§ Lord Dholakiaasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many seconded probation officers were working in prisons in June 1998 and December 1998 respectively; and what plans there are for the future number of seconded probation officers. [HL2768]
§ Lord Williams of MostynThe number of seconded probation officers working in establishments in June 1998 was 570; in December 1998 it was 612.
32WAThe Prison and Probation Services have a joint commitment to the effective delivery of throughcare. The number of seconded probation staff in establishments is dependent on an annual contract between the governor of the establishment and the chief probation officer for the area. Staffing levels need to be flexible to meet changing requirements. Governors must adhere to the principles of the national throughcare framework document—signed by the Prison and Probation Services—in determining the number of seconded probation staff needed to prepare ex-offenders adequately for post-release supervision.