NOMS launch a Probation System Review
In previous postings I have highlighted the key findings of independent reports into probation by the National Audit Office, The Cabinet Office (Through the Gate) and latterly, the new HM Inspector of Probation, Dame Glenys Stacey.
There is rarely a better time to construct a reflective blog posting than after having had the pleasure of addressing members at a branch general meeting.
Dame Glenys Stacey, the new HMIP supremo has wasted no time in stamping her forensically impressive style on her new department’s activities.
While I have always been impressed by the work of her predecessors, this week’s fifth post-Transforming Rehabilitation report from the inspectorate provided a particularly clear and well-constructed critique of the many continuing issues that we have been raising with politicians and stakeholders within the criminal justice system.
A week ago we issued news of the agreement that we had reached with NOMS on how the planned implementation of E3 is to be carried out. I am grateful for the feedback that a number of you have sent which, largely, appreciates the work that we have undertaken in the areas of no compulsory redundancy, pay protection and future job placement. Amongst this there have been questions along the lines of 'why has Napo agreed to all of the aspects of E3?
The E3 operational model is one of three key issues on which Napo negotiators have been involved over these past five months, the others being Pay (and future pay) and the shape of the National Negotiating Council and how a structure for engagement with NPS and CRC employers can best work in our members interests. There will be more news on the latter once we have dealt with the immediate issues around E3 that I am summarising below.
NAO report reflects reality
Today’s publication of the National Audit Office Report into Transforming Rehabilitation https://www.nao.org.uk/report/transforming-rehabilitation/ has mirrored everything that our members have been saying about life post-TR.
While members have been asked to vote on the outcomes from the 2015-16 pay negotiations, we have wasted no time in pressing NOMS to engage with us to consider how we can get to grips with reviewing the probation pay system that was agreed way back in 2008.
The Officers have agreed the recommendation from the Napo negotiators to ask our members in the NPS and CRCs to signal their acceptance of a pay offer which has been made to the NNC Joint Secretaries this week. This has emerged from the discussions between the probation unions and NOMS about the outstanding elements of the joint unions pay claim which I have mentioned in a previous blog posting.
Great aspirations for sure, but will the E3 implementation blueprint due out on Monday provide the means for the National Probation Service to lay claim to them over the next 12 months?
There won't be many of our members in the NPS and the 21 CRC employing bodies who are not sick and tired of the relentless operational change that they have been subjected to over the last few years.
I write this whilst keeping an eye on the news to see what comes of Business Minister Sajid Javid’s belated trip to Port Talbot, to explain to unions and workers exactly what his government have been doing to save the last vestiges of the UK steel industry.
