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<p>We are on track to launch a new unified Probation Service for England and Wales
on 26 June this year. The new Service will bring together staff from the previous
National Probation Service (NPS) and 21 Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs)
and will strengthen public protection by bringing together management of offenders
of all levels of risk into one organisation.</p><p>The new unified service will strengthen
rehabilitation by delivering unpaid work and behavioural change programmes in England
and Wales. Specialist organisations will continue to play a role in the probation
system, delivering resettlement and rehabilitative services such as education, training
and employment and accommodation and other rehabilitative interventions. 110 contracts
are now in place for these commissioned services. We are also in the final stages
of the estates and digital transfers needed to support transition.</p><p>Once we have
completed transition to the new organisation, we will begin implementing the new operating
model for the unified service. We have already recruited a record 1,000 new trainee
probation officers in 2020/21 and plan to recruit a further 1,500 in this financial
year.</p><p>Our progress in delivering these crucial reforms will ensure a joined
up and improved Probation Service to cut crime and reduce reoffending, meet the needs
of our communities, offer more support in rehabilitating offenders and protect the
public from crime.</p>
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