FEBRUARY 2018

Napo gets a facelift with new A5 bi-monthly magazine

MAGAZINE

Scandalous CRC Bailout Investigated

Prioritising women’s shows Domestic abuse health at work her hand cases in family courts p.10 p.14 p.32 POLICECU.CO.UK

LOANS

PCU is the financial services alternative Helping you to manage your finances

How we help our members  Loan repayments deducted from payroll†  Handled in-house by experienced staff  The rate you see is the rate you pay  Not-for-profit mutual set up by the police for the law enforcement family  Life cover on savings and loans at no extra cost* Call 0121 700 1221 With more than 91% of people reporting health Email [email protected] problems from debt‡, perhaps we can help you if you are looking to consolidate your credit card /police.cu @police_cu balances or any other existing credit into one easy repayment.

FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO SERVE & PROTECT POLICE CREDIT UNION LIMITED Head Office, Guardians House, 2111 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3EA

† (where available) ‡ Interviewed by the Legal Services. Loans subject to status, conditions and credit checks to members aged 18 or over. *Life Insurance is offered subject to conditions including a six month pre-existing limitation. For full terms and conditions about the policy, please contact Police Credit Union or visit the PCU website. Police Credit Union is a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The Scheme guarantees to pay 100% up to a maximum £85,000 of savings, should the Credit Union fail. Police Credit Union Ltd is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority & the Prudential Regulation Authority (Registered No 213306). NEW DEAL FOR PROBATION AND FAMILY COURTS

SAVE THE DATE: A NEW DEAL FOR WORKING PEOPLE / A NEW DEAL FOR PROBATION AND FAMILY COURTS - TUC MARCH & RALLY

EVENT DETAILS:

DATE SAT 12 MAY 2018 - 11:00 TO 16:00

LOCATION CENTRAL LONDON (TBC) WC2R 2PH

3 FEATURES Napo Magazine

Published by Napo

160 Falcon Road London SW11 2NY www.napo.org.uk [email protected] 020 7223 4887 24 | System Failure Social Politicians briefed on NPS www.napomagazine.org.uk Lorem Ipsum shared services failings Twitter: @Napo_News Facebook: NapoHQ 20 | CRC Bailout Napo reports on the scandalous £342M CRC Editorial Team bailout Taytula Burke Kath Falcon [email protected]

Design Number Violet www.numberviolet.com

Print Premier Print Group

For advertising 32 | Domestic Abuse opportunities Domestic abuse cases in family courts [email protected]

4 EVERYTHING ELSE

9 | Get Involved in Napo

10 | Prioritising Women’s Health at Work

14 | Theresa May Shows Her Hand

18 | The Cinderella of the Justic World

26 | SFO Reviews - Helpful or Harmful

30 | Leading Judge warns of Imminent Crisis

34 | Unnecessary Criminal Record Checks

5 IAN LAWRENCE WRITES...

Probation under the MICROSCOPE

The eagle-eyed among you will have Probation Under The Microscope noticed Napo Quarterly has been I think I speak for Napo and its rebranded and relaunched as Napo members when I say that we have Magazine. Your NEC realised how taken no pleasure in the raft of “I told important it was to increase member you so” moments that have taken engagement and visibility of the place since probation was part- union, so agreed to fund the ICT and privatised in 2015. Thankfully it seems communications bids I put to them last that our campaigning has not fallen on year. deaf ears.

Along with this new A5, bi-monthly The National Audit Office swooped in magazine that will be distributed to as the back end of last year to investigate many offices as possible, you will also the additional £342m that had been be receiving HTML emails on a regular given to the CRCs to keep them afloat, basis keeping you up to speed with and Michael Spurr and Richard Heaton news and information that is relevant were then hauled in by the Public to Napo, probation and family courts Accounts Committee to explain the and the wider trade union movement. NAO findings in more detail (see page We definitely welcome your feedback 20). on this here at HQ and any thoughts and suggestions about the new And it’s not just the NAO and PAC magazine can be sent to that want answers. On 30 January, [email protected] Unison’s Ben Priestley and I were

6 Family Courts Equally In Crisis Sometimes the happenings in probation overshadow that of Cafcass, but let us not forget that our colleagues working in the family courts are also in crisis. It’s hard to remember a time that members have not been crippled by oppressive workloads and not rewarded justly for their efforts.

The press have published stories in which in some cases, children have been sent on unsupervised visits with invited to present evidence to the parents a domestic abuse allegations Justice Select Committee. I made it has been made against (page 30), but clear that the probation service is in neglected to mention the fact that serious difficulty and that taxpayers great care and vigilance is taken by are continuing to fund systemic failure, Cafcass practitioners in screening for with no accountability or transparency and identifying cases in which there being provided in terms of value for was domestic abuse. money – a situation not unlike that which caused the collapse of Carillion. I’m sure you will all agree that all members need to stand shoulder The JSC were also provided with to shoulder, regardless of who their first hand written testimonies from employer is, to ensure their working a number of probation practitioners practice is not besmirched publicly detailing their experiences in coping because of operational failings that do with the myriad problems that have not allow them to deliver. followed the implementation of TR. You can watch the hearing in full here https://goo.gl/3aQ5iJ

New Justice Team The government’s justice team have been playing musical chairs again following Theresa May’s cabinet reshuffle in January (page 12). I have had the chance to have constructive informal chats with incumbents and Rory Stewart as is customary and look forward to being able to forge greater dialogue that brings Napo’s agenda to the fore.

