Napo is deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death of Sarah Kane, a Probation Service Officer from Kent. For 15 years, Sarah was a hugely committed, dedicated public servant who was loved and admired by friends and colleagues and her passing is a great loss to probation. Napo wish to express our deepest sympathy to Sarah’s family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult and emotional time.
Napo does not know all of the specific circumstances leading to Sarah’s passing, although we are aware of the recent media coverage. Whilst we understand the reason for the coverage and recognise the responsible way it was covered by the Independent on Sunday, Napo feel it would be wrong to add to speculation or risk “sensationalising” a tragedy by commenting further on the specific circumstances of this case at this time.
However, as the professional body and trade union for staff within the probation and family court services, we are aware of the significant pressures that come with our members’ roles. Our members’ work with people who have complex, complicated and often highly emotional needs. Our members’ work is inherently stressful. It is critical that employers recognise this by prioritising the welfare of the staff they rely on and maintain adequate support. This is ever more important during times of radical re-organisation and change.
Accordingly, Napo are and will continue to prioritise workload concerns and other health and safety issues arising from the “Transforming Rehabilitation” agenda and the challenges in Family Courts, such as the impact of more litigants in person or greater isolation in the workplace arising from changing working practices across Cafcass.