Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of each model of probation service delivery on (a) rates of (i) re-offending and (ii) staff wellbeing and (b) the adequacy of that service delivery.

In response to part a(i), proven reoffence data is being captured during this time and will, as before, be published. The most recently published proven reoffending statistics (January to March 2018) is published and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/proven-reoffending-statistics-january-to-march-2018

On part a(ii), we have been engaging with staff to understand their experiences of working during this period. HM Prison and Probation Service will continue to provide support for the psychological wellbeing of staff through a number of support mechanisms, and, as outlined in the newly published Probation Workforce Strategy, have already committed to implementing a wellbeing action plan for all staff across probation. This includes Mental Health Allies, better access to ‘post-incident’ support, such as counselling, and psychology training for managers.

The information requested can be found at gov.uk at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/probation-workforce-strategy

In relation to part b, HMPPS has carried out regular internal assurance on delivery under the Exceptional Delivery Models by both the National Probation Service and the Community Rehabilitation Companies.