Governance and Partnerships

In this paper, we will set out some principles which, in our view, should underpin the structure, governance and arrangements for partnership working in a devolved probation service for Wales. In section 1, we start by relating the principles back to the functions of probation which have been discussed at lengths in other working papers – see Values and Principles and Effective Practice – as well as the desired outcomes of a devolved system. We then set out the essential principles of probation governance in Wales and in section 2, provide a short explanation of how these were derived. We suggest some considerations and key questions for a Welsh Probation Service and some Options for Probation structures. In section 2, we provide a very brief overview of the history of probation governance and current governance arrangements. This is followed with the introduction of a number of different models of probation structure and governance and draw on their respective advantages and identified challenges to discuss some key dilemmas in probation and where it should be situated. We believe that this will help inform discussions around the benefits of certain probation structures and forms of governance as well as the pitfalls to avoid.