A probation service that covers Lincolnshire and parts of Yorkshire continues to require improvement and must step up its public protection work, according to inspectors.

HM Inspectorate of Probation conducted a routine inspection of Humberside, Lincolnshire & North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC) in January. Inspectors looked at 10 aspects of the CRC’s work and gave an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ – the same mark as last year.

The CRC – which is run by the Purple Futures consortium of private and third-sector businesses – supervises more than 5,000 low and medium-risk offenders. Some individuals are preparing to leave or have left prison, while others are serving community sentences.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “It is disappointing that, despite the best efforts of leaders and staff, the CRC’s overall rating has stayed the same.

“Probation services play a crucial role in keeping the public safe. The CRC must pay consistent attention to the management of risk of harm, which was satisfactory in less than half the cases we inspected. Staff need to identify and analyse potential risks, and ensure these risks are managed and reviewed regularly.”

Inspectors looked at a sample of cases and found “a lack of an inquisitive approach around victims and children”. Domestic abuse and child safeguarding checks were not always undertaken or followed up in a timely way.

Home visits can provide an insight into the day-to-day lives of individuals under probation supervision. Inspectors found that in cases where a home visit was recommended, only a quarter took place.

Inspectors noted the CRC had improved its relationships with police and children’s social services recently. This should lead to more effective information-sharing that will help to protect domestic abuse victims and children.

Mr Russell said: “At the time of the inspection, staffing levels were too low. Workloads, sickness rates and vacancies for frontline staff were too high. In some cases, work was being allocated to individuals who felt they did not have the appropriate training and experience.

“This mismatch in resources frustrated the ability of managers and staff to deliver high-quality services.”

Inspectors did find a number of strengths, including an excellent leadership team and motivated staff.

More services are now available to help individuals move away from further offending. This includes a successful pilot for an alcohol abstinence tagging programme and integrated services for women in Hull.

While staff training has improved since the last inspection, the impact was yet to be seen in the inspected cases. The Inspectorate has recommended the CRC improves staff training by allowing junior staff to work towards a vocational qualification in probation practice.

Inspectors found the CRC’s strongest performing area was its work with people as they prepare to leave the five prisons in the region. The Ministry of Justice has provided additional funding for Through the Gate services, which has boosted the CRC’s efforts to support individuals as they resettle in the community. Inspectors rated this area of work as ‘Outstanding’ – the highest possible mark.

The Inspectorate has made six recommendations with the aim of improving Humberside, Lincolnshire & North Yorkshire CRC’s work yet further.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 28 May 2020 00.01.
2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
3. Purple Futures is a consortium led by Interserve. It comprises: Interserve Justice, 3SC, P3 and Shelter. See the ‘Background’ section of the report for more details.
4. The CRC supervised 5,634 people under probation supervision as of October 2019 (source: Ministry of Justice).
5. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in January 2020.
6. For media enquiries, please contact Head of Communications Catherine Chan on 07889 405930 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)