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<p>The HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) report into South Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation
Company (CRC) awarded the service a rating of ‘requires improvement’. The Ministry
of Justice recognises the importance of the findings of HMIP in relation to CRCs and
will work with the provider to ensure that an appropriate plan is in place to address
the identified areas for improvement.</p><p> </p><p>We take seriously concerns raised
by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) and others over staffing levels.
All CRC contracts require the maintenance of a sufficient level of competent and adequately
trained staff. We will work with South Yorkshire CRC to ensure that the issues of
shortages of qualified probation officers and the assessment and management of risk
of harm to others are addressed.</p><p> </p><p>We have been clear that probation services
need to improve and are taking decisive action to stabilise and improve the delivery
of probation services, We are investing an additional £22m a year to ensure that CRCs
deliver an enhanced Through the Gate service to offenders leaving prison. This will
include sustained support to find accommodation and employment on discharge.</p><p>
</p><p>We have also taken decisive action by ending current CRC contracts early and
last year, conducted a consultation on future arrangements. The proposals include
measures to ensure the probation workforce is better supported to build their careers
and deliver a high-quality service to offenders, such as introducing a standard training
framework for staff and a national professional register to recognise the specialism
and value of probation work. We are considering the feedback received and will set
out detailed plans later this year.</p>
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