Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

Sunderland Probation Delivery Unit “has many of the key ingredients” to deliver high-quality services, despite rating of ‘Requires improvement’

Published:

Sunderland Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

This is the first inspection of this PDU since the unification of probations services in 2021.

Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: “Sunderland PDU possessed many of the key ingredients for delivering high-quality services, including strong leadership. However, the quality of case management fell short, and prioritising improvements in managing risk of harm will be essential in achieving better outcomes for people on probation and protecting the public.”

Inspectors found not enough was being done to ensure police domestic abuse checks were sufficiently detailed. Consequently, there was insufficient analysis of risk to actual and potential victims in assessments, and in work being done by practitioners to keep people safe. Whilst this issue had been escalated both locally and regionally, limited improvements had been achieved.

Sunderland PDU benefits from a largely full and experienced staff complement, a cohesive and respected management team, and engaged practitioners. In addition, strategic and operational partnership work was impressive, and practitioners were responsive to past trauma, and other protected characteristics.

Engaging people on probation emerged as a particular strength, with evidence of meaningful efforts to build rapport and involve individuals in developing the PDU, and inspectors were especially encouraged by the targeted work being done to support neurodiverse individuals. 

Mr Jones continued: “Positively, a largely experienced and full staffing cohort and effective partnership working has given the service much of the infrastructure required to support meaningful improvement in the future.”

The report makes five recommendations, including to improve the quality of work to assess and review risk of harm, and to ensure work is undertaken with police colleagues to manage domestic abuse information sharing.

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. The report is available at https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/ on 24 July 2025
  3. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales. 
  4. 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.
  5. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in May 2025
  6. For media enquiries, please contact Louise Cordell, Head of Communications 07523 805224 / media@hmiprobation.gov.uk