Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Paragraph: 142
Transition to the new model in the context of covid-19 presents a huge operational challenge,...
Recommendation
Transition to the new model in the context of covid-19 presents a huge operational challenge, particularly for operating models, IT systems and building leases. The Ministry and HMPPS have assured us that work is under way to ensure transition is successfully and completed on schedule. We recommend that the Ministry publish a detailed timetable setting out milestones towards transition, and we seek a monthly update on the progress made against those targets.
Paragraph Reference:
142
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Agreed We agree to sharing regular progress updates with the committee, starting with a set of Day 1 metrics which give a snapshot of what the Programme has delivered to date and what work for transition remains outstanding, against which we will update on remaining issues after transition. Once the unified model for probation service delivery has been implemented on 26 June 2021, we are committed to ensuring the committee is kept up to date on longer-term progress towards realising the end-state benefits of the planned reforms. Progress to date: significant progress made towards implementing the first phase of Probation Reform. We have successfully restructured into 12 probation regions across England and Wales and laid the people, estates, competition and ICT foundations for transition in June. This puts us on track to transfer staff, assets and services to either the unified Probation Service or a new provider of Commissioned Rehabilitation Services. We have published our Target Operating Model and National Standards to set the future vision and have achieved HMT sign-off on our Final Business Case (a £155m pa uplift in core funding). All 110 Commissioned Rehabilitative Services contracts for Day 1 services have been awarded, over 7,000 staff provided with devices and had data and email migrated and transferred the legal title to 97 properties. In April the Programme underwent an IPA Gateway 4 Review, the review team scored the Programme at Amber whilst noting that ‘exceptional’ progress has been made since the previous review in October last year. Our recent Three-Month and One-Month Readiness Testing found no major blockers to Day 1 readiness. The Programme continues to make strong progress towards Day 1 readiness on 26 June. Data migration and onboarding to MoJ technology and systems remains on track, we have now provided devices and migrated over 7,000 users’ emails and their data. All 110 Commissioned Rehabilitative Services contracts have been awarded and signed across all competitions (ETE, Accommodation, Personal Wellbeing and Women’s Services) and mobilisation remains the key focus; approximately two-thirds of contract value has been awarded to VCSE organisations. The list of individual staff who will transfer has been finalised. The People team are continuing to answer queries and review appeals.