7 8 THEY’RE BACK! GET INVOLVED It has been a while, but thanks to our good friends at the CSPA, IN NAPO offices up and down the country are about to Every single member plays members who identify as BAME get Napo-ised courtesy a vital role in helping Napo Women in Napo: Supporting of our brand new 2018 remain a relevant, independent women in the union wall calendars. and professional union – and For more information to join one it takes more than just paying of these networks, email Branches will have subscriptions. [email protected] already received some to distribute to local Participation and activism What about joining a offices, but if you would are major driving forces in committee? like more, contact either propelling the union and your There are still a number of [email protected] or causes forward. Without them, vacancies on some of Napo’s [email protected] at Napo runs the risk of fading into most important committees: Napo HQ. the background along with your profession and employment Campaigning Has the Napo calendar rights. Equal rights brightened up your Cafcass negotiating office for you and your Napo has a number of networks Health and safety colleagues? Send your and committees you can join Probation journal editorial board pictures in to to have your voice heard and Professional and training [email protected] help steer the direction of travel Trade union organising of the union. Not only will your Probation negotiating We have a gift card involvement help strengthen waiting for the most Napo and effect change, you The third round of nominations creatives snaps! will also have the opportunity to to join these committees will learn new skills and socialise with be released shortly, in the other members. meantime email [email protected] for more Have you joined one of Napo’s information networks? Napo has networks that have You are Napo and Napo is you! been developed to amplify the voices of certain sections of membership: The Forum: open to all members working in probation bands 1-3 Black Members Network: for 9 NAPO’S ONE The seminar held at DAY SEMINAR Napo HQ in London on 6 December was attended OF WOMEN’S by over 30 women from all over the country. OCCUPATIONAL There was an excellent balance from all sections HEALTH WAS A of probation and many new faces as well as some GREAT SUCCESS. familiar ones.

Sarah Friday, Napo Health and Safety NO, who organised the event, reported that interest in the event had been heartening and showed how relevant this issue is to members. A lot of those attending had never been to a Napo event before and many were attending because they had a specific issue of personal concern that they wanted to find out more about. She said that attendees found the day both hugely enjoyable and useful.

PRIORITISING WOMENS HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE 10 Sadly, although the while Kathryn Mackridge, events on a regional seminar was not TUC Women’s Equality basis across the union probation specific there Policy Officer, reported and Sarah Friday will was no one from the on what the TUC is doing be looking in to the Family Court Section. This to address the issue of possibility of this over the is something that Napo women’s health at work. course of this year. will look to address in Women’s Occupational future events. BACK TO BACK Health has been a priority There was also the of the national Health A WIDE RANGE OF opportunity for some and Safety Committee SPEAKERS practical advice on how for the past few years. Professor Myra Hunter best to arrange the office This is an important and Doctor Claire Hard, environment and to use area of focus given that from King’s College your laptop, PC, phones women are 70% of Napo’s London, spoke about etc. from RSI specialist membership in probation the results of Napo’s and ergonomist Bunny and 80% in cafcass. 2016 survey on women’s Martin. Bunny, who premenstrual experiences is Director of Back to However this area is and the menopause Back, was very hands not currently given the at work. on as she demonstrated profile it should have simple ways to arrange by employers and this Andrea Oates, equipment etc. to provide is something that the a freelance a safer and healthier Committee is working journalist, spoke working environment. hard to address. about her recent Members of the Health Labour Research WHAT NEXT and Safety Committee are article on ‘Keeping Everyone at the seminar normally serving Health Women Safe and agreed that it would be and Safety Reps. Healthy’ in the workplace, good to roll out similar

11 INTRODUCTORY TRAINING FOR H&S REPS

NATIONAL H&S REPS 3 DAY TRAINING COURSE

6TH, 7TH AND 8TH MARCH - DONCASTER

DONCASTER UNISON, 156 ST SEPULCHRE GATE WEST, DONCASTER, DN1 3AQ

This 3 day training course safety reps who want to “The content was take advantage of this will cover the basics of refresh their knowledge organised and easy to excellent opportunity health and safety reps and skills. It is also open follow and the materials and to register as soon as duties and their rights. to other Napo reps who very helpful. Sarah Friday’s possible. think it would be useful style of delivery, together It will also give an to have some knowledge with her experience and Contact Sarah Friday introduction to relevant of health and safety knowledge, made us feel [email protected] legislation. It will also look legislation. confident to participate and Shireena Suleman at the safety structure of and interact with ease”. [email protected] the NPS and CRCs and Feedback from previous if you are interested in discuss probation specific courses: Register Now attending. You will first case studies and current This is the first time need to talk to your line issues. “The course was this particular course manager to arrange paid very informative. The has been run over time off work to attend This course is suitable objectives of the training 3 days rather than 2 and also check with your for those thinking of were clearly defined and and also the first time branch that they will cover becoming a safety rep, the topics covered were in the North East. So your expenses. new safety reps and relevant to me”. members are urged to

12 ARE YOU New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) – as they are also known – were banned in 2016 after concerns about the rising number of deaths EQUIPPED associated to their use; however they are still readily available on the streets and on the web. TO TACKLE They are more affordable than other illegal drugs, and their proliferation has changed the SYNTHETIC drug scene in the UK. Without real data collection on the use of DRUG USE? synthetic drugs, it’s hard to build a clear picture of trends. However, the records that are kept indicate they are used largely by the homeless community and by other vulnerable people, including those who offend.

The report authors, Dame Glenys Stacey and Ursula Gallagher said: “We undertook this inspection primarily to identify good probation practice in tackling NPS use, given the rising concerns about its use among offenders. We did not find many examples of effective probation practice, but we did find some good initiatives by local partners.”

They went on to say: “While the police, health and local authorities were developing appropriate strategic responses, probation providers were not generally at the table. The National Probation Service and CRCs need to work more closely with partners to tackle NPS use. Even where probation providers had local NPS strategies in place, however, these were not implemented in the cases we saw. Probation providers need to make sure their people know what is expected.”

