Punishment and reform: effective probation services

Overview

Reference number: CP7/2012

This consultation paper sets out the conclusions of an internal review by the Secretary of State of how probation services  in England and Wales can be improved. The intention is to ensure probation services are better able to achieve the outcomes in justice that matter to victims and communities: protecting the public, reducing reoffending and ensuring that offenders are properly punished.

The consultation paper sets out clear proposals to meet these aims whilst also achieving better value for money to the taxpayer.

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.

Why your views matter

We need services of the right quality and price that are delivered in the right place and at the right time to punish and reform offenders. As such, our proposals directly support our plans to make sentences in the community more credible and effective.

They also help to take forward the vision for transforming justice set out by the Government in its Green Paper: Breaking the Cycle: Effective Punishment, Rehabilitation and Sentencing of Offenders.