Chief Inspector’s blog

On 31 January, I submitted HM Inspectorate of Probation’s response to the Independent Review of the Criminal Courts. I will be discussing these points further with its Chair, Sir Brian Leveson, when we meet later this month.

This month I have submitted HM Inspectorate of Probation’s response to the MoJ’s Independent Sentencing Review 2024 to 2025 call for evidence.

Today we are announcing a national probation inspection, covering England and Wales, and reviewing the ability of regions and PDUs to deliver probation services effectively.

Last week the Lord Chancellor announced an Independent Review of Sentencing, which will be chaired by former Lord Chancellor, the Rt Hon David Gauke, and supported by a panel including representatives from the judiciary and expertise from across the justice system.

On 11 October 2024, Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones spoke to members at the National Association of Probation Officers AGM.

“I wish to offer my congratulations to HM Inspector Dave Argument for winning Inspectorate Staff Member of the Year at this year’s Skills for Justice – Inspire Justice Awards.

HM Inspectorate of Probation has announced the publication of a new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Today, as the Government implements the SDS40 scheme, I am again highlighting the significant impact this move will have on the Probation Service, and its critical role in mitigating and managing risk.

Our consultation on the Inspectorate’s plans to launch a programme of approved premises inspections ran from 24 May to 21 July 2024.

I agree with the emerging consensus that there is a need to act on the ongoing, troubling legacy of the IPP (imprisonment for public protection) sentence and welcome the proposed amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill which seek to remedy some of the concerns about its impact.