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National Objectives for Social Work Services in the Criminal Justice System: Standards - General Issues
CHAPTER 4: CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT TASKS
30.This chapter outlines the main tasks which will be undertaken by Central and Local Government to fulfil their mutual obligations under the new funding arrangements.
Central Government Tasks
31.Promulgate National Objectives, Priorities and Standards for criminal justice social work services and issue administrative and professional guidance as required to achieve their efficient and effective implementation, and provide funds accordingly.
32Consider the range and level of resources required to meet the objectives and standards of those services eligible for Central Government funding, in consultation with local authorities, the independent sector and other interested parties, and provide funds accordingly.
33Advise local authorities of the amount of grant awarded and the operational targets to be achieved in respect of those services which are eligible for 100% funding, following consultation with local authorities.
34Inspect the extent to which National Objectives, Priorities and Standards for centrally funded services are being economically, efficiently and effectively implemented by local authorities and other agencies providing services on their behalf and identify any need for change in the way these services are organised, managed and delivered.
35Review in consultation with local authorities, and where appropriate the independent sector and other interested parties:
35.1the way these services are organised, managed and delivered;
35.2National Objectives, Priorities and Standards;
35.3the funding arrangements;
35.4legislation.
36Establish a national core data system in consultation with local authorities and other interested parties for the purposes of:
36.1monitoring and evaluating the implementation of National Objectives, Priorities and Standards;
36.2assessing the impact of the new arrangements on sentencing practice and decision-making by other criminal justice agencies;
36.3informing Central Government policy and resource planning;
36.4informing Central Government research strategies;
36.5assisting local service planning, management and oversight of service provision.
37.Promote, and where appropriate undertake, research into policy and practice issues related to the provision and development of criminal justice social work services.
38.Disseminate relevant research findings and statistical information to local authorities, the judiciary and other interested bodies.
39.To consult with social work and other criminal justice agencies so that they may contribute to the formulation and review of Central Government policies for social work in the criminal justice system.
40.Encourage and assist local authorities in pursuance of the tasks below.
Local Government Tasks
41.Draw up, implement and keep under review an overall strategic plan for the provision and development of criminal justice social work services in accordance with the objectives, priorities and standards laid down by the Secretary of State. These are set out in the section on planning.
42.Consult with the judiciary, other agencies in the criminal justice system, independent organisations providing services and other interested parties as part of the strategic planning process.
43.Provide and manage these services economically, efficiently and effectively taking account of service demands, available resources and the purposes for which Central Government funding are intended.
44.Work in partnership with local communities, the independent sector and other agencies and individuals who have a contribution to make to the provision and development of criminal justice social work services. This will include:
44.1informing the general public about the nature and objectives of these local authority services, their achievements and the opportunities for community involvement;
44.2making full use of those services and resources which are already available elsewhere in the local authority and in the community which can contribute to the social integration of offenders and their families;
44.3procuring, wherever appropriate and possible, those additional services required to meet its responsibilities from the independent sector and other agencies and individuals in the community;
44.4devise information systems, in consultation with other interested parties and in accordance with the arrangements agreed with Central Government, to meet the following objectives:
44.4.1to assist local service and resource planning, day to day management and oversight of service delivery, and systems for the regular monitoring and evaluation of performance and outcomes;
44.4.2to assist Central Government undertake the tasks outlined in paragraph 35 above.
45.Provide Central Government with the information it needs for monitoring/evaluation and for policy/resource planning, in accordance with the procedures laid down for this purpose.
46.Monitor local compliance with National Objectives, Priorities and Standards and evaluate the extent to which services are being managed and delivered efficiently, effectively and economically.
47.Inform the judiciary and other key agencies within and outwith the criminal justice system about the work of the social work department as it relates to their interests.
48.Participate in, and where appropriate undertake and consider the implications of, research and other studies which have a bearing on the development of social work services in the criminal justice system.
Assist Central Government in pursuance of the tasks outlined in paragraph 38 above.
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