Brighton and Hove Youth Offending Service (YOS) has received an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ following a recent inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

The Inspectorate looked at 12 aspects of the YOS’s work and awarded ‘Outstanding’ ratings in every category – a rare achievement.

HM Inspectorate of Probation’s Director of Operations Marc Baker said: “The overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ is deserved and is the benchmark of what youth offending services can achieve. The service is led in such a positive way that it impacts every aspect of their work, from resourcing to organisation to their contact with each child under their supervision.”

Brighton and Hove YOS work with children aged 10 to 17. The majority of children under their supervision are aged 15 to 17 (98 per cent), male (90 per cent) and white (65 per cent). They supervise children with complex needs and some are in the care of the local authority (Looked After Children).

The ‘Outstanding’ rating was achieved across all inspection standards: organisational delivery (leadership, staffing and facilities), and their management of children serving court sentences (court disposals) and children serving cautions or community sentences (out-of-court disposals).

Mr Baker continued: “An ‘Outstanding’ rating is not easily achieved – our inspection standards are designed to test youth offending services and get a clear picture of how they are supervising children and looking after their own staff. We found a cohesive and integrated organisation, driven to deliver the best quality service possible for children under their supervision.”

Inspectors noted the service’s collaborative work – highlighting how board members, staff and partners work together to understand the complex issues and challenges facing YOS children. Youth justice workers were praised for their wide-ranging skills, knowledge and experience, not least in developing trusting relationships with children and their families.

Children subject to court sentences are well-supported – their safety and wellbeing, and their risk of harm to others are assessed to the highest standards. The service collaborates with agencies to provide plans for each child, and these are being implemented and delivered effectively. For children subject to cautions or community sentences, inspectors found an extensive range of services on offer, and a focus on balancing a child’s welfare and the needs of victims.

Mr Baker concluded: “Each child is treated as an individual at Brighton and Hove YOS – this is vital in helping children move away from offending. Victims are equally supported and there is strong emphasis on their role within rehabilitation. Youth justice staff understand how to manage children with complex needs, and tailor their skills accordingly – a desirable balance, promoting high-quality casework practice.”

Inspectors have recommended the Brighton and Hove Youth Offending Service improves the diversity of its of staff and volunteers to closely match the children they supervise. The YOS should also review their processes for referring children to mental health services to ensure the process is as direct as possible.

This inspection took place in April 2021. The fieldwork was conducted via off-site analysis of case files and – due to Covid-19 restrictions – telephone and video interviews and conferences.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 13 July 2021 00.01.
2. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
3. 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.
4. Fieldwork for this inspection took place in April 2021.
5. For media enquiries, please contact Corporate Communications Manager Diane Bramall 07929 790 564 or media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)