Member

Currently, only regional probation directors have the power to ask for their region or unit to be put into the prioritisation framework, the criteria for which I am told is based solely on the number of probation officers. Napo believes that criterion to be wholly inadequate, as it does not take into account the grades of the staff or their workloads, and that it must be broadened to take into account probation officers’ day-to-day workload. Resting such powers with directors also disincentivises the triggering of special measures because it leads to accusations of their being allowed to mark their own homework. If the inspectorate had that power instead, there could be an objective, holistic assessment of the full capacity of that area, which would include much broader criteria than is currently the case. I sincerely hope that the Government will listen and support the spirit, if not the specific text, of new clause 4.