Tameside's Youth Justice Service (YJS) has been told to make significant safety improvements following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation. The service, which works with children and victims involved in crime to provide support and prevent offending or re-offending, was rated 'requires improvement' overall.
Inspection findings
The 'assessing' category was rated 'inadequate', while planning, delivery and work with victims were rated 'requires improvement'. Strengthening the quality and consistency of safety practice was deemed a priority. Safety of the community – including victims – also needs improvement across assessing, planning, and delivery.
During his week-long visit in August, Martin Jones, chief inspector, highlighted how concerns relating to keeping others in the community safe were 'too frequently' overlooked or not properly explored. The report, published today (October 13), also found that key risks were not effectively considered, particularly in keeping potential or actual victims safe.
Management oversight concerns
Mr Jones added: “Management oversight of work with children and victims was inconsistent in quality and at times absent. Improving oversight arrangements was critical to ensuring service delivery was effective and staff were well supported.”
The report highlighted that the service has been hindered by slow information sharing between YJS and service partners such as Greater Manchester Police for victims. It also recognised a 'legacy of underperformance and instability' in the senior leadership of children's social care and education, evidenced by recent Ofsted and SEND inspections where Tameside was put in special measures.
Positives and recommendations
However, the inspector highlighted many positives. Skilled workers formed trusted relationships and focused on building strengths; supported children to engage in education, training and employment opportunities and positive community-based activities. Mr Jones also praised staff as being enthusiastic, committed, and focused on meeting victims' needs.
Speaking after the inspection, Mr Jones said: “Tameside YJS and the broader partnership had faced a range of challenges which had impacted on the delivery of services to children and victims. Senior leaders knew their service well, and a strengthening in stability and strategic grip meant there were foundations on which to build consistent effective practice. However, improvement in the commitment of the partnership and a maintained focus on driving improvement at pace were also required.”
The Probation Inspectorate's report made 11 recommendations for improvement. Two are for Tameside Youth Justice Partnership Board to improve information and collaborative working with children's services, education, health and Greater Manchester. Seven are for the Tameside YJS, including improving assessing, planning and delivery practice in relation to keeping the community safe. Two are for GMP to improve police practice regarding victim consent and ensure victims are consistently aware of who their information is being shared.
Response from council and police
Tameside council, its Youth Justice Service and partners say they are already taking action to address the report's recommendations. Tameside council's executive member for Children's Services, Coun Teresa Smith, said: “I welcome the inspection and the valuable feedback it provides. The report recognises the dedication, skill and commitment of our staff and partners, who work tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable young people in our borough. I'm particularly pleased that inspectors highlighted our strong relationships with children and families, our specialist support services and the positive outcomes being achieved for many young people.
“We fully acknowledge the areas where improvements are needed. Keeping victims and communities safe must always be a priority, and we are committed to strengthening our practice in those areas identified by inspectors. We have already begun work on a comprehensive improvement plan with our partners to address the findings, strengthen management oversight, improve information sharing and ensure risks are assessed and managed consistently. I want us to always do our very best for children in Tameside and we remain committed to working with our partners to deliver the highest standards of support for children, protecting communities and helping young people make positive changes to their lives.”
Tameside Superintendent for GMP, Arif Nawaz, added: “We welcome the findings from the recent inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation. As a district we work closely with the Youth Justice Service to improve police practice regarding victim consent and the quality of information shared. Knowledge sharing is a key part of this working relationship and we have a shared priority across the partnership to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. We remain committed to ensuring young people receive the right support at the right time to ensure they move away from offending and towards a positive future for our communities across Tameside and beyond.”
