On 14 October Corrections launched a multi-year programme to transform community probation services in this country. Between now and 2012 we will address not only what we do, but how we do it, and why.
The context for the changes and a high level work plan are set out in the Change Programme 2009-2012 pdf document.
Download a pdf version of the
Change Programme 2009-2012 (pdf: 572kb)
The plan has been developed by senior management from Community Probation & Psychological Services (CPPS), the operational arm currently responsible for delivering probation services nationwide and managing offenders in the community. This has been done with support from the Expert Panel appointed earlier this year to improve performance in managing parole orders and to assess whether CPPS systems, tools and procedures are fit for purpose.
(The plan refers to Community Probation Services, the new name for CPPS as of mid December. This name change reflects the restructuring taking place in Corrections as part of the Government’s Value for Money Review.)
Highlights from the Change Programme
A clear purpose statement for CPS
The purpose of Community Probation Services is to contribute to safer communities, hold offenders to account and manage them to:
- comply with their sentences and orders
- reduce their likelihood of reoffending
- minimise their risk of harm to others.
Clearly defined outcomes
CPS needs to place a stronger emphasis on achieving key purposes and associated outcomes. Re-examining purpose and outcomes leads to clear statements that provide context for considering the most appropriate method of service delivery.
New Practice Framework
To achieve these purposes we will design a new practice framework that sets clear mandatory standards and supports staff decision making and professional judgement.
The Change Programme will take a bottom up approach to designing the practice framework; frontline staff will be directly involved in finding the best ways to achieve our purposes and outcomes.
The redesign approach requires a probation officer to consider risk as well as compliance and it fosters personal responsibility and accountability for decisions and actions based on evidence.
