Top Perfomance Rewarded with new Trust Status

Leicestershire and Rutland has been selected as one of the six Probation Areas nationwide to be in the first wave of Probation Trusts that will come into force on 1^st April 2008.

Probation Trusts are being established as part of the Offender Management Act and will be the lead provider, contracting areas of work and delivering Probation Services in their area.

The focus of the Trust will be on the achievement of improved outcomes concerning public protection and reducing re-offending through innovation, flexibility and attention to locally identified needs.

Heather Munro, Chief Officer of Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Area (LRPA), explained: “We are delighted to have been selected to go forward as part of the Probation Change Programme. Our selection is no doubt due to our continued excellent performance.

“Becoming a Probation Trust will enable us to exercise greater control concerning our budget, investments and in the provision of our services with other trusts and new providers.” 

She added: “In the coming months we will be creating opportunities where we can consult further with partner agencies, and local people to achieve a comprehensive view of the needs of different communities.” 

There are 42 Probation Areas in England and Wales, which will be transformed into Probation Trusts over a three year period, with the first wave coming into force on 1^st April 2008, followed by the second wave on 1^st April 2009. The third wave will be completed by 1^st April 2010. 

Director of the National Probation Service, Roger Hill, said:

“I am delighted that these areas have been approved to become a Trust in the first wave of the process. Trusts are the key building block in reforming the way offenders are managed in custody and the community and therefore reducing re-offending and protecting the public. I am determined that we will create Probation Trusts in every area over the next three years and these areas will play a vital role in developing this effectively; and sharing the learning that enables change to become nationwide. I look forward to working with them to make this a reality”

PRESS ENQUIRIES:

Communications Officer Fiona Buchanan on 07711 160685.                     

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Probation Areas selected for the first wave of Trust status are:

• Dyffed/Powys
• South Wales
• Leicestershire and Rutland
• Merseyside
• West Mercia
• Humberside

These Probation Areas are consistent with the geographical and demographic mix that was being sought, ranging from the very small rural (Dyffed/Powys) to the metropolitan (Merseyside) with large shire and mixed urban/rural.