I have been in discussions with the State Services Commission recently over establishing a Deputy Chief Executive position.
There is a shared concern that the Department faces a number of significant operational and administrative risks over the next twelve months. There are high community and Government expectations in managing all these risks whilst undergoing a Value for Money Review and it’s resulting implementation.
The role is intended to support me as I take the Department forward, adding to our effectiveness, and strengthening our management capability. I welcome Ms Sandi Beatie, who is the Deputy Chief Executive at the Ministry of Justice, to 12 months secondment in the new role. Sandi will be starting on 6 July 2009, and the position will be reviewed at the end of the 12 months. I look forward to the contribution that Sandi can make to the Department.
The initial information-gathering for the Value for Money Review has been conducted and I am again struck by the passionate desire of the majority of our staff to do an excellent job and really make a difference for the safety of our communities.
The next step is for the review team to further examine the key issues and themes that have been identified, taking into account the results of the staff survey and further interviews.
I welcome the additional funding now available which was announced recently by the Government. This will allow us to move forward with crucial planning and design decisions about how we are to manage the forecast increase in prisoner numbers.
The additional funding will mean we are in a stronger position to actualise other options for solving the bed shortage. We will also be working to make more rehabilitative programmes available for prisoners, notably by providing more places at our Drug Treatment Units.
The Expert Panel to oversee improvements into the management of offenders on community sentences and orders had its first meeting at the end of April.
The Panel members have made numerous site visits to meet staff and gain a fuller understanding of the situation.
While I acknowledge that the Panel is still in the initial stages of its review, I am heartened by Panel Chair Paula Rebstock’s comments that Community Probation & Psychological Services staff have already made many positive changes and are committed to making further improvements.
Barry Matthews
Got a story for Corrections News or want to request the print edition?
Email commdesk@corrections.govt.nz or phone (04) 460 3365.
ISSN 1178-8453