Do you feel equipped to deal with clients / families presenting with issues that result from their synthetic drug use? Have your say here: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HYSFeb

13 DAVID GAUKE JUSTICE SECRETARY

RORY STEWART JUSTICE MINISTER THERESA MAY SHOWS HER HAND

CABINET RE-SHUFFLE SEES ALL NEW JUSTICE TEAM, BUT DOES THAT MEAN DEAL OR BUST FOR PROBATION.

14 A cabinet re-shuffle Consistency in parole system within post. Nonetheless, in January left some leadership has not been hours of taking the reins. let’s hope his skills in political analysts the ministry’s strong While no statement diplomacy and hostile underwhelmed. The suit the past few years. has been made on environments stand him promise of increased Grayling’s disastrous his intentions for the in good stead for the diversity amongst the appointment in 2012 probation service at the justice sector’s difficult top ranks failed to was succeeded by four time of writing this, it terrain. materialise with white more justice secretaries would be interesting males still holding the – the last being David to see how a politician majority of positions, Gauke who made the who has a reputation for and the “new talent” move from work and troubleshooting solves a reserved for junior pensions. problem like probation. ministerial roles. Gauke’s appointment Sam Gyimah’s rebrand While Theresa May received a positive as universities minister continued to defend reaction – his law made way for Rory her selections across background making Stewart OBE to take up government, Napo him seemingly more the justice minister role. members would no qualified than some Stewart, who earned his doubt have paid of his predecessors. politic stripes in foreign particular attention to He also hit the ground affairs, was a shock the team handpicked running announcing appointment for some to lead the charge on a review into the since he was doing justice. transparency of the so well in his previous

KEN CLARKE CHRIS GRAYLING

LIZ TRUSS

15 Help spread the word and SPREAD increase Napo’s visibility by becoming a magazine THE WORD distributor in your area.

SMALL IN SIZE BIG IN CONTENT

You may have noticed printed magazine will other local offices. Email the magazine has be supplemented by [email protected] been given a dramatic a brand new website for more information. makeover. dedicated to keeping you up-to-date with The cumbersome A4 stories that matter in format has been ditched probation and family in favour of something court as soon as they Napo Magazine – more compact. Its happen. your profession, smaller size makes your union it easier to post and Help spread the word produce meaning we and increase Napo’s www.napomagazine.org.uk can get a copy into as visibility by becoming a many offices up and magazine distributor in down the country as your area. possible. We’re looking for Napo Although the size has members who would be reduced, the magazine happy to take delivery of still remains big on copies of the magazine content and high in and make them available quality. The bi-monthly in their own and/ or

16 NAPO: YOUR PROFESSIONAL UNION WE’RE HERE TO HELP!

I N G O T T U U R P Napo M - currently has around E

M O 6,000 members.

P The first port of call for B

A anyone seeking E R N advice, support or

B E S O R Y

H L O assistance is their F O C F U

N N G Each

A apo G branch I N N R I branch has a

S

R S

K has 23 branches (includ- T link National Officer B T ing the Family Court Section) R O and a link National Official R across England, Wales and O who they can refer more serious U W Northern Ireland – all members Y

member concerns to and or

O O /

regardless of their employer will be Y

in a branch. You can find out which U take advice from. If you need to

branch you belong to and who contact a National Officer or to speak to in your branch by National Official you can ringing Napo HQ Contact the Napo Head do so via Napo Head Office Team on Office 020 7223 4887 or email [email protected] W I T H H E R E G U T S E O N R National O ' H E Co-Chairs - Yvonne L ll members E A attison hris inters E W P & C W L regardless of their ice hair inance eith tokeld B V C F - K S P employer will be in a Vice Chairs - Katie Lomas

U Tina Williams branch. You can find out enise ason

O D M

which branch you belong to eneral ecretary an awrence Y G S - I L and who to speak to in Assistant General Secretary - your branch by ringing Dean Rogers National Officials - Tania Bassett, Napo Head Office Sarah Friday & Ranjit Singh

Other benefits of being a member To find out more visit Napo’s website on Members are also entitled to various member https://www.napo.org.uk/members/membership- services including legal benefits through benefits Thompsons and Simpson Millar Solicitors and a wide range of discount offers on goods and You will need to register as a Napo member on services through Napo Extra. the website to access the various offers Go to www.napo.org.uk/user/register to register.

17 COURT OFFICERS – THE CINDERELLA OF THE JUSTICE WORLD?

t the time com- sentenced; I often find the Presenting oral reports at ments were in- woefully inadequate short court, while not for every- vited for the se- format report restricts my one, helps to improve the lect committee capacity to share with the “Probation Profile” where on the impact court a lot of what I have in my experience we still Aof TR and with an eye on established. The rest, within enjoy some reputational ku- E3, I responded with unfet- the limited time available, dos. The fault lines on this tered gaze on the changing I am expected to provide arise from the pressures landscape of what used to through increasing worka- faced by CRCs. Staff there be known as the National rounds. are striving to make up for Probation Service. Not a the failure of a dysfunction- term applicable to all the Often the need for speedy al organisational structure work carried out by mem- assessments limits the the courts are becoming bers. Establishing how this quality, and therefore the increasingly aware of. came about and its impact value of these, including will take more copy than the self-gratifying Oasys Coming back to where I provided for here. tool. I am aware this makes started, the current court more work for those set up does not necessar- Attempts to provide an down the line who have to ily provide for an effec- insight into the role of a complete initial sentence tive use of time as we still court officer post TR would plans. I greatly sympathise remain being held hostage not be helped by trying to when the impact of meet- as the Cinderella of the outline a typical day in the ing the restrictions around justice world. Efficiency is life of etc. Most of my time, “same day reports” means impacted on by a grossly like many others, involves increased workloads for all inadequate IT system and sitting in front of a comput- concerned. being excellent, well that’s er screen. Opticians must where my colleagues and I be doing rather well as a The court officer’s dilemma excel. We are recognised, result. is: will the assessment but more often when the be good enough? Have I wheel falls off. Outside of this there is al- missed anything? And God ways the unexpected from forbid when meeting the Keith Stokeld the variety of cases I come challenge of contacting across. The job provides agencies for background National Vice-Chair me with the chance to en- checks adds to the pres- gage with disparate peo- sure, did I call the risk right? ple. The problem is, once Then of course, mustn’t having won the confidence allow the case to fall on the and trust of those to be wrong side of the divide

