Probation Board NI to be shrunk and renamed under reform proposals
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Naomi Long
Proposals to shrink the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and rename it simply “Probation Northern Ireland” have gone out for consultation.
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) last year recommended that the Department of Justice should review PBNI’s founding legislation and consult on proposals for changes to its status and governance arrangements.
In a 109-page report which found issues of “culture and trust” within the organisation, the watchdog said PBNI was “too large for the size of the organisation” and recommended a reduction in the number of Board members.
A consultation document published today proposes that PBNI should continue to be an independent arm’s-length body. It proposes that the Board should be reduced in size but continue to be made up of independent members appointed by the justice minister.
Justice minister Naomi Long said: “PBNI continues to play an important role in the justice system and delivery of our programme for government outcomes. My Department has worked with PBNI in carrying out this review. We are putting forward a range of proposals for consultation and I would encourage those with an interest in the work of PBNI to engage in this process.”
The consultation is available online and will run for 10 weeks from Wednesday 8 December 2021 to Wednesday 16 February 2022.
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