Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Huppert Excerpts
Tuesday 1st July 2014

(9 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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In the tendering process we required the bidders to take into account and demonstrate how they would reflect the local policing and police and crime commissioner priorities to ensure that we have a joined-up system. In a world of payment by results, if a local integrated offender management system is working well, it would be crazy for those involved in probation not to seek to take part in it if it would reduce crime levels, reduce reoffending and help them improve what they do.

Julian Huppert Portrait Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD)
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What is the Secretary of State doing to retain expertise and local knowledge in the probation service during these changes?

Chris Grayling Portrait Chris Grayling
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We have been working very hard to ensure that we have a new strong leadership team. I am encouraged by the group of people who have come forward to take leadership roles in both the national probation service and the CRCs. Many of the existing chief executives have moved into those new positions. We also have a new generation of leaders who have emerged from the next rung down. From what I see on the ground, they are already delivering strong leadership and a sense of direction.