18 19 SCANDALOUS CRC BAILOUT INVESTIGATED Napo, Unison and GMB/ • The MOJ ended up • One of the options SCOOP wrote to the Na- paying the CRCs more which the MOJ con- tional Audit Office request- in 2016/17 than was sidered in respect of ing an investigation into the contractually required the poor performance lack of transparency of the in order to keep them of the CRCs was to MOJ’s multi-million pound afloat terminate some, or all, bail out of the CRCs and of the CRC contracts, this is what it found: • The CRCs under- but decided instead to estimated their fixed let the taxpayer take • CRCs are paid for the costs when bidding for the strain of the failing volume of rehabilitation the contracts, but the contracts by amending activity which they pro- MOJ agreed that the the contract payment vide, not the number of taxpayer, not the pri- mechanisms to give the clients supervised vate companies, should CRCs more money. shoulder these costs • The MOJ claimed instead Multiple reports published originally that it would by HMI Probation ques- transfer the commercial • So far this has all cost tioned the financial viability risk of future volumes the taxpayer an addi- of CRCs and this NAO in- of rehabilitation activity tional £342 million vestigation confirms what going down, as well as Napo and the Inspector- up, to the CRCs • By the end of June 2017, CRCs had, on av- ate knew all along: these • The MOJ obtained erage, met just 8 of the providers are underfunded parent company guar- 24 targets set for them and unable to deliver lit- antees that financial under their contracts. tle of the “innovations” to protection would be The worst performing rehabilitation that were provided for the tax- CRC, met only 4 of its promised. payer should the CRCs 24 targets. seriously underperform • Although it is entitled • The volume of re- to fine the CRCs for habilitation activity poor performance, the actually went down, MOJ has either waived, but the commercial risk or allowed CRCs to “re- attached to this was not invest”, 71% of the total transferred as promised of the fines which were to the CRCs, but was due to the taxpayer handed back to the taxpayer

20 NAPO MEMBERS WOULD HAVE BEEN LEFT REELING AT THE REVELATION GOVERNMENT HAD HANDED OVER AN ADDITIONAL £342M TO FAILING CRCS OVER THE COURSE OF 2017.

Where is the hard hitting penalty “for poor performance under these contracts?

I don’t think Mr Heaton you have to run a contract in a macho way in order to respond to a finding by the HM Inspector of Probation that CRCs are generally not producing good quality work...

I’m surprised you’re not pressing your advantage a bit more and realising your full rights under the contract to deduct more service credits – how bad do they have to be…? - Shabeena Mahmood ” MP

21 PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE INVESTIGATES

The Public Accounts Com- is to manage contracts also made the point that have received honourable mittee also paid detailed across a wide range of his job was to make sure mentions for making the attention to the NAO find- disparate areas – both the services work and best of a bad situation. ings. The Committee last private and public. And that was more important But earning praise for looked at the operation the question asked by than applying the letter of working under difficult – of the CRC contracts in MPs on the Committee, ‘is the contracts. But this still and sometime impossible 2016 and made a number this then the right model leaves the fact that the – conditions is not the of recommendations for when the risk ultimately answer to the MP’s subse- same as earning a wage improvement, so they will always be borne by quent question: “how bad deserved of keeping the were clearly interested the government and the do they have to be before community safe. to probe the current taxpayer, is a totally valid you press your advantage position. one. further?” is that, under the present arrangement Richard Heaton, MoJ In response to this line they cannot be allowed to Accounting Officer, of questioning Richard be bad - even if it means and Chief Executive of Heaton responded that bailing them out. HMPPS, Michael Spurr this was getting into the faced close questioning area of political decisions Experts and those work- by members of the Com- on which he couldn’t ing in the field know that mittee particularly from comment. The Justice more money needs to be MPs Chris Evans, Caroline Select Committee is pumped into interven- Flint and Shabeena currently conducting its tions if the UK has any Mahmood. (You can view own investigation into the chance of reducing the evidence session in operation of TR. prison numbers and full on parliament TV) provide assistance to HOLDING THE CRCs TO those who have already What emerged was that, ACCOUNT been through the system rather than being able to and are eager to become concentrate on managing Managing the con- productive members of the delivery of the service, tracts has not proved society. Imagine what officials were having to straightforward either investing £342m into pro- focus on restructuring as demonstrated by the visions for young people, the contracts so that they NAO report’s finding that women, mental health can provide sufficient the MoJ has decided not or carrying out some of profit for the providers to to collect the majority of the recommendations enable them to invest in the service credits it was from the Lammy review the services. Given where entitled to for underper- could have done. Instead they are this makes sense, formance. In response millions of pounds of but it still begs the ques- to close questioning valuable taxpayer money tion of why we are here on this from Shabeena have been poured into at all? Mahmood, Richard Hea- the financial black hole ton protested that it was that is the CRCs. The Corillion experience not in anyone’s interest has demonstrated the risk to ‘simply run a contract While these companies’ of entrusting vital public in a macho way to lead operational plans are services to companies the contracting party to under heavy scrutiny, whose sole enterprise fall over’. Michael Spurr those working tirelessly

22 “ Were you over ambitious? We’ve had quite a wide ranging discussion about taking on the challenge of servicing a group of people who hadn’t been serviced before.

