Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Paragraph: 34
There is cause for concern in the way that some goalposts have shifted as the...
Conclusion
There is cause for concern in the way that some goalposts have shifted as the new model has been developed. In particular, the decision to seek Probation Delivery Partners while the new model of delivery was still being developed had unfortunate consequences. Its subsequent cancellation caused significant disappointment to those private and third sector organisations whom the Ministry of Justice encouraged to put time and effort into making successful bids only to see the idea scrapped shortly afterwards.
Paragraph Reference:
34
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Partly This recommendation has been partly agreed as the decision to discontinue to Probation Delivery Partner competitions was taken following a review process. We never enter into a procurement with the intention of cancelling it; unfortunately, changes in circumstances sometimes require a change of approach, and all organisations participating in a procurement recognise this risk. This was the case with the cancellation of the Probation Delivery Partner competition, as a result of reviewing the impacts of the pandemic on our ability to deliver a smooth and successful transition. We made that decision as promptly as we could and paused the competition as soon as it was under review to avoid further investment of resources by bidders.