kfalcon@napo.org.uk's blog

Survivors of domestic abuse and other harmful conduct are being invited to share their experiences of how well the family courts protects them and their children in private family law proceedings

The Government launched a call for evidence on 19th July. This is part of a three-month project overseen by a panel of experts, aimed at throwing a spotlight on how the family courts manage the safety and well-being of children when there is a risk of domestic abuse.

In September last year, the government published its cross-government Victims Strategy. The MoJ says it has already delivered a significant number of the commitments in the strategy and it is on track to deliver the rest. Consultation  opened this week on the first stage in delivering the commitment to consult on a strengthened Victims’ Code, that will be both clearer, and more responsive to the changing nature of crime and victims’ needs.

A new Domestic Abuse Bill was introduced into the commons on 16th July. In launching the Bill the government says "Far too many individuals have their lives destroyed by abuse and we need to build a society that has zero tolerance towards domestic abuse and actively empowers victims, communities and professionals to confront and challenge it and to provide victims with the support they deserve.That is why the government is committed to transforming the response to this terrible crime, including by introducing this landmark bill.

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford yesterday detailed the core principles of a new Social Partnership Bill to the Welsh Assembly, which will make it easier for unions, employers and government to work together to provide fair work and a strong, productive economy for all. READ PRESS RELEASE

Napo and the Probation unions have commenced negotiations with HMPPS on the Staff Transfer and Protections Agreement. This will facilitate the movement of staff and offender management work from the CRCs into the NPS by April 2021. Ian Lawrence General Secretary reports… READ MORE

News in, the Oasis Charitable Trust  has been awarded the contract to turn the Medway Secure Training Centre in Kent into a school for young offenders. It is due to open late in 2020.

The Ministry of Justice has committed £5 million to the project, which will include a refurbishment of the classrooms and residential areas.Services provided to young people will include mentoring and working with young people at risk of violence and abuse.

Paul Senior

Anyone who has been around Probation in the last four decades will probably have met or heard Paul Senior, Emeritus Professor at Sheffield Hall University, and a former presenter of the Bill McWilliams Memorial Lecture, who sadly passed away on 22nd June. As many colleagues will know, Paul had been ill for a very long time. 

Make Votes Matter welcomes Napo members to a discussion event exploring how the current voting system disadvantages minorities, and what can be done to improve that.

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