Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Our Future Probation Service' programme raises public safety concerns regarding reduced supervision.
Recommendation
Written evidence from the Prison Reform Trust raised concerns over potential risks to public safety from some of the proposed changes . In particular, they were concerned that reducing rehabilitative activity for lower-risk individuals, while necessary and pragmatic in the short term, could undermine long-term public safety and perpetuate cycles of reoffending.37 Given the pace and nature of the planned changes, we asked MoJ whether the programme poses a risk to public protection. MoJ told us that public safety is its “absolute top concern”. It stressed that it wants to ensure people have the right level of supervision and that the planned changes will enable practitioners to focus on high-risk individuals. HMPPS also told us that it has a new public protection strategy and taskforce, and 33 Qq 11, 34 34 Qq 37, 42, 50, 60, 62, 63; C&AG’s Report, para 3.9 35 Qq 39, 56, 60–61, 64, 67; C&AG’s report, para 15 and Figure 14 36 Qq 48–50; C&AG’s Report, para 3.14 37 RPS0004; RPS0006 14 that it plans to refine its performance metrics to focus on a core number of protection measures that matter most. HMPPS did, however, note that risk can never be eliminated from the service.38
Government Response Summary
The department delivers digital services in line with cross‑government technology standards. Tool deployment is overseen by operational governance, and a decision to roll out a service will only be made when it is confirmed that it is supported by effective communication and appropriate support models.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
4.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 4.2 The department delivers digital services in line with cross‑government technology standards, including the Government Technology Code of Practice, Service Standard and Secure by Design principles. Digital teams follow established processes, including independent service assessments and iterative development alongside front-line colleagues, to ensure services are ready to be rolled out to staff. 4.3 On top of these core technical standards and processes, tool deployment is overseen by operational governance. A decision to roll out a service will only be made when it is confirmed that it is supported by effective communication and appropriate support models are in place to enable adoption.