News
Offender Management Inspection
30th November 2006
The National Probation Service is subject to periodic inspections by HM Inspectorate of Probation � this year�s being the �Offender Management Inspection� which was to ascertain the level of service that we are delivering to offenders by looking at the following:
� The Management of the Area � how is it governed?
� Offender Managers and their Cases � how are the cases managed throughout the process?
� Partners and Focus Groups � how does the Area deal with outside agencies? What is their relationship like with the Court Service/Police etc?
July 2006 saw Cumbria Probation Area�s turn for inspection. The results were extremely pleasing, with many strengths being noted and targets being achieved. Staff were able to prove their strengths, as well as showing that they had put in place plans to address areas that were recognised as needing improvement. Out of all the inspections carried out so far, Cumbria has received the best results with good assessment of offenders being noted (especially those that are classed as high risk) and classed as being of a high quality.
HM Chief Inspector of Probation Andrew Bridges stated: �This report bears testimony to the steady progress made by Cumbria Probation Area over the last two years in particular. The Area has taken a �long haul� approach to improving its services and attention was given not only to the achievement of targets but to the quality agenda.�
The main findings included:
� The implementation of the National Offender Management Model had made substantial progress.
� Risk of Harm issues being addressed with offenders had improved.
With Areas for Improvements being:
� The planning of sentences needed addressed.
� Victim issues need to be integrated into Risk of Harm assessments.
Cumbria has already started to implement changes that will address these recommendations.
�I am delighted with the result of the Inspection and very proud of the staff who have worked hard over a long period to achieve such progress. Our primary duty is to protect the public and it is particularly good to see the assessment of our work with high risk offenders being so strongly endorsed. We have spoken frequently of our aim to celebrate our achievements for further progress and we will use this inspection as the basis to improve even more in the future� Mike Maiden, Chief Officer of Cumbria Area National Probation Service.
On the 10th November 2006, staff from throughout Cumbria Probation Area spent the morning at a �Celebration Day� in Penrith in order to acknowledge the achievement of the work carried out so far through dedication and commitment of staff. The Celebration Day was lead by David Peacock, Chair of Cumbria Probation Board, and Mike Maiden, Chief Officer, who both gave words of congratulations to all staff. The High Sheriff of Cumbria Robin Burgess and the Lead Inspector of the Offender Management Inspection Joe Simpson were also invited, each giving a speech. This was followed by lunch for all and then a free afternoon in recognition of all the hard work that staff had put into the inspection.
Following the results of the OMI, Chief Officer Mike Maiden has created the phrase �Celebration and Ambition�. �Celebration and Ambition is a phrase I have used to describe the sort of culture I want to see in the organisation. Celebrating our successes but always being ambitious to improve and move on. This phrase has been picked up within the OMI and the Inspectors record that we have much to celebrate and be proud of. It is right to take time out to recognise where we have reached.�
With that in mind, Cumbria Probation Area hopes to carry on where the OMI left off, improving the �Areas for Improvement� and adding to the strengths.
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