Quality Customer Service Action Plan

September 2008

FOREWORD...................................................................................................................3
INTRODUCTION/WHO WE ARE ..............................................................................5
OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE .................................................................................6
RESEARCH, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE ..........................8
CORPORATE SERVICES/HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORATE ...................9
Corporate Services .................................................................................................10
Finance...................................................................................................................10
Information Technology ........................................................................................10
Human Resources ..................................................................................................11
WHO ARE OUR CUSTOMERS?...............................................................................12
CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENTS............................................................ 13
What we do ............................................................................................................ 13
Visitors to our Offices............................................................................................ 14
Contacting Us......................................................................................................... 15
Telephone............................................................................................................... 15
Correspondence...................................................................................................... 15
Information Technology ........................................................................................ 16
Internal Customers ................................................................................................. 16
Complaints Procedure............................................................................................ 16
Equality and Diversity ........................................................................................... 17
Services through other languages .......................................................................... 17
Working in Partnership .......................................................................................... 17
Consultation and Evaluation .................................................................................. 18
DELIVERING ON OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENTS ..................19
Quality Service standards ......................................................................................19
Equality/ Diversity .................................................................................................20
Physical Access......................................................................................................20
Information ............................................................................................................21
Complaints and Appeals ........................................................................................22
Consultation and evaluation...................................................................................23
Choice ....................................................................................................................23
Services through other languages ..........................................................................24
Better co-ordination ...............................................................................................24
Internal Customer...................................................................................................25
PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING AND REPORTING ON PROGRESS.........26

Foreword from the Director of the Probation Service

I am pleased to present the second Customer Service Action Plan for the
Probation Service. This plan will further develop and build on the
foundations laid by the first Customer Service Action Plan launched in
2005.
The Probation Service is committed to delivering the highest quality
service and to providing a positive and accessible working environment
which promotes dignity and equality for all. This is identified in our
Strategy Statement 2008-2010 which forms our work plan for 2008. This
plan sets out how we will monitor, review and make adjustments where
necessary to ensure that we achieve our Customer Service objectives and
ensure continuous improvement in the standard of service that we provide.
Since the publication of the Customer Service Action Plan in 2005 the
Service has undergone a number of developments. Steps have also been
taken to improve internal functioning and to improve operating efficiency.
These include
establishment of a new senior professional management structure
with responsibility for 3 Directorates:
o Operations
o Research, Training and Development
o Corporate Services and Human Resources.
An audit has been undertaken of how the work of the Service is
organised and delivered which resulted in an internal reorganisation.
An administrative review has been completed
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 A programme of refurbishing or replacing Service offices across

the country is well under way. The thrust of the programme is to
locate Service personnel within the communities they serve as
much as possible.
A Health and Safety audit of Community Service sites was
completed and the recommendations are being implemented.
Our goal is to become a leading probation service using the best evidence
based probation practice to serve our stakeholders and meet service users
needs to the highest standards of efficiency and accountability. We
acknowledge the skill and dedication of the Probation Service staff in all
the areas of their work. It is through our staff that we will create a culture
of excellence and innovation.

I would like to thank those who contributed to the preparation of this Plan
and I look forward to working with staff and customers in its
implementation.

______________________

Michael Donnellan
Director

This Action Plan outlines how we will monitor and evaluate the
commitments outlined in our Customer Charter.

INTRODUCTION/WHO WE ARE

The Probation Service is an agency within the Department of Justice,

Equality and Law Reform. The Probation Service is the lead agency in the
assessment and management of offenders in our communities.
The role of the Service is to reduce the level of crime in the community
and increase public safety by:
The effective assessment and management of offenders
Challenging offending behaviour
Facilitating the integration of ex-offenders

We provide probation supervision, community service, offending

behaviour programmes and specialist support services, to both adult and
young offenders, which aim to stop them committing further offences.

Many of our activities are inter-agency, and our key partners include the
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Irish Youth Justice
Service, the Court Service, Irish Prison Service, An Garda Sochna and a
range of other organisations in the statutory sector as well as in the
voluntary and community sector.

We deliver services to individuals,

communities, courts and prisons across the entire country. While our
services are organised nationally, they are managed and delivered locally.

