7. Memorandum submitted by
the Fawcett Society
The Fawcett Society is concerned about the extent
to which the proposed changes to probation services will assist
women offenders alter their lives in the community and contribute
to reducing the number of women sent to prison. The consultation
paper does not illustrate how contestabilitv will reduce women's
offending. We are worried that, if not carefully thought through,
the marketing of probation services wouId make prisons even more
attractive for rehabilitating women.
— Women offenders' multiple needs require
a joined up response from different actors in the community. The
Probation Service has in some cases developed successfully partnerships
with voluntary organisations to provide resettlement services
to offenders. But the introduction of competition might result
in service providers becoming more protective and less willing
to share knowledge or work together.
— Services for women tend to be more
expensive than men's services because the women offending population
is small; women also need additional support for childcare. Contestability
will it provide an incentive for different providers to deliver
services to women offenders?
— Needs of women will continue to be
marginalized in probation services, as there is no diversity champion
within NOMS at both policy and delivery points. We hope the organizational
development of NOMS will take this into careful consideration.
We would also like to see the membership of the proposed probation
trusts include women and experts in provision for women offenders.
Mamusa Siyunyi
Policy Officer, Gender and Justice Policy Network
21 November 2005
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