But given actually that it was failing in relation to this cohort group in terms of custodial … wouldn’t you have been better to make sure that improved before you took on a challenge with so many unknowns in relation to how you would service the cohort group of short term offenders?” - Caroline Flint ” MP

NAPO, ALONG WITH THE OTHER UNIONS IS CALLING ON THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE FAILING CRC CONTRACTS BACK INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP TO PROTECT THE UK TAXPAYER FROM FURTHER EXPENSE IN PROPPING UP UNSUSTAINABLE PRIVATE COMPANIES.

23 POLITICIANS BRIEFED ON NPS SHARED SERVICES FAILINGS

Napo brought members’ account for the different problems and amplified who left the service mid- many, serious, concerns terms and conditions of the depth and danger of year, leading to pension about problems with the NPS staff, built into the the key structural and sys- and tax readjustments NPS’s flawed Shared Ser- system by the National tematic flaw. • Pay and tax errors being vices setup to the attention Staff Transfer Agree- Napo supplied the Group repeated and increased of politicians last month. In ment and TUPE protec- with many examples of par- by automatic adjust- January the union reported tions. ticular problems, including: ments being made by to the Justice Unions and • There are articular the SSCL computer • Hundreds of incorrect Family Courts Parliamentary structural flaws linked to which were not correct payment of wages Group on the many HR and two competing pension SSCL has also failed to col- payroll problems created • Several hundred new schemes which under- lect pension contributions by the new single operating employees going mine the core ‘basic from any staff who have system (SOP) introduced several months without assumptions’ that the ‘atypical’ or changes to supposedly to address the being paid at all shared service model their monthly pay since the problems with the SSCL. rely upon. • Continuing failure to introduction of SOP. There The union told MPs that include holiday pay in Staff and the unions were are regular miscalculations the many problems with wage and pension cal- promised that SOP would of length of service. These the shared service system culations for sessional address all of the weak- failures mean the pension related to two main factors: staff nesses up to this point. The provider cannot issue annual • The system does not tragic reality however is that • Non-payment of pro- pension statements with adequately and safely it has instead increased the rata pay awards to staff any confidence and staff

24 approaching retirement are until May 2017 tional health recommenda- However, politicians within also not being issued with • The wrong maternity tions are routinely unmet. the MoJ are resistant to this estimates or quotes until leave being paid to NPS as it would embarrass them Parliamentarians In Group after their leave date. staff until harmonisation by exposing the nudity of were told that in early 2017 of terms in May 2017. the HMPPS. There are also concerns Napo wrote to the Minister Subsequently, no pen- about potential failure to about the concerns only for sion contributions have auto-enroll recent new start- him to write back saying that The alternative escape been taken from those ers in the LGPS. the SOP system had sorted would be terminating the on maternity leave. the problems out – clearly he In addition there have been SSCL contract. However, • Staff re-entering proba- had been misinformed. large scale problems with Napo’s understanding is tion after a break in contracts: Napo has argued that it is that SSCL is partly owned by service have been told impossible to see how the the and so • Staff working alongside ‘they don’t exist’ and problem can be rectified un- the economic and political Prison service employ- refused contracts by the til the NPS is withdrawn from stakes seem to make this ees are being issued SSCL computer due to the SSCL process. This could unlikely. NOMS contracts con- a loss of their previous easily be achieved by deem- taining the wrong terms records. ing the NPS to be a Next- and conditions. Read the full briefing here In addition assisted technol- Steps Agency (the same www.napo.org.uk/sscl-up- • There are failures to ogy users have had a night- status afforded Cafcass by date-jan-2018 apply statutory shared mare as the processes were the MoJ - largely because it

parental leave provisions not matched and occupa- too is aligned to the LGPS).

The Civil Service Pensioners’ as the value of the State CSPA membership costs Alliance (CSPA) is recognised Retirement Pension, Universal £24.00 per annum for single by the Cabinet Office Pensioner Benefits, Social membership or £33.60 for and other Government Care and NHS health service joint membership. As a Departments and Agencies, provision. special offer, Napo Retired as the body that represents Members, are being offered all retired civil servants. The In cooperation with the Napo free membership of the CSPA Alliance is a membership National Executive Committee, for the first six months. Further organisations that lobbies Napo Retired Members are information about joining can on behalf of civil service being invited to join the CSPA. be obtained from the CSPA as pensioners to maintain the This will enable Napo Retired value of civil service and Members to access a wide follows: related pensions. range of membership benefits and services including a Mike Duggan, General CSPA also campaigns on highly competitive annual Secretary, CSPA Head Office, behalf of all pensioners travel insurance scheme that Grosvenor House, 125 High through affiliations with the discounts pre-existing health Street, CROYDON, CR0 9XP Public Service Pensioners’ problems. CSPA membership Tel: 020 8688 8418 Council, the Later Life will also enable Napo Email: [email protected] Retired Members to support Ambitions campaign and Web: www.cspa.co.uk the National Pensioners’ the CSPA’s lobbying and Convention, on issues such campaigning activities. 25 SERIOUS FURTHER OFFENCE REVIEWS - HARMFUL OR HELPFUL?

