Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the report, A thematic review of work to prepare for the unification of probation services, published by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation in May 2021, what steps he is taking to ensure that there is clear strategic oversight of resettlement services in each English region and Wales; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of appointing regional heads of resettlement.

As part of the HMPPS action plan following the HMIP thematic inspection on the preparations for the unification of probation services, each probation region will appoint a resettlement lead.

These roles will provide strategic leadership of resettlement work set out in new operating model for the unified Probation Service, and take the lead in working with relevant partners in the region (including prisons).