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“Significant deficits” in casework at Newcastle Upon Tyne Probation Delivery Unit, rated ‘Inadequate’

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Newcastle Upon Tyne PDU has received an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: “Leaders at Newcastle Upon Tyne PDU have created a culture based on inclusion and psychological safety and it was encouraging to see the positive engagement with people on probation. Despite these strengths, the quality of work to manage people on probation was insufficient, resulting in an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’.”

The report highlights the resourcing difficulties facing the PDU, where high vacancy rates and an inexperienced staff group are placing additional pressures on the team. These high workloads were exacerbated by above-average sickness levels and, while the staffing picture is improving, these resourcing challenges are undoubtedly affecting the PDU’s ability to deliver high-quality casework.

Inspectors found significant deficits across all aspects of casework and called for urgent improvements to the nature and quality of information exchange with children’s services and police partners, which was essential to keep people safe. Management oversight was also found to be insufficient and practitioners needed to develop a better understanding of what they were accountable for.

Mr Jones continued: “There are reasons to be optimistic about the future of Newcastle Upon Tyne PDU. An improving staffing picture will build on the strong culture leaders have developed, and a renewed focus on high-quality casework will bring about the improvements the PDU need to thrive.”

The report makes five recommendations, including to ensure domestic abuse and safeguarding information is complete and analysed sufficiently, and to improve the effectiveness of quality assurance activity and consistent management oversight of all casework.

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 10 July 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 April 2025
  6. For media enquiries, please contact Louise Cordell, Head of Communications 07523 805224 / media@hmiprobation.gov.uk