In the current crisis we've all got used to urgent calls for former NHS doctors and nurses to return and some police forces have issued similar 'calls to arms'. As noted here yesterday, it seems HMPPS also have urgent need for former staff:-
Received this morning, my letter from HMPPS shared services, inviting me to return to the Probation Service as a PO on temporary basis.
*****
[You] commented on the receipt of the letter offering a return to employment in HMPPS/NPS but omitted to mention the terms and conditions. Pay starts at midpoint, £31,421 for a PO and a former SPO can be slotted back in subject to the whim of the ACO. They are saving a fortune on what agency staff were being paid and still want to undercut the rate for the job. I think a retired SPO might struggle to assert their authority in the given situation unless they were found a back room number somewhere. It appears that other than in cash terms, former employees are being offered a ‘pick and mix,’ which gives them better conditions than those of us still up to our necks in the mud and bullets.
*****
I note the letters have only gone to staff ex-NPS. No experienced POs from CRCs have received a letter - at least none that I know of. Presumably not good enough to make the cut to NPS, so not required. Ever. Sweet.
*****
Does anyone have any thoughts to redeployment being used to fill the gaps in roles where they are short generally? Rather than about covid shortages specifically.
*****
All I will say, as a current NPS employee, is that if I had left I would not return for any reason. Those being redeployed or invited to return should refuse. It is not worth your while. The entire set up of management is piss poor, there is no long term strategy unless that which benefits the cowardice of kiss-ass middle managers (SPOs) and the self preservation of senior managers. In the current climate of Covid your health and safety will be put at risk, and despite the shite they are putting out in emails they are doing absolutely nothing to protect staff. I am ashamed to work in probation it grates me every day that I have to go along with how they are dealing with this.
*****
I wonder if we could all agree to come back for 3/6/9 months like they're asking, if they agree to honour current pay deal and ensure adequate PPE is provided to all. Bit of collective bargaining :-)
*****
They will lie and tell you whatever you want to hear. The promises will never be honoured. This is the way of probation management. It is better you do not return and then they may make a half reasonable effort to retain those that remain. Our plight has always been hindered by the army of temps probation relies on.
The scabby wound that was divisiveness of the NPS/CRC split, a position created by & promoted by Grayling whereby he stated that NPS were "the cream of the crop" has now been reopened by the offers of re-employment from HMPPS to ex-NPS staff only, which excludes any ex-CRC staff.
ReplyDeleteI think that was the point made by 19:30 yesterday - but clumsily, as irony or sarcasm doesn't translate into blog comments easily.
And what is Napo's view?
Silence so far. As ever they are several light years behind the curve, excluded from any decisions involving their subs-paying members. Members who are/were employed by CRCs as well as NPS - because many ex-employees carry on with their subs post-probation - but maybe not so many now.
Not so many now if they have any sense Napo has been ruined by the lack of intelligence within its structure and poor quality officers who are weak. Any payment is wasted as Napo do not actually deliver anything and haven't for years. I read all the latest Napo agreed with NPS on EDM but never they never consulted for views. They agreed safe distancing PPE but no consulting members on the issues. They agreed discipline cases against staff to continue but again no consultative views sought from members. Napo are losing their value and by the TV appearances this week the exposure begs the question how 130k salary is justified by the sheer lack of capability so obvious.
DeleteNapo has lost its value. It’s beggars belief anyone continues to pay subs to Napo. There’s so many better and cheaper unions, GMB, Unison, Unite, PCS.
DeleteDisgraceful allowing that comment to headline above about CRC POs. I'm NPS and it shows what Jim and those in the NPS feel about the CRCs
ReplyDeleteLet's be clear. CRCs not invited as HMPPS do not hold CRC data. It's nothing to do with ability, it is because HMPPS do not have ex CRC staff details and CRCs are doing there on things. Jim get it together and stop creating division
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeletePos in CRC were dumped by colleagues on NPS. The snobbery took over and many ex colleagues suffered badly negatives in support from no's to CRC so called agreements. Rate cards abandoned as NPS sought cheap community based supply telling crcs the lacked. NPS elitist snobbery turned staff against eachother. Now NPS have poor performance reports and the evidence requires the CRC staff to return to the integrated approach NPS have rediscovered some long lost respect. It's ok saying one thing but too many said nothing when crcs pos pere dumped as sub NPS standard. What's the matter the truth to hard to bear. NPS attitudes continue to suppress colleagues on work roles and pay be proud of your crass snobbish NPS selves.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
DeleteWhat SPOs considered to be less able POs mostly went to the CRCs. SPOs in many places prior to TR manipulated caseloads and made that happen, everyone knows this. CRCs have never had good practices overall, and because reunification is on the cards it’s doesn’t make them better. There are not so good staff in the NPS too, but not as bad as CRCs based on what I see. It’s not about snobbery, it’s is a fact. This has noting to do with why only NPS received letters, but shows how touchy CRC staff can be, but this is due to the treatment they have had. NPS POs do not see themselves as better or worse, and the NPS is not a good work environment either.