Many reading this article the PI and guidance. Plans blame and shame. however there are also will have some knowledge to make HMI Probation re- examples of poor practice. The SFO process is current- or experience of a seri- sponsible for these reviews Simply issuing new guid- ly under review by HMPPS ous further offence (SFO) have been floated over the ance does not always bring who have consulted Napo review. These reviews take past few years and we are the desired change, which about their plans. Some place when a specified awaiting further news this is often blocked by local of the changes proposed offence is committed by a year of where the responsi- workplace culture, other include a shift away from person who is already un- bility will eventually rest. competing pressures (such focusing irrelevant points der probation supervision. as workload, an undue fo- When done well, the of information and focus- cus on targets or continual Professionals supervis- SFO reviewer will take an sing more on the decision change) or by poor support ing clients who go on to inquisitive rather than inter- making and management and development for those commit a serious offence rogative approach making of a case that did have expected to deliver the understandably often react it a supportive process. Un- a clear impact on the change. with guilt, grief and shame. fortunately, feedback from outcome. There is also a desire for reports to include Many report feelings of some members suggests Napo’s representations on more narrative and to limit inadequacy, depression, this isn’t always the case. this have focussed on mak- the amount of third party sleeplessness and loss of We have all witnessed high ing the process a learning information included so the appetite in the aftermath. profile SFO reviews garner experience, ensuring that reports are more shareable, Depending on how the widespread attention which all officers involved in a has resulted in significant increasing transparency. SFO review process is con- review receive construc- ducted, it can either help consequences for those While these aims are tive and sensitive feedback or harm the officer involved involved. helpful it is clear from our and that the context of to manage the impact of I have never met an officer members that despite any their work on the case is the experience and learn who disagrees with reflec- such positive focus from properly taken into ac- from it. tive practice and learning the top the experience on count. Where workloads SFO reviews have been from every experience, dif- the ground can be differ- are impossibly high it is around for nearly 15 years ficult or otherwise. The SFO ent. There are examples unreasonable to expect and have changed during review has the potential to of excellent practice from best practice in every case that time. The process is support this ideal but only reviewers, team managers and members should not currently governed by PI if done in a way that sup- and more senior managers be held to unreasonable 04-2013 and is managed ports reflection and learn- in supporting members go- standards. Where organi- by the employer in line with ing rather than fostering ing through SFO reviews, sational failings such as

26 I HAVE NEVER MET “ AN OFFICER WHO DISAGREES WITH REFLECTIVE PRACTICE AND LEARNING FROM unreasonable workloads EVERY EXPERIENCE, are identified in the report we expect urgent action to DIFFICULT OR OTHERWISE. address these, in the same way that individual learning points are expected to be ” urgently addressed.

The review of the guidance on SFO reviews is a real opportunity for change that would improve the working lives of both those mem- bers affected and those who can learn from the experience of others. We can only hope that these changes can be embed- ded now and developed into a positive approach to learning when – or if – the process is moved to HMIP.

Napo members deserve a review process which allows them to reflect in a safe and positive environ- ment so that they can learn from even the most tragic and distressing experi- ences. Katie Lomas Credit: Stefano Cagnoni Katie Lomas National Vice Chair

27 PATS ON THE BACK Is there someone in will get the added to let us have contact Napo – a local rep or bonus of being put details so we can get just a fellow member forward for the ‘Napo back in touch with you. – whose support has Pats on Their Backs’ Also don’t forget to meant a lot to you? prize draw, sponsored check with your ‘Patee’ Would you like to by Napo Extra - with a before writing in. thank a National Rep prize for the winner of *Napo Extra is offering or Napo Official for £75 to spend on any or both winners a their work, or even just a combination of Napo reimbursement up to give Napo a pat on the Extra deals. (See terms the value of £75 of back for what we are and conditions below). any purchase made doing in your branch Send us your vote of through the scheme. or nationally? thanks, for publication Winners will be This regular feature in the Napo Magazine required to provide is your chance to to [email protected]. proof of purchase share that thanks with uk with the subject to redeem the prize colleagues. Plus you heading ‘Pats on Their which will be made and your ‘nominee’ Back 2018’. Keep your promptly by cheque or (excluding Napo ‘praise’ to 150 words BACS transfer. employees of course) or less and don’t forget

28 PROBATION JOURNAL STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Did you know you with SAGE’s entire rum for sharing good “The Value of Bearing can sign up to receive Criminology and practice, disseminating Witness to Desistance”, alerts from Probation Criminal Justice jour- criminal justice re- explores how experi- Journal free of charge? nals portfolio, via www. search and developing ences of trauma can When you sign up to napo.org.uk debate about the theo- impact on practice. ry and practice of work SAGE you will receive Inside this issue: Visit the Probation with offenders. The journal news and Journal homepage at • The changing journal features the tables of contents as http://journals.sage- nature of pre- most recent research soon as articles are pub.com/home/prb to sentence reports in and current issues and published. You can get sign up for alerts and the context of the debates both in proba- the alerts daily, weekly ensure you keep up push for “speedier tion and across the or monthly – it’s up to to date with the most justice” wider criminal justice you. current news, analysis • Restorative justice system. Visit http://journals. and research from the with women We regularly include sagepub.com/home/ journal. “Practitioner Respons- prb and sign up via the • The environment of es” to the issues raised “connect with us” box. Approved Premises Nicola Carr by articles published Once logged in, you • The Lammy Review Editor in the journal. These can choose the type on race and bias in Probation Journal responses provide of email alert you are the criminal justice a unique forum for sent. system. exploring the links As a Napo member, Probation Journal was between research and you continue to have established in 1929 practice. Our most free access to Proba- and provides a nation- recent practitioner re- tion Journal, along al and international fo- sponse to an article on

