County's probation service 'requires improvement'

An inspection gave a county's probation service an overall rating of "requires improvement" because of the workload faced by some staff.

In February 2024, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation spent two weeks assessing the Suffolk Probation Delivery Unit.

While leadership was rated "good", concerns were raised about other areas, including staffing and planning.

A probation service spokesperson said "urgent action" was being taken.

In the inspection report, Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said staff described the leadership team as "approachable, visible and supportive".

He added: "However, while we did see a core group of staff able to appropriately manage risk, there were others who either did not have the capacity, due to workload or appropriate knowledge, or the experience required to formulate an effective risk management strategy."

The inspection concluded senior probation officers' workload was "too great".

Recommendations made in the inspectorate's report including ensuring all staff received necessary training.

Responding to the inspection's findings, the probation service spokesperson said steps already being taken included increasing the number of probation officers giving staff more training.

They added: "We are pleased that the inspectorate has recognised the strong leadership in Suffolk and the positive relationships with our partners such as the police and youth services."

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