John Reid made his speech at Wormwood Scrubs prison

Probation Boards' Association (PBA) chairman John Raine said John Reid had caused "consternation and resentment" across the service with his speech.

Mr Reid had described the Probation Service as "poor or mediocre" to an audience of 20 inmates last week at Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London.

The Home Office said Mr Reid stood by his comments and where they were made.

Public criticism of the probation service can never be the solution to perceived failings John Raine Probation Boards Association

Mr Raine said in a letter to the home secretary: "Your focus on areas of underperformance without acknowledgement of the overall record high levels of performance by probation services across England and Wales presented a distorted and undermining picture to a wider public audience.

"To an audience of prisoners, many of whom will come under the supervision of probation staff upon their release, your message about probation failure would have ill-served the validity of work which requires a building of respect between probation officers and those they supervise."

He added: "Public criticism of the probation service can never be the solution to perceived failings."

'Committed to reform'

Mr Raine said members of the PBA were disappointed the home secretary had not shown "strong leadership and encouragement".

In his speech Mr Reid said there were "shortcomings" in the Probation Service.

He also said more of the probation budget should be contracted out to private firms and voluntary groups.

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "The home secretary stands by what he said in his speech and where it was delivered.