However, I have just issued a last Circular to branches about the confirmed budget for the Probation Service in 2009/10. Download file
The picture is not quite as bad as we feared but our principle concerns remain for the years from April 2010. The indicative costings promised next month will demonstrate the scale of the problems we face.
But it is Christmas so I want to finish on a happier note by wishing you all - in Cafcass and Probation alike - a very happy festive season and peaceful 2009. Easy to say, of course, and rather harder to achieve. But the union is strong, built on the commitment and values of its members, and that is something to which we can all raise a glass.
]]>Napo has aready picked up that high visibility vests have been poorly received by beneficiaries, many regarding them as morally unacceptable and increasing risks to staff. One can only assume that it is the initial failure of her hare brained scheme which has prompted Ms Casey to speak so ignorantly of a Service she has singularly failed to understand ever since her elevation to the role of criminal justice 'expert'.
Probation staff, like teachers, health care workers and others do not believe they 'own' the sector in which they work. But they do have a commitment to and belief in their vocation which drives them on, performing to the highest standards in spite of the myriad problems and difficulties they encounter day to day.
I suggest to Ms Casey that her new year's resolution might be to think rather more and spout a lot less!
]]>This information was shared in a document providing 'interim brandmark guidance' issued by NOMS internal communications (sic). Interestingly, the foreword to this document asserted that the 'National Offender Management Service was launched in April 2008'! Have I missed something here? I know the organisation has been an unmitigated disaster since its inception - and I stand by my belief that that unfortunate event took place in 2004! - but re-writing history in an attempt to shorten its existence is truly Orwellian in its audacity!
Anyway, the new logo is only good until April 2009 after which 'there may be a change to the brand position'. Perhaps then we may be told that it never existed in the first place!
PS Probation budget announcement is imminent. I will comment on that ahead of the Christmas break.
]]>It was inspiring to hear so many speakers at the rally on Wednesday ranging from the political parties through pressure groups and professional associations. The CJS and Probation Service, specifically, have many friends in positions of influence and power and we should take courage and strength from that. It was also very significant, I believe, that the Police Federation was represented.
But I must admit it was a long afternoon for everyone. I spoke some 3 hours later than planned! It was a particular privilege, however, to hand over to Tony Benn to close the meeting.
On the morning of the rally I met with our minister, David Hanson. No concrete news on the probation budget but some assurances about maintaining frontline staff. As I said in my speech on Wednesday, we shall keep him to that.
As for the future, we will now be considering how we can effectively campaign for the CJS and Probation Service in 2009. Looking locally and regionally may be one of the important options. Congratulations to Northumbria Branch, for example, for this excellent initiative.
]]>The 'initial assessment', as it is described, is an honest look at the investment of resources in the CJS over the past few years which highlights concerns about the implications for planned cuts in all the services and agencies in the years ahead. The relatively good years experienced by the Probation Service are now well behind us and we face an uncertain future.
Branches have received the latest Justice Week bulletin today which attaches the full report. I look forward to seeing many Napo members at the rally in the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday.
]]>You can send a message of support to the Cuban people via the CSC.
]]>A key theme of the launch was independence. The Association is welcome news as we campaign to preserve the identity of the Service in a prison dominated NOMS. Its independence of thought and action will soon, no doubt, be put to the test.
Earlier in the week I mentioned the forthcoming arrival of the appalling high visibility jackets on unpaid work projects. The Mirror carried a picture of the first 'offender' to be required to sport one such vest. Sadly, judging from the rest of the article the humiliation has not had a positive effect on his behaviour as he continues to express nonsensical views on the work and effectiveness of the Probation Service. It might have to be the stocks next...
]]>How long before the pendulum swings back and social services are attacked for removing too many children into care? This is a time for a sensible, balanced debate rather than a Brand/Ross style hounding.
]]>It should be unacceptable, of course, in a civilised society and Napo is opposing it strongly on a number of grounds. You can read our advice to members in the attachment.
]]>Members voted to accept the offer by 2025 votes to 246. I have issued a circular to branches today with the breakdown of the result. Congratulations to branches for achieving such a good turnout.
It is hoped that members will be paid in time for Christmas.
]]>I would like to give you a link to this but can't as no one from the MoJ or employers has been in touch with us about this latest communique.
We are contacting branches seeking local information and will be going to the Minister for answers.
If you are sceptical about the relevance of Justice Week to the future of the Probation Service now would be a good time to change your mind.
]]>But I, for one, experienced real joy as I sat up into the early hours watching Barack Obama make history. Today, hope really does spring eternal.
]]>The report has been delayed repeatedly and, having finally emerged, has proven to be less enlightening than we might have hoped. Probation members have received missives from NOMS relating to it over the past few days but the main message appears to be saving money and, should we be surprised, the potential re-emergence of commissioning and privatisation (see my AGM speech below). I was going to put a link to it here but if you go to NOMS you will see that its website is no longer updated and I couldn't find it on the MoJ site. Feel free to put in your own joke here...
We are preparing for a tough winter. Napo will be seeking answers to key questions about Probation funding and jobs. Justice Week (8th-12th December) grows ever more important for us all.
]]>The AGM Blog gives an excellent flavour of the event.
As for next year, that is a subject likely to be up for discussion. The plan is to ensure that all members get the chance to participate in the debate.
This is the speech I gave to AGM on Saturday.
]]>It has been a long and hard road and I am conscious of how patient members have been whilst waiting for the outcome of the negotiations. In the present climate this is a good offer but it is now up to members to have their say. Make sure you attend the pay meetings organised by branches and use your vote.
I am off to Llandudno tomorrow. We will be running the AGM blog as usual so you can keep in touch if you can't be there.
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