Suffolk Probation Board is made up of an appointed Chair, Ivan Smith, and eight other non-executive members selected from the local community, who bring with them a range of skills coupled with a broad based business experience from the public and private sectors. In addition, the board has as members His Honour Judge Peter Thompson, who is directly appointed by the Minister for Justice, and the Chief Officer for Suffolk Probation, John Budd.
Probation boards derived statutory status on 1 April 2001 under section 4 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. They have responsibility for providing probation services within their areas, subject to the directions of the secretary of state, which are normally exercised through the Director of Probation on behalf of the National Probation Service which is part of the National Offender Management Service [NOMS].
The Board has a particular role for ensuring that services are provided; that local arrangements and services represent good value for money; and that the area is meeting the Minister for Justice’s requirements. This includes the achievement of high standards of performance and the meeting of targets. It is responsible for the employment of local probation staff, and is accountable to the Minister for Justice for the efficient deployment of resources.
There is an expectation that all services will be provided by the most cost-effective means - whether this is by the probation board’s directly employed staff, through partnerships, by contracting out, or through collaboration with other areas.
The Board is responsible for ensuring that high standards of corporate governance are observed at all times and for establishing the overall strategic direction of the Probation Area within the policy and resources framework determined by the Minister for Justice. It oversees and supports the delivery of the annual business plan that reflects national objectives and local needs.
