Punishment and Reform: effective community sentences

Overview

Reference CP8/2012

This consultation sets out proposals for radical reforms to the way in which sentences served in the community operate. Victims and society have a right to expect that wrongdoing results in punishment, and that they will be protected from further reoffending. Ultimately our goal must be to reduce crime and see fewer victims.

Consultation events

As well as seeking written responses to the 'Punishment and Reform: Effective Community Sentences' and 'Punishment and Reform: Effective Probation Services' consultations we are holding a number of events to discuss the proposals.  We have already held three events with Probation Trust staff and will be holding two further events with a wider range of stakeholders.

The purpose of these wider events is to present and discuss the proposals with a broad range of groups and individuals working with offenders in the community, including sentencers, charities, voluntary and private sector service providers, probation and local criminal justice partners.

The events will be held on the following dates with registration commencing at 9.30am for a prompt 10am start:

• Tuesday 22 May - Manchester Macdonald Hotel
• Wednesday 30 May - London Charing Cross Hotel

The events will include a presentation of the proposals and sessions to discuss particular issues.  When confirming your attendance we would be grateful if you could confirm which two of the following four sessions you would like to take part in:

1. Punitive requirements and Intensive Community Punishment: which offenders is this suitable for?
2. Implementing reforms to community orders: what are the key issues for different sectors?
3. What are the implications of the community sentences proposals for sentencers and their  relationship with probation?
4. Commissioner and provider roles in probation: what are the key issues?

We intend to consider the views expressed during these events as part of the response to the consultation, and may disclose these as part of the Government response. 

However, attendance at these events does not constitute a formal response to the consultation and we encourage organisations and individuals to respond via one of the routes outlined in the links above.
 
Attending an event

We are keen to hear the views of a wide range of stakeholders working with offenders in the community.  As such, we ask that each organisation limits attendance to two representatives at each event.  All places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

To register, please email - clearly state which event you wish to attend, plus your first and second session preferences (listed above).

In order to get the most out of your contributions, we ask you familiarise yourself with the relevant proposals in the two consultation documents.