Hull and East Riding Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation. This is the second inspection of Hull and East Riding PDU since it was established under the unification of probation services in 2021.

Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: “Hull and East Riding PDU have much to be proud of. Staffing is generally stable, and the partnership work was particularly strong and innovative. Sadly, as we see so often on our inspections, the quality of work to manage people on probation was falling short of the expected standard and the service was rated ‘Requires improvement’ overall.”

The inspection found some barriers for practitioners in accessing information to safeguard children. Administrators, while able to access social care systems directly, were given information that was often sparse, and further clarification was not consistently sought. Positively however, significant improvements have been made in accessing domestic abuse information since our last inspections – this has resulted in a noticeable improvement in practitioners’ ability to assess these risks.

Inspectors were impressed by the strong leadership at Hull and East Riding PDU, with a clear plan in place which aligned with the regional reoffending plan and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) priorities. Learning from serious further offences was communicated effectively and incorporated into protected development days. A reduction of newly qualified probation officers’ caseloads had also been implemented as a result of this learning.

However, the inspection found that not enough was being done to protect potential victims from harm, with 62 per cent of cases observed during this inspection falling short in this area.

Mr Jones continued: “We saw many examples of promising practice during this inspection. Staff describe their workloads as manageable and have trust and faith in their leadership. With these solid foundations, I am confident that Hull and East Riding PDU will be able to make the changes needed.”

The report makes four recommendations. These include to ensure domestic abuse and safeguarding information is complete and analysed sufficiently, and to develop practitioner’s confidence and skills in the use of professional curiosity.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. This was the second inspection of Hull and East Riding PDU since it was created in June 2021, having previously been rated ‘Requires improvement’ in March 2023. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/inspections/hulleastridingpdu2023/
2. Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) replaced Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) and the National Probation Service (NPS), which merged into a unified Probation Service in June 2021.
3. Hull and East Riding PDU is one of 11 PDUs in the Yorkshire and the Humber region of the Probation Service.
4. The report is available at gov.uk/hmiprobation on 12 December.
5. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services across England and Wales.
6. The Inspectorate uses a four-point scale: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’. The Inspectorate rates specific aspects of each service and also gives an overall rating.
7. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in October 2024.
8. For media enquiries, please contact Louise Cordell, Head of Communications 07523 805224 / media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)