DeleteNPS staff suffered at the hands of CRC staff too, and I do not use that word lightly
DeleteOk fair commentary here good points that i recognise too.
Delete9.07. The data clearly states more staff move from NPS to CRC. NPS have more agency staff as a result. Only time people move from CRC to NPS is to train as a PO. That is only because CRCs were not allowed to deliver training programmes. Caseloads are far lower in the NPS on the whole and inspections show the CRCs doing slightly better than the NPS. Bottom line, is that POs in the CRCs are as good, if not better than POs in the CRC. Plus the CRC PSOs are paid better too!!!!
DeleteProbation is not an emergency service. Nobody needs to return, especially not the dead weight that retired. It’s quite worrying that retirees in their twilight years would be invited back to work in the middle of a pandemic that is more of a risk to the elderly. What a good idea (not), and then next time Napo sits in front of the Justice Select Committee it can explain why Covid suddenly ripped through the NPS staff group.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how ex probation officers are able to assist. What tasks will they perform? I work in custody and cannot get the technology or technical support needed at present. I have been waiting weeks! Will they pay them to do nothing? Also, I feel for the existing overburdened staff that will be expected to support the former staff. It is likely that any increase in staff will be used to justify and cover up the increased workload to existing staff.
ReplyDeleteThere are large numbers of probation staff sick and self isolating. NPS / HMPPS want to fluff the figures and pretend this is not the case. They have already redeployed who they can. There is not enough money or available temps to sufficiently increase the numbers. They did not give figures to the Justice Select Committee and are under pressure because of this. In summary, currently probation is fcuked !
Delete08:10 - I'm assuming you refer to the comment starting "I note the letters have only gone to staff ex-NPS..."?
DeleteI wrote that comment. It was meant to be a sarcastic take on the situation highlighting the institutional inequalities that have been allowed to blossom & divide probation staff for the past 7 years or so.
Now I re-read it in the context of a couple of strongly negative responses I realise it could be mistaken for an intentional & nasty post.
That is my error for not making it clear. Mea culpa.
I apologise for upsetting folk with a poorly worded post.
I'll try to find a much clearer means of indicating irony/piss-taking in future.
Just a reminder. I will not tolerate deliberately inflammatory and disrespectful statements. There has traditionally been a great deal of lattitude allowed on this site, but the boundary has been pushed yet again so it's back to comment moderation.
ReplyDeleteJust for the record, I provide a platform for discussion and debate - I do not create the divisions and disharmony - just a place where they can be aired in a reasoned and considerate manner. Have a nice day.
During the select committee meeting it was implied that as there would be no UPW or programmes this would mean no increase workload for staff as the resources / workers could be redeployed.Is this happening out there. And how is it working out?
ReplyDeleteThey are CRC and so cannot support the NPS. Those at the JSC spoke in forked tongues.
DeleteVia email:-
ReplyDelete"CRCs still making SUs attend offices where risk concerns. Management position is that orders and such appointments still enforceable - NPS meanwhile doorstepping and calling via phone only. We have no enforcement... are we going to pay their fines?! Management response is shoddy and ill-informed... told to start revoking UPW and Programes but Court teams not accepting causing further work. Must have missed the exception to attend probation within a lockdown. CRCs trying to run programmes over the phone. Smacks of attempting to justify their poor performance and existence. No PPE for staff. Half staff have access and workload more demanding and bigger than ever. Other half on full pay and being told to do e-learning at home. Would rather have taken 80% than have endured the last few weeks - absolute shambles!"
When the lockdown started, I queried whether SUs were allowed to travel to probation appointments. I had never heard appointments mentioned as one of the essential reasons to travel.
