East Kent: Probation services rates inadequate
The probation service in East Kent has been rated inadequate by the prisons watchdog
Last updated 21st Mar 2024
East Kent Probation Delivery Unit has been rated inadequate by His Majesty's Inspectorate.
The prison watchdog says while shortfalls in staffing were gradually being addressed too often indicators of harm were not identified, explored, or sufficiently understood.
The report found the service in Kent failed to effectively work with police and children’s social care to safeguard children and domestic violence victims.
'work to reduce reoffending and manage risk of harm was insufficient'
Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said:
“Despite efforts by the leadership team across the PDU, along with a passionate and committed staff group and some promising innovation, the quality of work to reduce reoffending and manage risk of harm was insufficient.
“Undoubtedly, staff and leaders in East Kent PDU will be disappointed by our findings, but we hope they will not be deterred from continuing to make the improvements which will enable them to realise their vision that East Kent PDU will become a high-performing and inspiring place to work.”
The West Kent Probation Delivery Unit (PDU), was also inspected in January and while there were signs of improvement, issues with workloads were identified.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said:
“We have taken immediate action to address the concerns raised, including improved training and recruiting more administrative staff so that Senior Probation Officers can focus on the tough management of offenders.
“We are also using the extra £155 million being invested into the Probation Service every year to strengthen supervision and recruit more staff to protect the public.”