HMPPS's Jim Barton outlines changes being made to Probation Service commissioning, including proposed processes for awarding grants

Richard Oldfield recommends that there should be a large-scale adoption of grants as the funding mechanism for some of the services; simplification of contracts; and a system which obliges large entities to include more specialised smaller organisations in their bids.

With the Covid-19 pandemic still ongoing, further lockdowns in response and a number of major changes set to take place in the criminal justice system this year, we recap on our work in the run up to the new year to influence policy and practice and reflect on our priorities going forward.

Clinks' Director of Influence and Communications Jess Mullen gives an update on probation reforms and how they are affecting the voluntary sector working in the criminal justice system.

An update on our influencing work, support for the voluntary sector, and how to get involved.

Anne Fox gives an update on the work of the group and how it has adapted to the changing policy environment of the last few months.

Our view on the probation announcements, an overview of the services to be commissioned, and the next steps for our sector.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has announced an important stage of the probation reform programme - that qualification for the dynamic framework will launch later this month.

The government has been continuing its work to deliver a reformed probation model from next year, and we are now entering a crucial stage of the process.

HMPPS has taken the first steps towards informing staff and service users of the likely road ahead.