DeleteI have since checked the legistation which says that a reasonable excuse to travel includes:
to fulfil a legal obligation, including attending court or satisfying bail conditions, or to participate in legal proceedings;
i.to access critical public services, including:
i.childcare or educational facilities (where these are still available to a child in relation to whom that person is the parent, or has parental responsibility for, or care of the child)
ii.social services;
iii.services provided by the Department of Work and Pensions;
iv.services provided to victims (such as victims of crime)
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt5801/jtselect/jtrights/correspondence/Chairs-briefing-paper-regarding-Health-Protection-Coronavirus-Restrictions-England-Regulation-2020.pdf
Presumably complying with a licence or court order is fulfilling a legal duty, also probation is likely to be deemed a critical public service.
It would have been helpful if this could have been communicated by management. Not least, so that we could communicate this to service users when they ask why they have to come in.
APs Northwest.
ReplyDeleteTime and a half paid where face to face contact required.
12 weeks without time off gets £500 bonus.
11.34 is a joke. Let's put things into perspective. This is a fucking pandemic and we cannot have offenders do as they like because some, believe it or not, are dangerous! So what are we meant to do. Down tools. No nothing or attempt to do nothing over the phone. I commend the CRCs for trying to do programme work over the phone. It's more than were doing. Its something! My SPO is the best I've ever had but how is she expected to manage or put things in place within the short timescales and restrictions imposed on us. This time is unprecedented and people are on here criticising all levels of staff. Jim's pumping propaganda from garden. People moaning on here is a shambles
ReplyDeleteIf you are not in practice at the moment then you have no right to criticise or comment on what should and should not be done. Sorry Jimbo. This applies to you as well moaning from your sun lounger.
DeleteCalm please . Testing now being open to justice staff that means us. Programmes over the phone don't be ridiculous. Are you management or the union. Let's all be mature and stop seeing offenders for a while see how little probation under pandemic is not actually needed. We will be on resumption please relax the fears on required we are just not so much now.
Delete12:44 I am pleased that you perceive yourself as having the best SPO ever! However this is not the case for all staff. This blog enables me to gauge my concerns in the current climate and consider solutions. I appreciate this forum to hear the frustrations of others. 12:50 What happened to freedom of speech. I am currently in practice and appreciate others including Jim posting relevant information. Any forum that raises the plight of probation will get my support.
Delete14.29. You offer no solutions
Deletejust moaning. The fact your first comment was targeting someone in authority says it all really. Like everyone, we all think we can do better than our manager. Reality is that most of us can't so some just accept that and help out and others like to just moan about them on here and be disruptive
15:48 For someone that does not like moaning you go on a lot. Perhaps you need a chat with your best SPO ever!
Delete15:48 your words say it all. You seem unable to think for yourself and like to be told what to do.
DeleteIt’s ppl like you who have brought the service down. We have no reputation and no respect left amongst clients never mind the community
19:27 Are you still moaning!
DeleteYou all need to take a good look at yourselves.
DeleteYou're behaving like children.
Are all these comments really representative of a proud public service and the people who work in it?
It's hardly surprising probation is overlooked by the public and the media.
The two leading prison reform groups in the country have today (Friday 17 April) sent a formal letter before claim to the Secretary of State for Justice, Robert Buckland, over the government’s failure to respond effectively to the coronavirus pandemic in prisons.
ReplyDeleteThe letter, from lawyers acting for the Howard League for Penal Reform and the Prison Reform Trust, gives details of a proposed application for judicial review in relation to the Secretary of State’s response “to the obvious need…to substantially reduce the prison population to save lives and avoid a public health catastrophe both within prisons and beyond”.
It goes on to say that, in spite of government announcements including the introduction of an end of custody temporary release scheme, “the rate of releases has been too slow and too limited to make any substantial difference to the prison population and the plans as we understand them are incapable of achieving what the Secretary of State has publicly acknowledged is required”.
Coronavirus is now known to be in more than half of prisons in England and Wales. As of 5pm on Wednesday (15 April), 232 prisoners have tested positive across 60 prisons. Ninety-six prison staff, working in 38 prisons, and seven Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) staff have also tested positive. The number of confirmed cases has more than doubled in the space of 10 days.
The letter before action suggests a range of actions that the government could take to address the problem, including expanding the scope of the temporary scheme, expediting the consideration of release of pregnant women and mothers, and considering the release of all children in custody in line with international guidance and law.
Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “The Secretary of State has accepted publicly that the number of people in prison must be reduced significantly in order to save lives. However, this has not – and cannot – be achieved by the measures that the government currently has in place.
