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Here is Mike's Chair's speech:

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And here is the speech Brendan Barber would have made if he'd been able to attend. Unfortunately he was tied up with the talks between the CWU and the Post Office.

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All speakers in the debate agreed that language is a powerful tool and depending on how it is used can either empower or disempower. The use of the word Offender they argue disempowers; when does an offender become an ex-offender? asked one speaker, it turns individuals into specimens, it detracts from their individuality and it denies individulas the opportunity to change.

Speakers could not however agree on an appropriate term to use. "Is clients a proper term" asked a speaker, speaking against the motion. Clients, she argues, assumes that individuals with whom we work have requested a service, but, she continues, they did not ask to come to us, they were directed.

The motion was passed.

Cpillay

Cordell Pillay, AGS providing another perspective.

An attractive incentive - members arrived at the Spa Centre at 9.00 AM and joined us for croissants and beverages, conference started promptly at 10.00 AM. "e-OASYs Generated PSRs" was the first motion to be debated.

Speakers focused on values and the role of probation officer in producing report rather than relying on e-OASYs to make decisions. Speakers agree that the reference within the report to it being "underpinned and informed by an Offender Assessment System (OASYs in the identification of the rsk of reconviction and the risk of harm" undermines the knowledge, skills and training undertaken by POs. The time consuming, laborious and repetitive nature of composing PSRs via e-OASYs has had a detrimental effect on staff morale.

The motion was passed overwhelmingly.

We have many guests with us this year and Conference heard from 3 either side of lunch.

Brian Caton, GS of the POA, gave a rousing assessment of his union's recent one day strike, its causes, and trade union freedoms.

John McDonnell, MP, an old friend of Napo, spoke with his usual insight into the political challenges facing Napo and the whole public sector.

And Conference was particularly pleased to hear from Isaiah Munyua, Chair of KNAPO, a Napo equivalent organisation for probation staff in Kenya. Isaiah is spending AGM with us along with his colleague, Eunice Wakoli. Isaiah spoke about probation work in Kenya and extended an invitation to all members to visit the country providing a number of attractive examples of places to visit!

There was a tribute from the Chair and a presentation of gifts including a bouquet of 15 roses, one for every year of Judy's time as GS. Judy was particularly touched by the presentation of a Napo News 'special' covering the period 1993-2008. Everyone attending AGM has received a copy.

But Judy was quick to point out that she remains in post until next June. And she will ensure that the employers don't forget it!

Probation members were addressed by Christine Lawrie, Chief Executive of the PBA, and Harry Fletcher, Napo AGS on the role of the Probation Service in public protection. There was plenty of time for questions and discussion and a lively debate.

Baroness Jill Pitkeathly, Chair of the Cafcass Board was the speaker at the meeting for Cafcass members. Again there was plenty of discussion and an honest exchange of views. Concerns about the seeming remoteness of the Board were paramount among them.

I'll tell you more about it later.

John Grogan, MP, formally opened Conference on Friday afternoon. John has been a great friend to Napo, fighting hard for us throughout the passage of the OM Bill, and he spoke warmly of members' work.

Mike McClelland gave the Chair's speech setting out a 'third way' for criminal justice practice challenging the continued and shameful high levels of imprisonment in the UK - the worst in Europe. His speech should be attached to the Blog in due course.

Cuts in resources, threatened redundancies, workloads, and the ViSOR IT system were just some of the issues robustly discussed.

Judy's response on behalf of Napo led on the need to reinforce the independence and identity of probation as a service and a value base. Members left the Minister in no doubt as to their support for this approach.

The Chair of the SEC,Tony Mercer, gave a rousing speech covering the past year and highlighting the stirling work of reps in the regions.

The AGM paid tribute to Sian Griffiths, outgoing Vice Chair, who has worked tirelessly and effectively on behalf of members.

The SEC passed an emergency motion relating to the need for a structural review of regional partnership arrangements in light of Cafcass' restructuring proposals. Determination to ensure the continuation of proper consultation and negotiation structures was expressed by all speakers.

It hasn't proven possible to write from the platform so far so I have to run to the top of the Spa complex to make entries.

We hope to improve this tomorrow....

This year I am planing to write it from the platform so that it can provide even greater immediacy, the internet connection allowing!

As usual, the Cafcass Section AGM has started things off - and I'm due to speak at the meeting when I finish this.

The Probation side has just begun with an opening speech from Maria Eagle, Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Judy McKnight will be responding.

The Napo AGM takes place on 19 - 21 October 2007 in Scarborough.

We look forward to seeing you there.