Yesterday was a significant day for me because after some 14 years hammering away on these keys of a succession of laptops, I decided to accept a kind invitation to speak at a West Yorkshire Napo branch meeting. This was a big decision because I've never wanted this endeavour to be focused on me, but rather a platform for all who care about the world of probation to discuss, debate and share thoughts, experiences and concerns. I know it's provided support and comfort to many through some very dark times and that's great because sometimes it can help to know you are not alone and there are colleagues who have had similar experiences and worries.
The invitation came out of the blue and in a way I surprised myself by accepting without hesitation. Upon reflection, the time just seemed right. I've been aware for ages that the audience was changing as experienced staff inevitably slipped away through retirement or disillusionment and they've not been replaced by newer colleagues for a variety of reasons. I've also become painfully aware of a growing toxic work environment, but most significantly that probation was losing grasp of what it was for and that it had become part of the problem rather than the solution. I find this deeply troubling and something I want to be part of changing.
This is election year and there is real hope of change being possible. A lot of nonsense will be spouted by the likes of the Daily Mail on the crime and punishment front and there's work to be done in countering this, as well as trying to influence sensible policy decisions of any incoming alternative administration. We know this process is well under way in Wales and it would be ridiculous if England was to remain an embarrassing outlier in its treatment of probation delivery. There must be a comprehensive probation review and the service must break free from HM Prison Service and the dead hand of the civil service.
So, once again I sense that the blog will need to enter campaigning mode. I was hugely energised by my reception yesterday and I want to warmly thank all those who turned up both in person and online. There were many young faces and I sensed a mood to get involved and that it was possible rather than just accept the way things are as a result of unrelenting top down command and control directives. Probation was never like this, but rather an organisation that encouraged innovation, thoughtful reflection and respect for all those engaged and on whatever side of the desk they sat. I think we can regain this ideal by talking together and getting involved.
I'll round this off by saying I'm very happy to speak to other branches if it is felt it might be helpful and I would remind readers that I'm always keen to publish, anonymously, reflective pieces on any aspect of probation work. I can be contacted on jimbrown51@virginmedia.comThanks again for reading and your support.
Postscript
I've known for some time that the blog gets a wide international audience, especially in the USA and it's been brought to my attention that in a very recent poll it ranked third in "10 most popular (probation) blogs and websites" after Massachusetts Probation Service and Probation Officers Professional Association of Indiana. How about that?
Thank you Jim. It was really great to see and hear you. The two big takeaways - not new, but so vividly articulated, is that there is a national campaign to be run, in which we can all be a part, pressing for an urgent full review, and that IT DOESNT HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS. We know the review has been called for by HMIP, but without a head of steam that call will just sit there unheeded.
ReplyDeleteHi Jim - I attended yesterday and it felt quite emotive, especially listening to your story and passion for what it means to be a probation officer. We really resonated with that - relationships are everything. Will definitely contribute going forward 👍🏻
ReplyDeleteWell done Jim did you have the blessing of the absented and never seen or heard of general secret secretary.
ReplyDeleteThat's a laugh I nearly pissed myself.
DeleteWell done Jim and many thanks. I saw on the NAPO news a link to UWE, University of west of England study into the impact on mental health for staff in Probation including prisons. I completed and would encourage others to do likewise as it will give a picture of what is going on. I am one of likely many who have finally imploded under the pressure and have an appointment to see my GP on Monday. I hope all in similar circumstances have support and know this is not your fault but the result of working for a toxic, abusive and un-caring service that takes us all for granted.
ReplyDeleteIs it a coincidence that I found probation to be toxic, abusive and un-caring when left to your tender mercies?
DeleteSox
13:26 bad news sorry to read that. Upside your posting and telling us. Now the pain the hunt on you will be oppressive . Sscl order a review in 4 weeks then a formal process telling you what's up at work hahah your valued and when can I put you down for return date. They will bully you back or intimidated you out. Good luck.
