'Significant problems' found at probation unit

Inspectors raised "several significant problems" at a probation service which has been rated inadequate.

Issues over culture, morale and workloads at the Derbyshire Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) were among those highlighted by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, said inspectors were "concerned with the delivery of services to keep people safe and reduce the potential risk of harm posed by people on probation".

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which has overall control of the probation service, said it "inherited a criminal justice system in crisis" but was "supporting staff by improving training" and recruiting more probation officers.

This is the first inspection of this PDU since it was established under the unification of probation services in 2021.

Mr Jones added: "These are very disappointing results.

"Whilst staff numbers and workloads are improving, leaders have not done enough to support their staff in very challenging circumstances."

The report pinpointed poor morale across the PDU, with perceptions of a culture of blame, and staff not feeling valued.

Inspectors observed a "difficult working environment, with divisions and hostility between all grades of staff".

Access to good-quality safeguarding information was a problem in keeping people safe, meaning not all potential victims were identified in assessments.

The report makes six recommendations, including to clearly communicate strategic priorities and to ensure that domestic abuse and safeguarding information is complete and analysed sufficiently in all cases.

The Derby City Probation Delivery Unit, meanwhile, has been rated "requires improvement".

This is the second inspection of the PDU since the reunification of the Probation Service in 2021, and was last inspected 2023, when it was rated as "requires improvement" overall.

Mr Jones said: "Despite significant challenges, it was pleasing to see some stability across the Derby City PDU and a staff group who were engaged and motivated to do what was best for people on probation.

"I am encouraged by what we saw at Derby City. The changes brought in by the interim head of service and deputy are beginning to have a positive impact on service delivery."

In a statement, the MoJ said: "The government inherited a criminal justice system in crisis which has put huge strain on the probation service, despite the efforts of hard-working staff.

"We are supporting staff by improving training and recruiting 1,300 new probation officers nationally to deliver robust supervision and protect the public."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.