Transforming Rehabilitation is a government proposal to contract out and extend probation services starting in 2015. The role of Probation Services will be restricted to high risk offenders. The current proposals, which are being consulted on, are that services will be delivered by a small number of prime contractors (Primes) in 16 areas which are likely to be co-terminous with the Work Programme areas. The primes will then sub-contract to a small number of large organisations which then may further sub-contract to small organisations. The contract will be tendered on a binary payment by results (PBR) basis. 80% will be paid up front and a further 20% if the offender does not reoffend within 12 months.
Services offered through the primes and their sub-contractors must be "evidence based", should extend services to offenders released from short-term sentences and involve mentors (voluntary or paid).
At a consultation meeting today, held at Greater Manchester Police HQ, Tony Lloyd, the Police Commissioner, voiced his concerns about the proposals, offered to put together a joint Greater Manchester response and asked people to contact him with their concerns. The government consultation has a very short timescale finishing on Friday 22nd Feb.
A useful discussion paper on the issues, prepared by John Hannen of Greater Manchester Council for Voluntayr Organisations, can be found here.