Probation Services in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Receive Low Grades Following Inspection

A recent inspection report indicates that probation services in East Yorkshire and certain areas of Lincolnshire have received low grades. Probation Delivery Units (PDUs), which manage and oversee individuals on probation, undergo reviews by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP). After an inspection, the PDU for Hull and East Riding was given an overall rating of ‘requires improvement,’ whereas the unit for North and North East Lincolnshire was deemed ‘inadequate,’ as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) acknowledged its understanding that it “must do better” and stated it is hiring 1,000 new officers nationwide to “better deliver robust supervision and protect the public.” The inspection of Hull and East Riding revealed insufficient efforts to protect potential victims from harm, with 62% of observed cases failing in this regard. Furthermore, it identified that officers faced obstacles in accessing information necessary for safeguarding children. Despite the overall assessment, HMIP asserted there was “much to be proud of,” noting stable staffing and “strong and innovative” partnership work. The report also commended the PDU for the quality of its services provided to women on probation. Martin Jones, HMIP’s chief inspector of probation, stated: “With these solid foundations, I am confident that Hull and East Riding PDU will be able to make the changes needed.” Suggested improvements involved ensuring comprehensive domestic abuse and safeguarding information, and enhancing officers’ confidence and professional curiosity skills. The ‘inadequate’ rating for North and North East Lincolnshire represents a decline from its 2023 assessment, when it was rated ‘requires improvement.’ In comparison to other PDUs inspected in 2024, this unit maintained reasonable staffing levels and low caseloads. However, the most recent inspection revealed a deterioration in the effectiveness of casework, especially concerning the safety of others, attributed to insufficient engagement with other agencies. It also noted that middle managers carry very high workloads, impeding their capacity to offer support and oversight to their supervised staff. Recommendations put forth include ensuring middle managers possess adequate capacity to assist staff and that domestic abuse and safeguarding information undergoes sufficient analysis. Mr. Jones further stated: “Managers and leaders at North and North East Lincolnshire PDU should be reassured that most of the mechanisms already in place are likely to bring the improvements needed.” A spokesperson for the MoJ commented: “The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, which has put a significant strain on the Probation Service.” “We are pleased the inspectorate found ‘promising practices’ in the region, but we know we must do better.” “This is why we are recruiting 1,000 new probation officers nationally to better deliver robust supervision and protect the public.” For highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire, listeners can tune into BBC Sounds, or view the most recent episode of Look North, or submit story ideas here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.