News

Birmingham Youth Offending Service (YOS), the largest such service in England and Wales, has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

The second part of a wide-ranging inspection looking at Offender Management in Custody, by HM Inspectorate of Probation, has shown the stark – and often alarming – reality facing those released from prison.

Coventry Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

St Helens Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

The probation service, also known as a Probation Delivery Unit (PDU*), in Derby City has been rated as ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

The probation service, also known as a Probation Delivery Unit (PDU*), for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been rated as ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation – scoring just two inspection points out a possible 27.

In July 2022, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice asked HM Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell to conduct an independent review into this case, as Jordan McSweeney was on probation when he is alleged to have committed these offences. The review was completed in January 2023.

Swindon Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

On 14 December 2022, Jordan McSweeney was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 38 years, having pleaded guilty to the murder and sexual assault of Ms Zara Aleena. These offences occurred as Ms Aleena walked home, alone, with McSweeney following her, before he subjected her to a sustained physical and sexual assault. Jordan McSweeney was subject to probation supervision when these offences occurred.

Suffolk Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following a joint inspection, led by HM Inspectorate of Probation. Joint inspections are undertaken with colleagues from the police, social care, education and health sector.