Probation services in Kirklees rated 'Inadequate' by regulator
An inspection that found “significant failings” in casework and described work to keep other people safe as “weak”.
Last updated 15th Nov 2024
Kirklees Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) has received an overall rating of ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection that found “significant failings” in casework and described work to keep other people safe as “weak”.
The inspection, by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, was the second since 2021 when Kirklees’ PDU was created, with the service also found to be ‘Inadequate’ back in March 2023. The unit operates from two locations – in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Martin Jones, Chief Inspector of Probation, said: “A reduction in staff sickness levels and staff turnover has resulted in a number of improvements at Kirklees PDU since our last inspection. Unfortunately, significant failings were found in the casework we reviewed, and the service remains ‘Inadequate’.”
According to the report, there have been some “notable improvements”, with leaders at Kirklees PDU having developed strategic relationships across West Yorkshire and Kirklees. Inspectors were also pleased with the “unique” initiatives on offer, including intervention programmes to address knife crime.
Strengths were observed in work done by practitioners to engage people on probation, and practitioners maintained an effective relationship with the person on probation in over three-quarters of cases, the report says.
However, management oversight was found to be “missing”, “insufficient”, or “ineffective” in nearly all cases examined during the inspection. Middle managers were reportedly often busy undertaking external-facing strategic work and did not have enough time to give adequate oversight to cases.
Work to keep other people safe was also found to be “weak”, particularly with child safeguarding, although inspectors said they were encouraged that direct access to child safeguarding information would be available from October 2024.
While the workforce was said to have a “positive culture”, workloads were considered a “substantial challenge” remaining “too high”, particularly at probation officer level where the vacancy rate stands at 25%.
Mr Jones continued: “A solid foundation has been created at Kirklees PDU, and the focus now needs to be shifted to improving the quality of provision for people on probation. I wish staff well in their efforts in taking our recommendations forward.”
The report makes eight recommendations, including to improve the use of interventions and services available and to fully consider the views of people on probation to inform service development.