In the run up to Modernising Criminal Justice 2024 we’ve asked our expert speakers from the 2023 agenda to share their thoughts on digital innovation within the Probation Service.
Half of offenders return to prison within 2 years of release in England and Wales. Digitalisation and innovation have the potential to improve systems and can have a big impact on re-offending rates. Reductions in re-offending rates can be a direct result of better connected services and improved data management.
So, we asked our experts: ‘What is the role of digital innovation in the future of probation?’
Matt Grey Executive Director for Reducing Reoffending, Partnerships and Accommodation at HMPPS
'We want probation practitioners to be supported by simple, effective digital services which allow them to spend more time with people under their supervision. Our ambition is to develop more interconnected services so staff can make faster, better decisions, and not spend hours filling in forms.
Digital innovation needs to support more effective assessment and sentence planning to support practitioners to focus on people’s risks, needs and strengths, to protect the public and reduce reoffending.'
Ian Lawrence, General Secretary at Napo (Probation and Family Courts)
'Once again, we see the results of inadequate technology in the hugely limited N Delius and OASY’s systems and insufficient linkage across Police, Prisons and Courts to help improve communication between the various agencies. Again, it’s a question of investment.'
Simi O’Neil, Head of Probation Inspection Programme, HM Inspectorate of Probation
'To enhance the technology and assessment tools being used to maximise time spent with people on probation and working collaboratively with local agencies and partners.'
Join us for Modernising Criminal Justice 2024 on the 6th of June at the QEII Conference Centre in London, to hear further discussions on the future of probation alongside other key topics.
Pips Houghton
Content Executive, GovNet Tech Events Portfolio.