“The rate of infection is accelerating, and the window of opportunity to protect people is vanishing. Ministers must rise to this challenge and act immediately to avert a public health catastrophe.”
Peter Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: “Everything good about government action in tackling this emergency has been characterised by being early and decisive. On prisons, by contrast, it is a story of too little, too late. The scientific and operational advice couldn’t be clearer – if ministers are serious about following it, they must go much further, and do it now.”
The letter before action follows weeks of urgent correspondence between the two charities and the government about the spread of coronavirus behind bars.
Last week, the charities urged ministers to move further and faster to reduce the prison population and avoid “an intolerable human cost in terms of the lives of both staff and prisoners”. As of Tuesday (14 April), however, only 18 people had been released under the two schemes announced by the government in response to the crisis. Sixteen people – 13 prisoners and three prison officers – are reported to have died.
The Prison Governors’ Association has called for the prison population to be reduced by 15,000. This is understood to be in line with advice provided to the government by public health experts.
The Howard League and Prison Reform Trust handed ministers a report by Professor Richard Coker, Emeritus Professor of Public Health at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, which sets out the most up-to-date evidence concerning the nature, spread and transmission of coronavirus as it applies to prisons.
The report cites research that estimates fatality rates from the virus of up to 12 per cent, probably associated with early rapid spread and the breakdown of, or lack of access to, healthcare services.
DeleteIt states that the risk of exposure to the virus to prisoners and staff is “far, far greater” than the risks to individuals in the wider community, adding that social distancing and personal infection control measures are “almost impossible” in prisons. It recommends that authorities “should consider alternative options to incarceration where feasible”.
As the virus continues to spread in prisons, prisoners who would otherwise be safe to release risk becoming critically ill in an environment not equipped to treat them. This puts not only their lives in danger, but also those of the prison staff trying to look after them.
The consequences of further delay will be felt far beyond prison walls. Professor Coker’s report reveals that, as large shared spaces, prisons act as “epidemiological pumps”, which can drive the spread of disease among the wider community.
Explosive coronavirus outbreaks within large shared spaces have acted as preludes to wider transmission among the general population, as has been seen in a cluster of cases associated with a ski-chalet in France and in church and hospital clusters in South Korea.
England and Wales are out of step with many other countries that have taken decisive action to protect health and life.
Northern Ireland is to release 200 of its 1,500 prisoners. Scotland has also said that it will release prisoners early.
Ireland has released prisoners who had already been determined suitable for early release.
France has released almost 10,000 people from prison in the past month.
Netherlands has stopped those who were due to be detained on short sentences from doing so for the time being.
Turkey is to release tens of thousands of prisoners.
In the US, various states have released hundreds of prisoners. In California alone, 3,500 people are to be granted early release in an effort to reduce crowding.
They might want to have a chat with Anthony Costello, who told the Health Committee today that UK is likely to have the highest European death toll due to systemic failure to respond to the virus.
DeleteComment moderation on until tomorrow. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWell, the Tory view of the pandemic is finally out after Tom Tugenhadt loses it on The World Tonight, describes China as "the arsonist riding on the firetruck claiming their saving lives" and accuses China of being responsible for all coronavirus deaths around the world, adding that the Chinese have compounded their crime by selling shit tests & PPE to the world.
ReplyDeleteHe was very, very cross with Razia Iqbal.
BBCSounds - RADIO 4 The World Tonight 17/04/2020
What was that WW2 test to determine who was a spy? Catch someone by surprise with a punch or sharp pain & see what language they use as they react.
This government cannot cope. It has lied and continues to lie & offload blame. Not enough PPE - that's the fault of profligate NHS staff. Not enough tests completed - that's the fault of NHS staff who aren't bothering to take up the government's kind offer. And so it goes... until hundreds of thousands of UK citizens have died, have been left with damage to lungs caused by the virus, have lost family members.; until hundreds of skilled medical professionals have been lost.
Use of masks as an ADDITIONAL measure can only be a positive move, can't it: "We follow the science and the science isn't conclusive." Conclusive about what? No-one's saying it will stop the virus & end the pandemic, they're saying its an added barrier to help reduce transmission.
The "science" seems to be very malleable & depends very much on the how the Tories are being portrayed by the media.
'Clear Guidance informed by The Science' is revised every time there's a negative story they can't spin.
The Game Is Up.