Chief Inspector of Probation Visits South Wales to Highlight Collaborative Efforts!

Last week, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones, visited South Wales to meet with Police and Crime Commissioner, Emma Wools. The visit aimed to highlight the innovative collaborative arrangements among multiple agencies within South Wales.

The day began with the Chief Inspector meeting the North Wales, Dyfed-Powys, and South Wales Police & Crime Commissioners, along with the Deputy Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner. Following this introductory meeting, the Chief Inspector travelled to Merthyr to meet with the Wales Integrated Serious and Dangerous Offender Management (WISDOM) and DRIVE teams. These teams shared insights into their multi-agency approaches for reducing re-offending and intervening with perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Next, the Chief Inspector visited the Young Adult Hub in Cardiff, which delivers services to ethnic minority individuals on probation, focusing on young adults aged 18-24 and women. Following this, he met with members of the Wales Blueprint Team, the Nelson Trust, and Media Academy Cymru. These organizations, among other services, deliver the One Wales Women’s and Young Adult’s Service, which addresses the needs of women and young adults with intersecting and marginalized identities, such as age, gender, and ethnicity. These factors often compound the disadvantages faced by women and some young adults in the justice system.

Overall, the visit was a fantastic opportunity for the services involved to showcase the incredible work being done across multiple agencies and with key partners.

Emma Wools, Police and Crime Commissioner has said:

South Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Emma Wools said:

“Having the opportunity to showcase the amazing and transformative work we’re delivering with our partner organisations to the Chief Inspector of Probation was humbling.

“We’re genuinely proud of our work in South Wales, ensuring individuals involved with the criminal justice system can access the help and support they need to make a positive change.  

I’m determined to continue the strong and effective collaborative approach we deliver right across the region, so that together, we can all deliver the safe, just and inclusive South Wales we all want to see.”

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Probation, Martin Jones said:

“I was extremely impressed by the partnership working taking place in Wales and the amazing projects that were showcased. It absolutely demonstrated to me the difference probation can still make, despite the challenges, by building the right relationships and good local leadership.

I look forward to continuing the conversations.”