The probation service, also known as a Probation Delivery Unit (PDU*), in North and North East Lincolnshire has been rated as ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

This inspection is one of four carried out in the Probation Service – Yorkshire and the Humber region. The other three are Kirklees PDU (rated ‘Inadequate’), Sheffield PDU (rated ‘Inadequate’) and Hull and East Riding PDU (rates ‘Requires improvement’). These reports were published on 30 March 2023.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “The rating of ‘Requires improvement’ belies a probation service on an upward trajectory. The foundations are in place for North and North East Lincolnshire PDU to become a credit to the local community. They can see how to improve, and have put plans in place to do so, they just need time to develop this work. Right now, the successes of the leadership team, the positivity of staff and the programmes available to people on probation aren’t translating into a high quality of service. When they strike this balance, there is little doubt the necessary improvements will be achieved.”

For the most part, inspectors found North and North East Lincolnshire PDU was bucking national probation service trends: meeting the challenges of reduced resource, high vacancy rates and unmanageable workloads. Inspectors found impressive leadership, and high morale amongst staff, driven by clear ways of working and the positive way in which the unification of private and public sector probation services in the area since 2021 has been managed. The inspection also found that the service has developed innovative ways to work with people on probation, and ensure their voice is heard, particularly when accessing accommodation services.

Where the service fell short, which led to the rating of ‘Requires improvement’, is that this positive work is not translating to high quality of practice in individual cases, which was disappointing. Inspectors want to see improved working on all cases, particularly with those dealt with by the courts, and specifically in assessing and managing the risk people on probation may pose to the community.

Mr Russell added: “It is a shame that such positive work by leaders, staff, and the input of people on probation themselves was not yet influencing the quality of casework. The service must improve areas of their work we found lacking, not least in relation to assessment – where only 34 per cent of cases inspected were effectively assessed to support the safety of others. But, North and North East Lincolnshire PDU has much to be proud of and we will no doubt see improvements in the months to come.”

This inspection made ten recommendations. Five of these were for the PDU, including ensuring diversity, particularly the socio-economic disparity in the area, is recognised in operational practice and the services provided. Three of the recommendations are for the regional probation service, including that they improve access to mental health support services. The final two recommendations are for national HMPPS, including that they address the need for improved staff recruitment and retention.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. *Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) replaced Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) and the National Probation Service (NPS), which merged into a unified Probation Service in June 2021.
2. This probation service sits within the Probation Service – Yorkshire and the Humber region.
3. These reports are available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 30 March 2023 00.01.
4. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
5. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’. The Inspectorate rates specific aspects of each service and also gives an overall rating.
6. Fieldwork for these inspections took place in January 2023.
7. For media enquiries, please contact media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)