Probation services lowly graded after inspection

Probation services across East Yorkshire and parts of Lincolnshire have been lowly graded, according to a recent inspection report.

Probation Delivery Units (PDU) are responsible for managing and supervising people on probation and are reviewed by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP).

Following an inspection, Hull and East Riding's PDU received an overall rating of requires improvement, while North and North East Lincolnshire's was rated inadequate, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said it knew it "must do better" and was recruiting 1,000 new officers nationally to "better deliver robust supervision and protect the public".

Hull and East Riding's inspection found that not enough was being done to protect potential victims from harm, with 62% of cases observed during the inspection falling short in this area.

It also found officers had barriers to accessing information to safeguard children.

Despite the overall rating, HMIP maintained there was "much to be proud of" as it reported staffing was stable and partnership work was "strong and innovative".

The PDU was recognised for the quality of work it has delivered to women on probation in the report.

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation at HMIP, said: "With these solid foundations, I am confident that Hull and East Riding PDU will be able to make the changes needed."

Recommendations for improvement included ensuring domestic abuse and safeguarding information was complete and developing officers' confidence and skills of professional curiosity.

North and North East Lincolnshire's inadequate rating is a lower grading than 2023, when it required improvement.

Compared to other PDUs inspected in 2024, North and North East Lincolnshire's had reasonable staffing levels and low caseloads.

However, in its latest inspection, the effectiveness of casework was found to have deteriorated, particularly in relation to keeping other people safe due to the lack of engagement with other agencies.

It also found middle managers have very high workloads, hindering their ability to provide support and oversight to staff under their supervision.

Recommendations made include ensuring middle managers have sufficient capacity to help staff and ensuring domestic abuse and safeguarding information is analysed sufficiently.

Mr Jones added: "Managers and leaders at North and North East Lincolnshire PDU should be reassured that most of the mechanisms already in place are likely to bring the improvements needed."

A spokesperson for the MoJ said: "The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, which has put a significant strain on the Probation Service.

"We are pleased the inspectorate found 'promising practices' in the region, but we know we must do better.

"This is why we are recruiting 1,000 new probation officers nationally to better deliver robust supervision and protect the public."

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