Published date:
Rachel Lillis, Adam Spollen and Jane Mulcahy
The Probation Service Strategy Statement 2021–2023, the precursor to the current Strategy Statement, began a process of restructuring the Probation Service’s approach to the multiple complex issues involved in criminal behaviour.
Rooted in the belief that social inclusion factors such as addiction, poor mental health, and homelessness can be responded to more effectively through a revised and structured approach, a new Social Inclusion and Reintegration Unit (SIRU) was established to oversee the effective co-ordination and implementation of the Probation Service’s work in these areas.
The role of SIRU is to draw together the work of the Probation Service across issues such as those outlined above, in order to ensure a consistent and coherent approach, leading to better outcomes for everyone engaged with our service.
This is in response to an understanding and appreciation of the social context and the ways in which the above needs may interrelate and require complex and innovative solutions, rather than thinking of rehabilitation solely as one of individual treatment to reduce/remove criminogenic risk.
The Unit aims to ensure that our work is aligned with wider social inclusion policy directions, in order to maximise opportunities to support reintegration and thereby reduce reoffending. The Unit is grounded in the Probation Service values of accountability; collaboration; compassion; empowerment; and inclusivity.
Flowing from these, the Unit also aims to embody the values of equity and progress. This article will focus on SIRU’s strategic goals, setting out the initiatives and partnerships that will support them, and outlining how their achievement will support the operational outcomes of the Probation Service.