Inspectors have praised a South Yorkshire probation service for making positive progress over the past year.

HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a routine inspection of South Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) in November and December. Inspectors looked at 10 aspects of the CRC’s work and have awarded an overall ‘Good’ rating.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “South Yorkshire CRC is much improved since our last inspection in 2019. As such, we have moved their overall rating up from ‘Requires improvement’ to ‘Good’.

“The senior leadership team is committed to providing high-quality tailored services that support individuals to turn away from crime. The CRC has a service user council and listens to the experiences and views of the people they supervise.

“Leaders also empower staff to bring about positive lasting change in the lives of those under probation supervision.

“Since our last inspection, there has been considerable investment in staffing and staff development. This has led to probation staff managing fewer cases on average, which has led to improvements in the quality of casework.”

South Yorkshire CRC – which is owned by Sodexo Justice Services – supervises 3,600 low and medium-risk offenders. Some are preparing to leave or have left prison, while others are serving community sentences.

Inspectors found a marked improvement in the quality of Through the Gate services, which support people as they prepare to leave prison. The Ministry of Justice has provided additional funding and this has led to some “impressive” work in the region.

Inspectors found positive efforts to help people resettle in the community. Staff helped individuals to secure accommodation and employment, and to access substance misuse and mental health support as needed.

The Inspectorate noted the CRC offers a comprehensive range of services to help individuals move away from further offending.

Mr Russell said: “South Yorkshire CRC has a comprehensive picture of its service users and their collective needs. They use this information to identify and develop activities that support rehabilitation.

“We were encouraged to see the type and number of activities has increased since our last visit, and that the CRC draws on research and effective practice.

“However, we would like to see a greater number of service users completing these interventions.”

Inspectors also noted some other areas that require development.

Mr Russell said: “Although there have been encouraging improvements since our previous inspection to the way the CRC identifies and manages potential risks of harm, we would still like to see further progress.

“When it is safe to do so, staff should conduct more home visits where appropriate, so they can have a deeper understanding of the service user’s home life and ascertain who has regular contact with the service user.

“This professional curiosity is vital. Probation staff must pay consistent attention to potential risks to ensure the safety of potential victims and the wider public.”

The Inspectorate has made five recommendations with the aim of improving South Yorkshire CRC’s work yet further.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 16 April 2020 00.01.
2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
3. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in November and December 2019.
4. South Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) is owned by Sodexo Justice Service, a large multinational private company with a wide range of commercial interests.
5. South Yorkshire CRC supervised 3,600 people as of 30 September 2019. Source: Ministry of Justice.

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