Probation services across South London are ‘inadequate’, inspectors find

Lewisham and Bromley ‘s probation services have both been branded ‘inadequate’ by inspectors – the lowest possible rating. 

The findings by HM Inspectorate of Probation show the two South London Probation Delivery Units (known as PDUs) are even worse than three in east London which ‘Require Improvement’. 

They join Hammersmith, Fulham, Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster PDU, Lambeth PDU and Ealing and Hillingdon PDU, which were all rated ‘inadequate’ in October. 

Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell, said: “These reports conclude a hugely disappointing period for our inspection programme, with all the London probation services we have inspected requiring immediate improvements.  

“We knew that they were struggling to cope with the unification of probation services in 2021, and the lasting impact of Covid-19, but we have been shocked by the level of poor-quality services.  

“Only 25 per cent of cases we inspected were satisfactory in relation to their assessment of risk of serious harm. And domestic abuse checks with the police were not made in 64 per cent of the cases where they should have been.” 

The problem has been compounded by the fact as many as 500 vacancies remain unfilled and high sickness absence levels, meaning higher caseloads for remaining staff. 

Mr Russell added: “The assessment and management of the risks of serious harm to the public are far from satisfactory in the cases we have inspected.  

“And not enough safeguarding and domestic abuse enquiries are being made to safely manage risks of serious harm. London expects better from its probation services and deserves to be protected from such risks. 

“We are confident these poor ratings aren’t due to a lack of effort by individuals within the service, who show a commitment to the people they supervise, but they need help.

“I remain hopeful for the future, given the determination within each service to drive change.

“However, these inspections serve as clear warning to the Probation Service – London region, and the Probation Service at a national level, that it will take a significant effort on their part to make this happen.”

Lewisham and Bromley probation services were approached for comment.

Pictured top: Wormwood Scrubs prison – one of the jails those on probation will have been to (Picture: Wikimedia Commons / Rod Allday)