KENT PROBATION © 2010

KENT PROBATION

EXTRANET

Easy Read Version

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Interested in working in partnership with Kent Probation? - Get in contact

Robert Clark BEMDirector of Business Development

IntroductionThe range of problems and individuals we see in the Probation Service cannot be tackled in isolation. Because of this, a large proportion of our work is undertaken along with a wide range of organisations from the statutory, private and voluntary sectors.What is Business Development?The role of Business Development is analysing factors influencing offending and planning, changing and developing services to assist the organisation reduce the repeated likelihood of re-offending. Commissioning is one means of delivering services, some of which will be managed locally but much is commissioned for the Trust as a whole.Business Development is about achieving the aims of the organisation through change and innovation providing the most effective service delivery, whether that be internally, commissioned externally, or through partnership with others. Business Development is central to the shaping of the future activities of Kent Probation.Evidence Based StrategyIt is important that resources follow need. However, it is equally important to ensure that our limited resources are directed towards services to meet offender needs that, if satisfied, do effectively reduce re-offending. We must constantly monitor provision to ensure that it is directly related to reducing re-offending, rather than simply easing an offender’s situation that has no bearing on their behaviour. Diversity, Equality and Data SecurityTo ensure that our Business Development is fit for purpose we have strengthened our processes. The organisation has a requirement to provide a balance of targeted specialist services, and general services to offenders and victims. We expect potential partners and service providers to have appropriate employment, service delivery diversity and data security policies in place, which will be a specific requirement of any ‘Invitation to Tender’, and that diversity and data security outcomes will be monitored in any service provided. The Trust believes it is essential that we develop mature and open relationships with our partners and providers at this early stage and that they understand our organisation’s commitment to diversity and data security, and our expectation that they can reflect that commitment in any services they provide to us.GovernanceTo assist with this, a Business Development Reference Group has been created and is made up of representatives of the Board and different sections of operations. The Business Development Hub then works on proposals agreed by the Reference Group.