Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Trust
About Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Trust (LRPT)
The vision, mission and values of the organisation
'To protect the public and assist the courts, holding securely and managing humanely the people sent to us. In delivering the punishments imposed by the courts, we help offenders turn away from crime, making reparation to their victims and contribute to their communities.'
Our number one priority is to protect the public by reducing re-offending. The Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Trust (LRPT) works towards this key aim by supervising offenders and working with them to target their offending behavior.
LRPT is required to contribute to the national target to reduce the rate of re-offending by 10% by 2010.
Recent performance figures reveal that LRPT manages a caseload of just over 4,000 men and women serving a community order or who have been released from prison on a license, which means they are supervised in the community for a designated time.
In a 12 month period Probation staff produced 3,595 reports for local courts that provide information to sentences concerning the offender, their present circumstances and any past offender behavior.
The Probation Service works in partnership with other agencies to further develop the literacy and numeracy levels of offenders. We also help them acquire new skills that will improve their chances of securing employment. Finding work is a key factor in reducing the risk or re-offending.
LRPT has a dedicated Victim Contact Team who work with victims of offenders sentenced to 12 months imprisonment or more for sexual and violent crimes. Team members also contact victims of racially aggravated offences whatever the length of sentence handed down by the courts - and with families in cases that may have resulted in death by dangerous driving.
Members of the team explain the role of the Criminal Justice System, exchange information concerning an offender's progress in prison, and represent the views of the victims.
New Way Forward
Leicestershire and Rutland was selected to be in the first wave of six Probation Trusts, which became a reality on 1st April 2008. It is anticipated that in future the Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Trust will operate as the lead provider. procuring support and negotiating contracts with different sectors to meet its objectives in the field of public protection.
The promoted values of the Leicestershire and Rutland Probation Trust are;
- Treating all people fairly, openly and with respect.
- A commitment to valuing diversity and ensuring equal outcomes for all.
- An uncompromising stance against the harm caused by crime.
- A strong belief in the capacity of people to change
- The importance of taking personal responsibility for behavior
- The necessity of learning from experience.
The remaining 36 Probation Areas in England and Wales are seeking to change their operating status in the near future.
Heather Munro (pictured right) Chief Executive of LRPT said:
"Instead of being constrained by an annual budget, there is the freedom to plan three year financial strategies.
"Our Trust Board members now have the freedom to manage monetary surpluses and deficits over a longer period. This flexibility ensures that resources can be better directed to meet local needs and priorities.
"Leicestershire and Rutland is recognised as a top performing Probation Trust. We are making a real difference to people's lives as we work with them to change their offending behavior."
Further key achievements include:
- Receiving a very positive inspection of our work by Her Majesty's Inspector of Probation.
- Achieving an excellent 4-star performance rating for the second year running.
- Concluding the Civic Alliance Demonstration Project and forming a local Reducing Re-offending Board.
- Achieving a 4-star Recognised for Excellence Award.
To find out more about Probation go to: www.leicsprobation.co.uk