§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what help is given to probation officers in Somerset to deal with case load. [107262]
§ Hilary BennIn the Avon and Somerset probation area staff are regularly supervised by managers to assess workload issues and to enable effective workload management. The Probation Board has agreed a workload prioritisation framework with staff through their respective Trade Unions, which assists staff and managers to be clear about priorities in the event of a shortfall in resources. Specific training is provided for specialist staff.
§ Mr. Liddell-GraingerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what help is given to probation officers to complete case work on time. [107263]
§ Hilary BennProbation Officers benefit from a range of help to assist them in completing casework on time, including through training leading to a Diploma in Probation Studies. Home Office National Standards for the supervision of offenders in the community sets out minimum standards of expected performance. The National Probation Directorate (NPD) carries out regular performance monitoring and provides feedback to probation areas. NPD has produced a workload prioritisation framework, which has been issued to all areas, and has also developed a workload measurement project. Both of these provide guidance to areas to enable the active management of workload and ensure effective service delivery while maintaining a duty of care towards employees.