york-north-yorkshire-iaow

ForewordThe inspection of adult offending work in York and North Yorkshire was undertaken as part of ourInspection of Adult Offending Work programme that started in April 2013 and will cover all areas ofEngland and Wales. Our purpose in undertaking these inspections is to assess whether the sentence of thecourt is delivered effectively, and whether work with the individual offender protects the public, reduces thelikelihood of reoffending, and provides a high quality service to courts and victims.This inspection is the first of six where we are enhancing our focus on the work of Probation Trusts toprotect children and young people. Our sample encompasses work with a range of people who haveoffended; in each case inspected we expect to see an assessment of whether the individual may present arisk of harm to a child or children, and appropriate action taken where this is required.In all cases we also consider the general assessment and management of risk of harm to others, and we examine the progress in addressing factors that have contributed to the offending behaviour, therebyreducing the likelihood of reoffending.In addition to inspecting cases, we consider the extent to which the management arrangements havesupported those working with offenders through effective leadership and management of staff, appropriateaccess to resources and constructive partnership with other organisations.The case sample for this inspection was drawn from cases managed by York and North Yorkshire ProbationTrust. We found that although some aspects of practice needed attention, overall work with offenders wasdelivered to a high standard, and we considered some aspects of the work to be excellent.Reports to court were of a good quality and sentencers were satisfied with them. People who had offended were encouraged to comply with their sentences through timely, full and individual inductions that tooktheir diverse needs into account. Initial assessments and plans were sound, but greater clarity was neededabout when cases would be reviewed.Many service users had made progress against factors linked to their offending. We also found risk of harmhad been managed effectively in most cases. Child Protection and safeguarding was given a high priorityat all levels, with the Trust leadership and management involved in all relevant multi-agency arrangementsand offender managers taking an investigative approach to protecting children who in contact with thoseunder the supervision of the Trust.Although more attention to seeking out information from other agencies was needed, - in particular frompolice domestic violence units and children’s social care services - work to protect victims was of a goodstandard. Reviews of assessments and plans also needed attention, particularly in response to significantchanges in offenders’ circumstances or behaviour. Victim liaison work was of a good quality.The Trust provided strong strategic leadership and enjoyed the respect and confidence of its partnersand staff. Managers throughout the Trust encouraged innovative practice and their quality performancearrangements had clearly contributed to the encouraging findings of this inspection.Liz CalderbankHM Chief Inspector of ProbationFebruary 2014Inspection of Adult Offending Work in York and North Yorkshire1