Inspecting probation services in England & Wales : The assessment of effectiveness in a mixed sector contract environment

McDowell, P; Hazel, N

Abstract

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation for England and Wales (HMIP) has always adjusted its function and focus to accommodate changes in the political and probation landscape. However, it has consistently judged effectiveness of services by auditing management or practice processes, most recently against criteria developed from the "what works" agenda. The authors, including the new Chief Inspector, argue that this approach is no longer "fit for purpose" as adult probation services move into a mixed-sector contract environment. A new conception of effectiveness for inspection based around offender outcome rather than service process is proposed as more relevant moving forward, along with consideration of the difficulties that will need to be overcome. Some secondary benefits of an outcome-led methodology are discussed, including opportunities to investigate factors that help understand outcomes and to produce whole-system assessments.

Citation

McDowell, P., & Hazel, N. (2015). Inspecting probation services in England & Wales : The assessment of effectiveness in a mixed sector contract environment. Perspectives, 39(2), 92-102

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Jun 12, 2015
• Journal: Perspectives
• Print ISSN: 1062-1083
• Publisher: American Bar Association
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 92-102
• Keywords: Probation, parole, inspection, inspectorate, governance
• Publisher URL: https://www.appa-net.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=VC_PubsReports
• Additional Information: Funders : HM Inspectorate of Probation