Probation workers 'facing racism'

The probation service helps courts decide on sentencing

Ethnic minority probation service workers are still experiencing racism despite the organisation's pledge to tackle the problem, a report says.

It claims staff still suffer prejudice from colleagues and the public, despite significant improvements.

The chief inspector of probation, Professor Rod Morgan, wants more done to tackle isolation among ethnic staff.

The watchdog also says confidence must be boosted over the way complaints of racism are handled by the service.

Offenders

Prof Morgan found feelings of "isolation in the workplace" among ethnic minorities was 26% - up 2% since a critical report in 2001.

Although it was apparent that some managers were regarded as effective when dealing with complaints of racism, others were not trusted Report on probation service

He said a number of changes had cut the incidence of racism in most areas of the service.

The proportion of ethnic probation officers experiencing prejudice from offenders fell from 52% to 32%.

But 50% still experienced racism from other members of the probation service, staff from other agencies, or members of the public - a fall of 7% in three years.

'Not trusted'

"Many staff said they were worried about pursuing a complaint as it would invite more victimisation or they felt they would not be believed," the report said.

"Although it was apparent that some managers were regarded as effective when dealing with complaints of racism, others were not trusted or suspected of complacency and collusion."

Assistant chief inspector Liz Calderbank said racism by colleagues could be "more covert" than that from offenders and therefore more difficult to stamp out.

Of 19 recommendations made in the 2001 report, three had been met, 11 had been partially met, three had shown some progress and two had showed no evidence of progress.

National Probation Service director general Eithne Wallis, said: "We will take on the recommendations of the Inspectorate's report and continue to strive for improvement in equality of treatment of offenders and opportunity for staff."