RR3 feedback to HMPPS on its management of Covid-19

The Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group (RR3) special interest group on Covid-19 has submitted feedback to HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) on its management of the pandemic. The paper particularly highlights how the voluntary sector has struggled with the quality of information it has received from the government during the pandemic. This has led to voluntary organisations, working under extraordinary pressure, to continually push for basic operational information they need to deliver their essential services. The paper makes a number of recommendations, aimed at improving how the criminal justice voluntary sector and the government work together towards common goals. The paper recommends that HMPPS share with voluntary organisations information it issues to its own staff, at the same time and in the same format.

The RR3 is a formal voluntary sector advisory group to the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS consisting of 16 senior voluntary sector leaders. The group is chaired and coordinated by Clinks. This RR3 special interest group on Covid-19 – co-opting additional voluntary sector leaders with relevant expertise – is advising the government on how best to protect people in contact with the criminal justice system and to protect the future sustainability of the voluntary sector.