Theme: Thematic

A thematic inspection from HM Inspectorate of Probation has called for a renewed focus on embedding safeguarding at the core of probation practice. This thematic inspection explored the effectiveness of current policies, the quality of practice, and the outcomes for adults on probation identified as at risk, particularly in relation to suicide and self-harm.

A review of the actions resulting from the 2023 thematic inspection of work undertaken, and progress made, by the Probation Service to reduce the incidence of domestic abuse and protect victims.

A new joint thematic inspection from HM Inspectorate of Probation and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has found the current system for diverting children from the criminal justice system to be fragmented and inconsistent, creating a ‘post-code lottery for outcomes.

A new thematic inspection from HM Inspectorate of Probation on the delivery of unpaid work (UPW) in the Probation Service has found that, while recent improvements in delivery are encouraging, its full potential to deliver effective punishment and essential life skills has yet to be realised.  

A new thematic inspection from HM Inspectorate of Probation has reported on how effective current recruitment, training, and retention arrangements are in supporting the Probation Service to build a stable, capable staff group.

Almost two decades on from the Corston Report, which called for a radical change to the way we treat women in the criminal justice system, HM Inspectorate of Probation has published a criminal justice joint inspection with HM Inspectorate of Prisons: ‘The quality of work undertaken with women’.

A thematic inspection led by HM Inspectorate of Probation investigated the effectiveness of the arrangements to support Senior Probation Officers (SPOs) working in sentence management and in court teams. The report, The role of the senior probation officer and management oversight in the Probation Service, published on 18 January 2024, also focuses on management oversight, the processes taken by SPOs to make sure that probation work is undertaken to the required standard.

A thematic inspection to consider the necessity and proportionality of decisions to recall to custody people who have been released on an IPP licence.

An inspection led by HM Inspectorate of Probation with HM Inspectorate of Prisons and Ofsted has found some children could be better cared for in the community rather than youth detention.