DeleteAnon 13:26 Sorry to hear that and hope you are getting support from colleagues/friends etc. Take care and hope all works out for you.
DeleteJim, how about your speech being a blog post?
ReplyDeleteThat's a possibility.
DeleteWell I like to hear what you say to members of Napo meetings but won't you blow your material if your speaking at other venues. You know what you should have run for the vacant GS role last year you might have walked it. If members are warmed by the sound of days past and value of social contracts then that's a welcome tune. Good on you share and start a rewrite for the circuit or save it for branch what a lovely offer. I am more surprised a branch was actually operating meetings these days a miracle in itself. If do some more the attendances will shoot up and that will scare them. Well done again
DeleteIt is quite normal to publish a speech or presentation that is still doing the circuit.
DeleteYes send it to the probation journal ! It’d be the first thing worth reading in a long time
DeleteThe journo will pick at it ask for evidence of facts over well experienced anecdotes . I have 2 words for the journal the second is off coincidentally the last letter is the first letter of the first word. I think the journal can work that out.
DeleteFor the nowt this is worth keep your speeching simple jb free of the Napo bullshit they will be waiting to ambush you on anything they don't appreciate. If your not licking the management's arse like a dog dragging itself across the carpet you won't be on message. Avoid them JB your more power to truth than anything I have seen in probation 25 years in.
Sorry to hear that 13:26, don't pre judge your return to work date, it takes months not weeks to recover fully. Good luck with your GP appointment on Monday (GPs were some of the first people to see the outcome of the disastrous Grayling and post Grayling reforms - prior to privatisation Probation Officers were rarely seen by GPs for mental health conditions)
ReplyDeleteHow exciting a guest speaker on tour of branches upstaging a possibility but a probation celeb the blog keeper love this .
ReplyDeleteThe following articles from October last have both already been flagged on this blog.
ReplyDeleteHowever, when read side by side they demonstrate the extent that probation services just isn't working for anybody, and how traumatic and destructive it's become for both practitioners and service users.
It's often said that probation work is grounded in the relationship between the offender and the PO, yet if any relationship exists today its one based on fear. One side of the desk perpetually fearful of recall, the others side perpetually fearful of an SFO.
It's more then just toxic. It's damaging and destructive for all.
How could anyone think that today's probation service in it's current state offer any solutions to the criminal justice system?
https://www.itv.com/news/london/2023-10-18/chaotic-probation-system-puts-people-at-risk-of-being-called-back-to-prison
https://bylinetimes.com/2023/10/20/probation-officers-speak-out-about-the-crisis-in-managing-offenders/
'Getafix
We’re long past blaming Grayling though. Yes Grayling broke the Probation Service, but since then every probation senior manager, justice minister and meddling civil servant smashed what was left into tiny little pieces. It’s beggars belief probation has no staff but continues to blame the skeleton workforce remaining for HMIP and SFO failures. Probation is now run by prison managers so when they’ve ground it to dust they can remove the little p from HMPpS.
DeleteOnce again 'Getafix absolutely nails it:-
Delete"It's often said that probation work is grounded in the relationship between the offender and the PO, yet if any relationship exists today it's one based on fear. One side of the desk perpetually fearful of recall, the other side perpetually fearful of an SFO."
Listening to you, made me realise that this does not have to be how we work.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is exhausted, over work and the service continually lies to us hoping we won’t notice.
As a group we do find out and we do fight hit shouldn’t have to do this. If things do not change then more and more officers are going to leave.
I started a job to work with people not be sat at my computer 12hours a day
But this is what probation work is! It’s like working for Tescos and saying I didn’t join to monitor the self check out, I want to sit at the till like I did 10 years ago.
DeleteYounger people used to be able to get on the property ladder, now they can't!
DeleteThat's the way it is!
The way it is doesn't mean it's good and it certainly doesn't make it right.
… name me one probation senior manager who gives a shite about what’s right AND is prepared to do something about it?
Delete