Chief Inspector’s blog

Today we are publishing our new combined annual report, which gives an insightful overview of a period of significant activity for the Inspectorate, with the launch of three new inspection programmes amidst a backdrop of systemic challenges and ongoing policy changes across probation and youth justice services.

On 08 July 2026 the Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, gave the keynote speech at an event for StandOut, a charity that provides coaching and support to bridge the transition between prison and the community.

This year marks 90 years of probation inspection and, as we prepare to mark that milestone, it is an important time to look to the future of HM Inspectorate of Probation. 

I have welcomed this week’s publication of the government’s Youth Justice White Paper ‘Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives.’

A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has warned the Probation Service in England and Wales is being placed under significant strain, seriously impeding its ability to protect the public and reduce reoffending rates. 

As the Sentencing Act receives royal assent, our Chief Inspector shares his thoughts on next steps and announces the publication of the Inspectorate’s first Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection report

Ahead of the publication of our 2026/2027 Corporate Plan, we would like to share some Inspectorate highlights from 2025.

The launch of our Approved Premises (APs) inspection programme comes at a pivotal point for the Probation Service. The number of places available in APs has been under pressure in recent years, and this is pressure is likely to increase following the introduction of Probation Reset, SDS40 early release scheme and the implementation of the Sentencing Review.