The probation service, also known as a Probation Delivery Unit (PDU*), for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been rated as ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation – scoring just two inspection points out a possible 27.

This inspection is one of two carried out in the Probation Service – East Midlands region recently. The second is Derby City PDU, which received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ (also published on 09 February 2023).

Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell said: “Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PDU are, unfortunately, not alone in the challenges that have resulted in this rating of ‘Inadequate’. They have high workloads and are facing difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff – something we have seen nationally in our recent inspections. Without an adequate workforce, a service will struggle to supervise people on probation effectively and the consequences risk public safety. I urge the Probation Service to carefully consider our findings and bring about the vital support that PDUs, like this one, require.”

Inspectors found morale to be low and excessive workloads were taking their toll across the organisation. Despite this, inspectors found that staff are committed and dedicated to their roles and recognised recent efforts to recruit new probation officers and administration staff. The inspection also credited the service for its innovation, and the promise shown by the creation of specialist teams to support young adults and women.

However, we found the probation court team had a 43 per cent vacancy rate. As a result, people being sentenced without sufficient assessments and safeguarding enquiries being undertaken. Of the cases we looked at, just five per cent had sufficient quality of probation court report work.

Mr Russell added: “This PDU is operating at near crisis management levels. With insufficient staff across the organisation, it is only a matter of time before their ability to properly supervise people on probation and protect the local community is further diminished. I hope this inspection has highlighted, to the national Probation Service, that extensive help is required, and that assistance is provided to the service in prioritising their next steps.”

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PDU, and their East Midlands regional service, received 13 recommendations for improvement as a result of this inspection, including to improve vacancy rates, how they manage risk of harm, and provide more effective accommodation support services for people on probation.

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. This probation service sits within the Probation Service – East Midlands region.
3. These reports are available at justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation on 09 February 2023 00.01.
4. HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth offending and probation services across England and Wales.
5. 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.
6. Fieldwork for these inspections took place in November 2022.
7. For media enquiries, please contact media@hmiprobation.gov.uk (E-mail address)