Probation service rated inadequate by inspectors

A probation service in Lincolnshire has been rated inadequate by inspectors.

The East and West Lincolnshire Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) was inspected by HM Inspectorate of Probation in March.

Findings included a "worrying" lack of attention paid to keeping people safe in assessments, and geographical difficulties in covering a large rural area.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said there was currently a "strain" on the probation service, and it planned to boost funding by 45% by 2028.

The PDU is responsible for managing and supervising people on probation from its main offices in Boston, Grantham, Lincoln, and Skegness.

The report stated there was "insufficient analysis of domestic abuse and safeguarding information" from practitioners.

It said some people on probation were travelling "long distances" to attend appointments, with managers "struggling to maintain sufficient visibility" across the area it covers.

Positive findings included a "supportive teamwork culture" as well as "engaged and motivated" staff.

Recommendations in the report included ensuring effective management oversight was provided and analysing information on domestic abuse and child safeguarding to inform the quality of assessments.

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said: "Despite a positive and supportive teamwork culture, we found regional and local governance arrangements to be driving staff and managers to prioritise performance targets over delivering a quality service.

"Unfortunately, the quality of work delivered to manage risk of harm was insufficient, which resulted in an overall rating of inadequate."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis, placing significant strain on the probation service.

"That is why we are boosting probation funding by 45%, investing up to £700m more a year by 2028, and are on track to recruit 2,300 more probation officers nationally by March next year."

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