HC Deb 11 November 2003 vol 413 c239W
Mr. Oaten

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria will be used to judge whether a chair of a probation board in England and Wales will be re-appointed; and whether chairs will be re-appointed provisionally. [136002]

Paul Goggins

The criteria for reappointment are set out in a competency based framework agreed for probation board chairs and other members. The framework covers five key areas of corporate governanceCorporate responsibility—being collectively responsible and accountable for leadership, direction and control of the probation area Organisational excellence—leading the service as it strives for organisational excellence through continuous improvement Valuing and Enabling Diversity—understanding and appreciating the impact that valuing and managing difference can make to organisational effectiveness Ambassador—promoting and representing the board and the service both internally and externally Working with People—achieving results through effective communication and team working.

Board chairs may be reappointed for one further term subject to satisfactory assessment of performance against this framework.

Those board chairs appointed when the National Probation Service was created in 2001 finish their first term of office on 31 March 2004. Those wishing to serve a further term have already been assessed and have been informed as to whether they will be reappointed. In accordance with good practice the appointments themselves will be made near the start of the term of office.