Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 17
17
Accepted
Our Future Probation Service' programme aims to address staff shortfalls with a high-risk approach.
Conclusion
MoJ told us that HMPPS’s ‘Our Future Probation Service’ programme is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address the root causes of the problems faced by the Probation Service, including shortfalls in staff.33 The programme will introduce new digital tools - over thirty digital initiatives are currently planned - to help reduce the time probation staff need to spend on tasks, to free up their time. These tools include ‘Justice Transcribe’, an AI tool to help staff capture meeting notes.34 Through the programme, HMPPS also plans to introduce changes to optimise processes and to implement policy changes such as the level of supervision required for different groups of offenders. This includes implementing policy changes set out in the Sentencing Bill, which are aimed at reducing prison capacity pressures.35 In June 2025, HMPPS set its risk appetite for the programme as ‘open’, the second highest on the five-point risk appetite scale, indicating that it is willing to take on a high level of risk.36
Government Response Summary
HMPPS is committed to addressing the high workloads faced by probation staff and has launched the "Our Future Probation Service Programme (OFPS)" with the primary objective to reduce workloads by 25% by April 2027, with Justice Transcribe on track for national roll out by April 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
3. PAC conclusion: Longstanding staff shortages have left probation staff dealing with excessive and unmanageable workloads. 3a. PAC recommendation: HMPPS should, in its Treasury Minute response, set out: • when and how it expects to be able to provide clarity to staff on when their workloads will reduce to acceptable levels; and … 3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 3.2 HMPPS is committed to addressing the high workloads faced by probation staff. The “Our Future Probation Service Programme (OFPS)” was launched with the primary objective to reduce workloads by 25% by April 2027. OFPS is already delivering against that aim, with Justice Transcribe on track for national roll out by April 2026. 3.3 During March and April 2026, HMPPS plans to share more detail with staff and stakeholders, via internal communications channels, governance and stakeholder engagement forums, on the wider package of measures to improve productivity and reduce workloads.