A statement from HM Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell:

The Inspectorate suspended face-to-face inspection activity in March 2020. Further to the Government’s latest announcement, we will continue to inspect probation and youth offending services remotely using video and tele-conferencing technology.

We will continue to work with inspected services to plan and deliver inspections, and we will be sensitive to individual circumstances (for example, if someone we want to interview is ill or has caring responsibilities).

Our aim has always been to inspect the quality of probation and youth offending services. We will continue to do this vital work in a way that does not distract or impede services during this challenging time.

Should an NPS Region/Community Rehabilitation Company want to request a deferment or cancellation of HM Inspectorate of Probation inspection activity in direct response to severe disruption caused by the pandemic, they should escalate according to their internal guidance to the Chief Probation Officer, for consideration by Gold Command. The issue will then be raised direct with HM Inspectorate of Probation.