29 LEADING JUDGE WARNS OF ‘IMMINENT CRISIS’

The impact of workload about workloads was to handle more cases. and I am aware of pressures on the family overlooked in favour of “The fact is that, on the several colleagues (as court system has become the more sensational ground, the system is – well as myself) breaking the subject of public focus aspects of the cases the people who make down in tears as the over the past months. involved. the system work are – at result of unmanageable full stretch. We cannot, workloads.” A recent report focussing Imminent Crisis and I have for some time on cases of inappropriate While another said: “I In November last year now been making clear contact orders putting am totally exhausted the Guardian reported that I will not, ask people children at risk was aired at present. I have to on the sustained increase to work harder. Everyone on BBC Look North at work from 9am to 9pm. in the number of child – everyone – is working the beginning of the Cafcass’ expectations care cases. The number as hard as they can”, he year. Napo was asked are unacceptable. We of care cases being dealt said. to provide information have a high number of with by the family courts for the report which was cases needing allocations in England and Wales has A Napo survey of looking at a number and insufficient staff to risen from an average of workloads across of incidents in the manage them. More about 6,500 a year before the whole of the Lincolnshire area, and staff are leaving than 2009 to about 15,000 in union’s membership Napo’s AGS Dean Rogers, joining which means an 2017. conducted in 2017 was interviewed for the showed a high level of increase in our workloads. programme. Dean tried So alarming is the stress experienced by We have a workload to explain that although situation that the members in the family allocations system which the system worked well president of the family courts. is useless as it you are when risk was identified division, Sir James Munby, in high red you should there was serious concern issued an emergency One respondent said not get any new cases, that workload pressures statement saying that “I feel the workload but we do. Many people meant that warning signs the family court service impacts on the quality of are on sick leave due to might not be spotted. in England and Wales my work. This has also struggling with the high This could mean that is facing a “clear and negatively impacted on caseloads.” unsupervised contact was imminent crisis”. Sir both my health (resulting given to fathers where James said that he could in sick leave) and my Napo will now be the mother had left an not simply ask lawyers family life. The high contacting the new abusive relationship or court staff to work caseloads within Cafcass Minister to discuss these putting children at risk. harder and cautioned contribute to very high urgent concerns. However the main thrust that standards should stress levels both for of Napo’s arguments not be sacrificed in order me and my colleagues

30 Keeping the records of Making sure we have thousands of members the correct details for DO WE up-to-date is no mean you means that you will feat which is why we be able to cast your need your help. If you vote in these important HAVE have recently moved, leadership elections. changed name or are on long term leave from work please contact Updating your details is YOUR the membership simple. You can: department.

CORRECT This is particularly Email important this year as we [email protected] will be running elections Log on to for both the General DETAILS? www.napo.org.uk Secretary and National Chair posts. Call 020 7223 4887

31 DOMESTIC ABUSE CASES

THE ISSUE OF DOMESTIC ABUSE IS IN FAMILY EVER PRESENT IN THE WORK OF THE FAMILY COURT. COURTS

I have recently received and signed a petition that was set up by Women’s Aid to try to prevent proposed funding changes by the research during Napo AGM in to better guide Courts as to when the government. Under the new October. From this conversation it finding of fact hearings should be plans, rent money, which used to appeared to me that, not all of the listed regarding domestic abuse. go straight to domestic violence cases being researched involved refuges, will instead go to local Last year, Cafcass and Women’s unsupervised contact. In one case authorities – effectively forcing ref- Aid collaborated on research into (at least) the child had a Cafcass uges to compete for funding with the outcomes of applications for Guardian appointed and a very other local services. children to spend time with a par- high level of input was being pro- ent in cases where domestic abuse Experts warn that the govern- vided with all contact supervised had been alleged. The study used ment’s proposed changes could by Cafcass. This did not appear in both quantitative and qualita- force over a third of current refug- the programme. tive research methods. Domestic es to close. This would leave some An interview was later filmed abuse had been alleged in almost victims of domestic violence with with Dean. He provided informa- two thirds of cases. Lucy Hadley nowhere to go and could force tion about the care and vigilance from Women’s Aid gave a presen- them and their children into a po- taken by Cafcass practitioners tation at the family court section sition of returning to or remaining in screening for and identifying professional session of Napo’s in their abusive relationship. cases in which there was domestic AGM. She gave the following Napo was invited to contribute to abuse. It is unfortunate that this information: a recently aired local TV news story was not included in the editing Fathers were much more likely about Family Courts, Cafcass and of the programme. The only part to be the subjects of allegations domestic abuse. The thrust of the of his contribution that was aired than mothers. Physical abuse was programme was that children were was that, at times of high demand, recorded most often within the being sent for unsupervised con- high caseloads and a shortage of sample, followed by coercive con- tact with parents (typically fathers) resources, it is possible that cases trol and sexual abuse. Allegations against whom there were allega- could be missed. included post-separation abuse. tions of domestic abuse. It is clear that we cannot afford to In 55% of cases where domestic Both Dean Rogers (AGS) and I be complacent about this issue, abuse was alleged, it co-existed spoke by phone at some length though, and it is positive that Prac- with other harms – children living with the reporter responsible for tice Rule 12J has been updated in families with other complex

32 needs including parental mental • Orders made at first and final health needs, substance misuse hearing with the consent of and emotional abuse of the child. the parties in, respectively, The outcomes were as follows: 89% and 86% of cases, sug-

At first hearing, where domestic gesting possible coercive abuse was alleged: control being a factor.

• No contact ordered in 42% of The presumption of contact cases remains although there was evi- dence of risk of harm to children. • Unsupervised contact ordered The research highlights that the in 23% of cases issues are highly complex and • Supported or supervised con- worthy of further work. Dr Gillian tact ordered in 21% of cases Macdonald also gave a presenta-

• Work after first hearing - FCA tion at our professional slot of recommendations in cases AGM. Her research showed that, where domestic abuse was although FCAs often discuss issues alleged: of domestic abuse with children, their views tend not to be included • Unsupervised contact recom- in Section 7 reports. She found a mended in 39% of cases strong emphasis on ‘rebuilding • No direct contact recommend- father/child relationships’ and re- ed in 32% establishing direct contact in the

• Supported or supervised con- future, regardless of potential risks tact recommended in 29% and children’s fears.

