West Kent Probation Delivery Unit (PDU)* has received an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation.

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “West Kent PDU is currently subject to a perfect storm of issues, including the legacy of Covid-19, which need to be addressed urgently if they are to provide a service which can protect the local community and improve the lives of those wanting to move away from crime. Staff at West Kent are committed and keen for change – which is a positive sign – and I hope this, and our recommendations, lead to improvements as soon as possible.”

The inspection found that West Kent is in ‘survival mode’, with chronic staff shortages and workloads beyond the recommended amount. In addition, the service does not have a clear strategy or long-term plan to address these issues.

Notably, the management of people who may cause a risk of harm to others was sufficient in only a quarter of the cases we looked at. People on probation are not being seen regularly enough to make any real changes during their time with the service. The Inspectorate has recommended these areas, among others, are looked at urgently.

This inspection made 12 recommendations, seven of which call upon the national and regional Probation Service to support this PDU to improve. Some of the recommendations to West Kent, to be implemented locally, are: to ensure all cases are accurately risk assessed, apply a strategic approach to cases and prioritise these to manage any staff shortages, and ensure the service’s priorities are communicated to all staff.

*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.

ENDS

Notes to editor

1. *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.
2. West Kent PDU sits within the Probation Service – Kent, Surrey and Sussex region.
3. The report is available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 11 May 2022 00.01.
4. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.