Dale Ashford QFSM

Launching its corporate plan for 2020-23 this week, PBNI said it will continue to work with partners to “shape and influence criminal justice policy and practice” as the first of its five strategic priorities.

The plan states: “We know the factors that lead to offending behaviour and we know that in order to effectively rehabilitate people we must deal with those factors.

“Therefore, in the coming three years PBNI through a range of initiatives will focus on tackling drug/alcohol related offending; poor mental health; and building opportunities to enhance people’s education and employment.

“We will also work to support and strengthen families. PBNI will also develop restorative practices with adults who have offended. PBNI cannot do this work alone and that is why a partnership approach will continue to be adopted.”

Dale Ashford QFSM, chair of the Probation Board, said: “I am delighted to publish this plan which has been developed following a far reaching public consultation process.

“During the consultation we met with stakeholders from government, criminal justice, the voluntary and community sectors, staff, service users and communities. We listened carefully to what they had to say and we have developed our priorities accordingly.”