursory glance at the efforts over last few months on Campaign blog will at least evince some recognition that w/o the joint endeavours of ALL justice unions the game is up.. notice major parliamentary rally on 5 th June ..
Regards
Mike
https://www.napo.org.uk/about/campaign_blog.cfm
Thanks Mike and for flagging up the rally on 5th June - I will endeavour to take part.
DeleteCheers,
Jim
Are you as wrong about the Government's reforms to your service as the Teachers and Nurses though?
ReplyDeleteJackart,
DeleteA good point, but I'm afraid I would have to query the word 'reform' straight off. It is carefully chosen of course by government to imply 'improvement' but is so often nothing of the kind.
Privatising the Probation Service is driven by political dogma, just as privatising the Air Sea Rescue Service is. We have a Rolls Royce service provided by the RAF, RN and HM Coastguard at the moment. How is privatising that a 'reform' or indeed privatising anything else? It's not even particularly about doing things cheaper - it's about lining the pockets of privateers rather than paying a decent wage to public servants.
The Probation Service is a fine award-winning public service, trying to do a very difficult job on behalf of society. We could do so much better if there were more jobs, more housing, better education and better health care.
I hope that goes some way to answer your point.
Cheers,
Jim