The interventions landscape for probation services: delivery, challenges, and opportunities

Our second Research & Analysis Bulletin for 2024 explores the probation interventions landscape, providing an overview of how well the post-unification landscape is operating for those on the frontline, and considering good practices and areas for improvement. Key findings are as follows

• Research evidence supports the use of various interventions for people on probation, and our analysis of matched inspection and outcomes data clearly demonstrates the potential for high-quality implementation and delivery to reduce reoffending and support desistance.
• However, around half of the cases in our recent inspections did not receive sufficient, or sufficient quality, interventions or services. Gaps in provision were highlighted by the research participants in relation to specific needs, particularly accessing suitable housing, and in relation to specific subgroups, especially services for ethnic minorities.
• Accredited programmes were viewed positively but there were concerns about waiting lists and the ability to access the programmes in a timely manner.
• Practitioners had lacked the time to build their understanding of structured interventions and toolkits, and there had been insufficient training regarding their use and delivery.
• The commissioned rehabilitative services (CRS) Refer and Monitor system was criticised by both probation staff and TSO workers for requiring data entry duplication, being overly bureaucratic, and failing to provide either side with sufficient information to monitor progress safely and effectively.

Building upon the findings in the bulletin – including positive examples of innovation in local joint commissioning – the following considerations are set out for improving the interventions provided to people on probation:

In developing the interventions landscape, an overriding principle should be to support delivery which is aligned to evidence and which is personalised, holistic, engaging, responsive, and inclusive. A balance needs to be struck between not over-complicating the landscape while ensuring that sufficient options and flexibility are in place at the local level to meet the full range of individual needs, maximising access to universal services wherever possible to support longer-term community integration and social inclusion.

The bulletin and an accompanying short video can be accessed via the link below.

Research & Analysis Bulletins