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Consultation on our inspection of the Probation Service

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Consultation on our inspection of the Probation Service (PDF, 375.3 KB)

In this consultation we are asking for your views on two phases of our work. The first is our proposed standards for inspection of probation delivery units (PDUs). Our aim is to remain focused on the things that make a difference to the quality of probation work, aligning strategic activity with frontline delivery to people on probation. We have reduced the number of standards that we base our judgements on and have consolidated the areas that sit beneath the standards. Our standard-level ratings will continue to follow our established four-point scale, and we will continue to publish these. We are proposing to move away from giving overall ratings to PDUs.

We are also considering how we select PDUs for inspection, enabling us to focus our resources where we can have most impact, provide a proportionate approach to inspection and allow ourselves and those who provide probation services to measure progress. We are asking for your views on how best to shape recommendations, using learning from other inspectorates.

Development work for phase two of our proposals will begin once we have started to deliver our PDU inspections. This work will focus on the inspection activity that we could undertake at a regional, area or national level alongside specific areas of delivery, such as victim work, court work and resettlement. Our intention throughout both phases is on driving improvements in practice to achieve change and keep people safe.

Subject to the outcome of this consultation and the pilot activity that we are undertaking, we plan to carry out the first PDU inspection in November 2026. Over the 12 months from then we will develop our approach to inspecting other areas of probation delivery.

Our consultation closes on Sunday 17 May at 11:59pm.