Probation praised but 'requires improvement'

Inspectors made seven recommendations in their report

The probation service for the north-east of England "requires improvement", according to inspectors who raised concern over the quality of information sharing and its work to protect to the public.

A review by His Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation found the service's risk of harm assessments were largely insufficient, but the region was rated "outstanding" for its work with victims.

Chief probation inspector Martin Jones also said work to "engage people on probation and promote desistance" was "amongst the best seen across probation regions so far".

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the government will be increasing funding for probation by 45%.

The inspection found staff were highly motivated and had a drive to achieve an inclusive and safe working culture.

It also concluded the North East's approach to improving delivery and ensuring staff were able to prioritise most critical aspects of their role had been recognised nationally.

But it found the quality of checks and processes relating to the safeguarding of children was a concern.

The inspection report also said identification of actual and potential victims needed improvement and the delivery of services was not sufficient to keep people safe due to gaps in the sharing of information between police and children's services.

Mr Jones said: "As is so often the case in our inspections, work to protect the public and keep people safe was a concern."

The inspectorate made seven recommendations which included working with all three police forces in the region to improve the quality of information sharing.

Inspectors also recommended improving the quality of court reports to inform sentencing and to ensure domestic abuse and safeguarding information is used effectively.

The MoJ said it is planning to recruit 1,300 probation officers nationally by March.