Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
HMPPS's 25% probation staff capacity freeing target lacks robust evidence and certainty.
Recommendation
We asked whether freeing up 25% of capacity will be sufficient to improve performance. HMPPS told us that this is its estimate of what is needed to bring the service back into balance by April 2027, and which will allow staff to deliver a high-quality service.46 However, while its estimated capacity shortfall is based on its updated activity timings, it acknowledged that it reduced these timings down from staff-reported averages. HMPPS said this was because it found that staff were doing more than they needed to do and has issued staff with new guidance to help them complete tasks more quickly.47 Given that HMPPS’s internal review indicated that it needed to reduce workload by more than 25% to allow staff time needed for learning, we asked HMPPS why it did not agree with its own review. HMPPS explained that it agreed with the review’s broad conclusion that staff needed to be spending more time on training, but argued that additional time for this was already factored into its modelling.48 We challenged HMPPS on how it can be certain of the number of staff it needs if it does not yet know what the optimal caseloads for staff will be. HMPPS stressed that it is confident that its estimate of the shortfall is correct and that it knows what the optimal caseloads are at this point in time. However, it explained that it will need to reassess optimum caseloads as it introduces new ways of working.49
Government Response Summary
HMPPS currently factors eight days of learning and development time into workforce modelling for qualified staff. Reducing workload demand through OFPS will have the additional benefit of ensuring capacity to undertake the eight days. HMPPS will continue to review changes to probation training requirements as part of work on OFPS and the independent sentencing review.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
5.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.7 HMPPS currently factors eight days of learning and development time into workforce modelling for qualified staff, with additional allowance built in for new staff undertaking qualifications. These provisions are included in broader capacity work, which considers the full range of workforce demand. 5.8 Learning and development requirements vary across Probation roles; however, HMPPS considers the current allocation of eight days to be sufficient for roles with the greatest centrally‑mandated and role‑specific training needs. However, the agency recognises that at present not all staff are able to fully utilise this allowance due to workload pressures. 5.9 Reducing workload demand through OFPS will have the additional benefit of ensuring capacity to undertake the eight days. 5.10 HMPPS will continue to review changes to probation training requirements as part of work on OFPS and the independent sentencing review.