Watchdog warns of ‘chronic’ staff shortages in National Probation Service
The National Probation Service, which manages higher-risk offenders, has been hit by “chronic” staff shortages in Kent, a watchdog has warned.
The performance of the service in the county was described as “noticeably poor” in comparison to other areas.
It was struggling to establish itself and not enough was being done to protect the public from risk of harm, according to HM Inspectorate of Probation.
Although staff at all levels worked hard, there was a “vicious circle” of low staff numbers, difficulties in attracting experienced probation officers, and an over-reliance on agency and new staff, the watchdog said.
Under a shake-up in 2014, probation services in England and Wales were divided into a new National Probation Service and 21 privately-owned Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs).
The inspectorate examined probation services delivered in Kent by the NPS South East and Eastern division, as well as the relevant CRC.
In contrast to concerns raised about the public-sector NPS, the report praised the performance of the CRC, which is responsible for managing low and medium risk offenders,
Chief Inspector of Probation Dame Glenys Stacey said: “The CRC has made a really good start.
“Although there are still some areas for improvement, CRC leaders and staff had got on with the job in hand without being unduly deflected by organisational change.
“The NPS is in a quite different position, struggling due to chronic and significant staff shortages.
“This puts unrelenting and unacceptable pressure on local leaders and staff working to protect the public and deliver probation services consistently and to the right standard.
“With so much at stake, the national NPS and the Ministry of Justice should do everything possible to redress the clear shortfall in staffing in Kent urgently.”
A string of recent reports have raised concerns about the government’s shake-up of probation services, which aimed to drive down re-offending rates.
A Probation Service spokeswoman said: “We have already recognised these difficulties and an action plan, which will address the areas for improvement identified in this report, is being developed.”
Suki Binning, Chief Executive of Kent, Surrey and Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company, said: “We are pleased to have received a positive report from HM Inspectorate of Probation for our work in Kent.
“KSS CRC’s overall development and delivery of services was judged by the inspectors as impressive in many respects. They were particularly pleased with our commitment to working with individuals fully in planning their own route away from crime.”
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