Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Probation Service

Tuesday 5 July 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister reported recent recruitment figures for the probation service: 1,007 new recruits in 2020-21, 1,518 in 2021-22, and 1,500 for the current year.
  • The Inspectorate of Probation recommends that probation officers should not manage more than 50 cases at a time.
  • Currently, 96% of probation officers have fewer than 50 cases, with an average caseload of 34 cases per officer.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Evans Labour (Co-op) Caerphilly
Justice & Courts
Context

The probation officer shortage has led to concerns over working conditions and staff retention. Recent reports indicate high stress levels among officers due to heavy workloads.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of staffing levels in the probation service? I recently spoke to a probation officer who is off work due to stress, reporting an extensive loss of experienced officers and management not seeming to care. With record staff leaving and overworked officers fearing wrong decisions could lead to tragedy, what specific actions will be taken to improve working conditions for probation officers?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

Although people leave the probation service occasionally, there has been a vigorous recruitment campaign over the past three years. In 2020-21, 1,007 new recruits were taken on; in 2021-22, 1,518 more; and this year another 1,500. However, staff retention is also important. Workload management strategies are being considered to reduce stress. Currently, only 4% of probation officers have a workload above the recommended maximum. The government is in discussions with unions and the Treasury for a pay settlement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; no concrete steps or timelines were given for improving working conditions.

How: Looking At This

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Q2 Chris Evans Labour (Co-op) Caerphilly
Justice & Courts
Context

A probation officer reported difficulty managing high-risk cases due to workload constraints, raising concerns about public safety.

Question

Dedicated probation officers are telling me they cannot manage their workloads. One said: 'I used to spend an hour each week with my high risk cases but it's no longer possible due to the current caseload. I no longer have confidence in managing my cases safely.' After the Prime Minister's pledge to cut civil service numbers by a fifth, will the Minister rule out any more cuts to the probation service?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We are always reviewing case loads. The Inspectorate of Probation report on case loads, workloads and staffing numbers indicates that recommended case load should not exceed 50 cases per officer. Currently, 96% of probation officers hold fewer than 50 cases with an average caseload of 34. Staff welfare is a key consideration in the reunification process towards a target operating model.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; no commitment to ruling out further cuts was given.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Justice & Courts
Context

A probation officer reported difficulty managing high-risk cases due to workload constraints, raising concerns about public safety.

Question

Dedicated probation officers are telling me they cannot manage their workloads. One said: 'I used to spend an hour each week with my high risk cases but it's no longer possible due to the current caseload. I no longer have confidence in managing my cases safely.' After the Prime Minister's pledge to cut civil service numbers by a fifth, will the Minister rule out any more cuts to the probation service?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We are always reviewing case loads. The Inspectorate of Probation report on case loads, workloads and staffing numbers indicates that recommended case load should not exceed 50 cases per officer. Currently, 96% of probation officers hold fewer than 50 cases with an average caseload of 34. Staff welfare is a key consideration in the reunification process towards a target operating model.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask was not fully addressed; no commitment to ruling out further cuts was given.

How: Under Review

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