Improvement needed for probabtion services

PROBATION services across the North East have been told to improve following a regional inspection.

- By OWEN YOUNGER

The assessment, carried out by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation, discovered that local challenges mirror the broader national picture.

Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: “We found encouraging work to engage people on probation and promote desistance across the region, which were amongst the best seen across probation regions so far.

“Leaders had strong relationships with key partners and their efforts to ensure the North East was a good place to work was having a positive impact.

“Staff we met were highly motivated and committed to delivering the best possible service.

“However, as is so often the case in our inspections, work to protect the public and keep people safe was a concern.”

Additionally, inspectors were struck by the commitment to achieving an inclusive and secure working environment, which has been fostered through transparent and visible leadership, reports Chronicle Live.

The simplified methodology and ensuring that staff are able to focus on priorities within their duties has also been acknowledged.