In response to our letter dated June 13th, we learn that all practitioners have now received written authorisation to practice as officers of providers of offender services - which is reassuring if a bit of a mouthful. (Refer back to news on June 16th, 'TOM likely to lead to SFOs not being prevented'). What is rather more worrying is the draft Probation Instruction (PI) on this subject which is now out for consultation with the unions. The response from NOMS to our June 13th letter describes this PI in these terms - '...it is intended to provide additional guidance on the processes for authorising staff, for maintaining lists of authorised officers, and the circumstances under which that authorisation should be reviewed and if necessary removed'. NOMS state that they are happy to discuss this draft PI with the unions which is encouraging though we will be seeking probably rather more than just a discussion.