Justice Secretary Chris Grayling was in Winchester on Thursday 17th January on a visit to Hampshire Probation Trust at its' new HQ is located in the city centre.
Mr Grayling came to meet staff and senior managers of the Trust following the publication last week of the Transforming Rehabilitation consultation paper which describes the Government's proposals for reforming the delivery of offender services in the community to reduce reoffending rates whilst delivering improved value for money for the tax payer.
He was joined by local Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP Steve Brine who officially opened the Trust's new offices last year. As a member of the influential House of Commons Justice Select Committee, Mr Brine works closely on justice issues in Parliament and spoke in the recent Commons debate as the consultation paper was launched.
Speaking after the visit Steve said: "It was really good to have Chris Grayling here especially as this is the first probation trust he has visited since the new proposals were released earlier this month. Of course making change happen presents both challenges and new opportunities, so no organisation welcomes what will be quite significant change with open arms but I hope Hampshire Probation staff and the senior management team found it useful to talk directly with the Secretary of State and to ask questions about what we are putting forward.
"These proposals will, for the first time, ensure offender management on leaving custody is extended to those who have served under 12-months, where re-offending is rigidly stuck at just over 50%, and that is very welcome. What's clear to me is the status quo is not an option because we simply cannot afford, financially or socially, to go on as we are."
Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: "The government wants to transform the way we deliver rehabilitation, so that offenders get a mentor on release from prison, to help them turn their backs on crime. We are keen to work with professionals in probation, who have considerable expertise and experience, and I am pleased to visit Hampshire to see the work that the probation service has been doing here, as well as to have an open and constructive discussion about our plans for change."
The direct management of offenders who pose the highest risk of serious harm – often known as MAPPA or multi-agency offenders – will remain wholly within the public sector.
Pictured; Steve Brine with Justice Secretary Chris Grayling MP outside Winchester Probation Trust
More information ...
MOJ Transforming Rehabilitation Consultation paper (runs until 22nd February 2013), or for ease in print, www.justice.gov.uk.