• Contact generally was granted Jay Barlow after it was already taking National Vice-Chair place informally Family Court Section

33 AN END TO UNNECESSARY CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS?

Criminal record checks as filtering system. Filtering of custody I was applying involved in the Ban the we currently know them was designed to stop for all sorts of jobs, but Box campaign which seeks may be scrapped later this certain convictions being when they found out I to remove the need to year if campaigners have disclosed after a period of had a criminal record disclose convictions on a their way. time for people with just they would not progress job application form said: one conviction.However, my application.” He also “We know the biggest The Supreme Court is some offences are exempt found it to be a barrier to frustration that a lot of due to decide in June from filtering regardless of education saying deep and people have is that they just whether to uphold High the period of time which probing questions asked can’t get their foot in the Court and Court of Appeal has since passed or the by colleges and universities door. They can’t sit down in rulings which found the person’s age when they about what he had been front of an employer and current criminal records had been convicted. Those doing since he left school explain why they have been disclosure scheme to be who have been convicted left him feeling ashamed of where they have in the disproportionate and (or in some cases received his past. past.” unlawful. cautions) for more than one This barrier to employment While we await the verdict Figures released following offence will never have their or education will no doubt on what will no doubt a freedom of information convictions filtered and have serious implications affect Napo members’ request by the Centre will have the information for a person moving on client group, Christopher of Crime and Justice disclosed in all checks until with their life – no matter told us what you can do Studies found that of the they are 100-years-old. This how old or serious the to help particularly given 4.2m requests made by is particularly important offence. Christopher the context which Napo employers for disclosure in when considering the Stacey, co-director at operates in. “One of the 2015, 742,482 were more impact a small brush with Unlock, a charity that things we need are people than a decade old and the law as a child may have supports and campaigns who support the case only 5,167 were relevant when applying for jobs on behalf of people for change. There have to the job the person was and university places as an affected by criminal record been a lot of government applying for. adult. checks said: “Desistence is committees and David The government has Kuda Chiwandire, who a heavily researched area, Lammy’s report touched on previously acknowledged uses his past experience but one of the things that this area, but we also need that revealing old and of the justice system to hasn’t really been looked support from employers, minor convictions work with young people at is the impact that having employers’ representatives to employers could with criminal records, a criminal record has on and trade unions who be damaging to an brands the procedure a desistence, or not as the support the fact the system applicant’s prospects “double punishment”. He case may be.” needs a fundamental and so introduced the said: “When I came out Unlock have been review.”

34 06/02/2018 Word Search Puzzle WORDSEARCHForgot username or password? Passcode/CreateFree New legal User Help protection, username password Current Users Login Solutions for Districts Free Resources What We Offer Who We Are Teachers Parentswhenever Students you need it.

ECITSUJFAHVCMQN

BYLMUVXYBGQIKOT

BIFZSOHKYOLWIGA Napo members get free, expert RSNWKXLIALATFNX legal advice and representation for: Personal injury – at or away from LTUTDGAIIGAVEIP work, on holiday or on the roads PYOMEJSOAIBUKLA Serious injury – including brain and spinal cord injuries GALVBRNQTBPOLIY Industrial disease or illness ZOZIVSSIOTYQRAE Employment law – accessed via your Napo branch ZYXAORLEQGWZBFR Visit the website for information about additional member benefits ESQRWIJXROQAHRV www.thompsonstradeunion.law/napo THUKBXJCCVIYUEU 0800 587 7521 XRCAZPUEPIEPBGY

SVHHZLNEWNSETTF

JEIQXLBXEUVOMLL Financial peace of

REVOLUTIONEQETV mind. Make it happen.

BAILOUT FAILING INTERSERVE You work hard for your JUSTICE MILLIONS REHABILITIATION REVOLUTION TAXPAYERSPURR SPURRTAXPAYER money, but is your money working hard for you? JUSTICE BAILOUT Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com As NAPO’s preferred provider of REVOLUTION FAILING financial advice, we offer practical, affordable advice specific to you that MILLIONS REHABILITATION could improve your financial situation.

INTERSERVE Book a complimentary, no obligation appointment now. Call 08000 85 85 90. Email [email protected]

LIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL ADVICE

Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited is an appointed representative of Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lighthouse Advisory Services Limited and Lighthouse Financial Advice Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of Lighthouse Group plc. Registered in England No. 04795080. Registered Office: 26 Throgmorton Street, London, EC2N 2AN. 2018-01-34 18.0162 exp25/1/19

35

http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp 1/1 NAPO EXTRA - VISIT NAPO EXTRA FOR MORE SAVE 10% ON INFORMATION OR CALL 01206 655000 BREAKDOWN QUOTE: NAPO10 RECOVERY

There’s never a good time for your vehicle to break down, but it could happen on your way to work, on holiday, or while you’re enjoying a family day out. Why not benefit from peace of mind by taking out startrescue.co.uk breakdown cover? Dependable, award winning vehicle rescue cover doesn’t need to cost the earth and with this offer, you can save yourself even more. Just select the cover that suits you and enter your discount code. So now there’s no need to run the risk of being stranded at the roadside*!

*Terms and conditions apply. See website for details. Offers subject to change without notice. Insurance is subject to underwriting. Your vehicle must be registered to and ordinarily kept at an address within the territorial limits (UK). Personal breakdown cover allows the policy holder to be covered in any vehicle (some exclusions may apply). A Vehicle breakdown cover policy only covers the vehicle specified in the policy. Napo Extra is managed on behalf of Napo by Parliament Hill Ltd. Napo are an Introducer Appointed Representative of Parliament Hill Ltd of 3rd Floor, 127 Cheapside, London, EC2V 6BT who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for non-investment insurance mediation only under registration number 308448. Details can be checked on the Financial Services register by visiting the FCA’s website at https://fca.org.uk/register. Neither Napo nor Parliament Hill are part of the same group as the providers.