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HM Inspectorate of Probation
@hmiprobation.bsky.social
26 followers 87 following 10 posts
HM Inspectorate of Probation is the independent inspector of youth justice and probation services in England and Wales.
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hmiprobation.bsky.social
A Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in the South West region was published today. Inspectors were disappointed with the quality of work to keep people safe but noted positive progress with court work. Read the full report here: buff.ly/oXXplGL
A quote card that reads context: 64 cases were inspected where the Inspectorate examined assessment, planning, implementation and delivery, and reviewing, all through the lens of public protection work. During this inspection, the region was continuing to experience longstanding staffing challenges. Recruitment efforts since our last inspection in 2023 were leading to an improving picture, however significant gaps remained. A quote card the reads findings: Inspectors found the quality of work to keep people safe to be “disappointing”. Fewer than a third of all cases met the threshold of sufficiency for keeping people safe in implementation and delivery, and under half of all cases in assessment and reviewing. Positive progress had also been made with court work, with the implementation of structures and systems such as the use of pre-sentence report gatekeeping demonstrating an improvement in quality and indicating benefits from peer-to-peer learning.
February 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
New report: Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in South Central region of the Probation Service. There were some positive developments, however prison capacity issues and staffing in the region remained a critical challenge. buff.ly/CjVSdR1
Dynamic Inspection of Public Protection in the South Central region Quote from HM Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones, “There were some positive developments in the South Central region, however these were overshadowed by systemic challenges, rapid policy changes and inconsistent assurance mechanisms. Despite some good work, delays in multi-agency information sharing continued to undermine the region’s ability to deliver high-quality public protection work. Context: Fifty-six cases were inspected through the lens of public protection work. At the time of the inspection (November 2025) the region was implementing several national policies aimed at managing workloads across the prison and probation estates, including prison early release schemes, Probation Reset, Impact and changes to recall policy. Findings: The region has been hampered by the reactive approach they have been required to employ because of prison capacity issues, and challenges in the recruitment and retention of staff. In over half of the relevant cases, there was insufficient engagement with other agencies to manage risks related to domestic abuse. In almost two thirds of cases of the cases, practitioners did not work appropriately with children’s services where potential risks had been identified.
February 12, 2026 at 6:15 AM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
HMPPS have responded to the recommendations made by the Inspectorate in our 2025 National Inspection of the Probation Service. Read Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones’ thoughts here: hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/hmpps-r...
HMPPS respond to National Inspection recommendations  – HM Inspectorate of Probation
Inspecting probation and
 youth justice services.
hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
February 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
Barking and Dagenham YJS has been rated as ‘Good’ following an inspection. Inspectors found the YJS to have a comprehensive understanding of the strengths, needs, and safety of the child. Victim work needs significant development. Read more: buff.ly/kvcFhcI
Barking and Dagenham Youth Justice Service (YJS). Overall rating: 'Good'. A picture of His Majesty’s Chief of Inspector of Probation, with a quote that says, “The practitioners at Barking & Dagenham YJS were skilled and motivated and have worked hard to improve its work with children since our last inspection in 2018. The strong focus on education, training, and employment has resulted in a service that is aspirational for its children.”
February 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
Inspection announcement: youth justice work with children and victims in Bedfordshire - fieldwork starts w/c 02 March 2026.
February 9, 2026 at 1:05 PM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, has commented on the findings of the Public Accounts Committee report on the Probation Service. Read here: hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/the-pub...
Card reads: Efficiency and resilience of the Probation Service This is followed by a quote ascribed to HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones “I share the Committee's concern around the huge strain on probation and the critical need for urgent attention, at the most senior level, to ensure it has the staff, resources and focus it needs to protect the public and reduce reoffending.”
February 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our consultation on our thematic inspection and research programmes for 2026/2027. Please see our response: buff.ly/uW4UuKW
Consultation on our thematic inspection and research programmes for 2026/2027 – HM Inspectorate of Probation
Inspecting probation and
 youth justice services.
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 10:53 AM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
Inspection announcement: Victoria House Approved Premises in Scunthorpe. On site fieldwork starts this week.
February 2, 2026 at 12:15 PM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
Inspection announcement: dynamic inspection of public protection, Yorkshire & The Humber. Fieldwork begins w/c 23 February 2026.
February 2, 2026 at 11:22 AM
hmiprobation.bsky.social
Welcome to HM Inspectorate of Probations' Bluesky account!

We'll use this account to keep you up to date on our latest reports, thematic work, effective practice and research. 

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HM Inspectorate of Probation – Inspecting probation and
 youth justice services.
Inspecting probation and
 youth justice services.
hmiprobation.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
February 2, 2026 at 10:20 AM