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“Several significant problems” found at Derbyshire Probation Delivery Unit

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Derbyshire Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) has received an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation. This is the first inspection of this PDU since it was established under the unification of probation services in 2021.

Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: “Disappointingly, this inspection found several significant problems relating to culture, morale, and workloads at Derbyshire PDU, with deficits across all standards of our inspection casework. Inspectors observed a difficult working environment, with divisions and hostility between all grades of staff.”

Inspectors were concerned with the delivery of services to keep people safe and reduce the potential risk of harm posed by people on probation, with only 34 per cent of cases examined in this inspection assessed as sufficient. Analysis of desistance factors was done well by practitioners, however, access to good-quality safeguarding information was a problem in keeping people safe, meaning not all potential victims were identified in assessments.

The report found improving staffing figures within Derbyshire PDU, with probation services officer and case administrator posts almost fully staffed. Over half the cases inspected had the same practitioner for the entirety of their licence or order, resulting in positive professional relationships between practitioners and people on probation. Despite this, poor morale was observed across the PDU, with perceptions of a culture of blame, and staff not feeling valued. Senior probation officers had unmanageable workloads and were not given sufficient direction about priorities from leaders.

Mr Jones continued: “Local leaders have much to do in order to establish a clear and coherent vision for this PDU, and to unite and support staff across all grades in achieving their goals. This will be a challenge, but with necessary improvements, Derbyshire PDU has every chance of delivering an effective service in the future.”

The report makes six recommendations, including to clearly communicate strategic priorities and to ensure that domestic abuse and safeguarding information is complete and analysed sufficiently in all cases

ENDS


Notes to editor

  1. Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) replaced Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) and the National Probation Service (NPS), which merged into a unified Probation Service in June 2021.
  2. The report is available at https://hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/ on 08 May 2025.
  3. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales. 
  4. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’. The Inspectorate rates specific aspects of each service and also gives an overall rating.
  5. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in February 2025
  6. For media enquiries, please contact Louise Cordell, Head of Communications 07523 805224 / media@hmiprobation.gov.uk