OPERATIONS DIRECTORATE

The aim of the Operations Directorate is to reduce the risk of re-offending

through quality assessments and effective supervision and re-integration of
offenders.

To achieve this, staff provide probation work and related

services to the courts, prisons and places of detention.

We have almost 500 staff in offices in more than forty locations
nationwide comprised as follows:
Our work with offenders and communities
We deliver services to help protect the public, improve communities and
support offenders to change. In this context:
We work with communities and within neighbourhoods to manage
offenders and reduce offending behaviour
We acknowledge and reflect victim issues in all areas of our work
We challenge offending behaviour and facilitate the integration of
ex-offenders into society to reduce re-offending
We manage, through effective partnerships, dangerous offenders and
those at risk of causing harm
Our work with the Courts, Prisons and places of detention:
We prepare pre-sanction assessments for the Courts
We assess the risk offenders pose to the community
We supervise offenders in the community, including those released
on licence from custody and on post sentence orders
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 We provide a range of services to prisoners and their families and

prepare parole board reports

Young Persons Probation (Y.P.P.) is a division of the Probation Service

established to work with children and young people aged 12 to 18 years
who come before the Courts or are in Children Detention schools.

What we do
We convene Family Conferences with young people who offend,
their families and victims, on behalf of the Courts
We prepare pre-sanction reports to assist the Courts in determining
sentences
We assess and manage risk of re-offending using evidence based
practices
We provide a Probation service to the Children Courts and Children
Detention Schools.
We engage with children and young people in a supportive manner
We ensure the protection and empowering of the interest and roles
of victims
We implement the relevant provisions of the Children Act 2001 (as
amended)
We develop effective partnerships with families and key agencies to
reduce re-offending

RESEARCH, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORATE

The aim of the Research, Training and Development Directorate is to

inform, oversee and support the continuing professional development of all
staff.
The function of this Directorate is to:
Identify the training requirements for our staff to meet new
challenges and ensure our strategic objectives are achieved
Design, deliver and co-ordinate learning programmes to support the
continuing professional development of all staff
Identify, collate and where appropriate, commission research which
informs evidence based, effective interventions with customers and
stakeholders
Champion and inform the development of policy initiatives

CORPORATE SERVICES/HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORATE

The aim of the Corporate Services/Human Resources Directorate is to

ensure efficient and effective systems that enhance the delivery of
probation services.

The role of the Corporate Services/Human Resources Directorate is to:

Provide effective and efficient financial management of the
Probation Service
Provide accurate and high quality information
Provide a high quality Human Resourse service to all our
stakeholders
Provide a safe and accessible environment for staff and Service
users
This Directorate draws together a number of different strands which
support our staff on the front line to deliver a high quality service.
The Directorate is comprised of four units each with distinct functions and
responsibilities;
Corporate Services
Finance
Human Resources
Information Technology

Corporate Services
This unit is responsible for the management and co-ordination of all the
elements to support the core work of the Service. It is responsible for the
provision and monitoring of customer services and the delivery of effective
and efficient systems that enhance the delivery of Probation services. It is
also responsible for the publication of all corporate documents, coordination of press queries and parliamentary questions as well as other
relevant material.
All staff are trained to be helpful and courteous and to treat our customers
with dignity and respect in all their dealings with us.

Finance
The Finance unit is responsible for the financial management and planning
of the annual budget of the Service. This includes the provision of financial
data, processing supplier payments, employee allowances and purchasing.
The unit monitors the financial management of Community Based
Organisations to ensure best practice is adhered to and value for money is
achieved.

Information Technology
The role of the unit is the provision and support of an effective IT
infrastructure which facilitates the Probation Service in pursuit of its
objectives. This unit is responsible for the development, management and
support of the Probation Service network, applications and infrastructure.

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Human Resources
The Human Resources unit is responsible for managing the personnel
functions devolved to the Probation Service. The unit works in conjunction
with the Human Resources Division of the Department of Justice, Equality
and Law Reform. These personnel functions include manpower planning
aligned to the business needs of the service.

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Who are our customers?

JUDICIARY
PARTNER
AGENCIES

COURT
SERVICE

IPS AND
GARDA

VICTIMS

OUR
CUSTOMERS

IRISH YOUTH
JUSTICE
SERVICE

STAFF

OFFENDERS
AND THEIR
FAMILIES

GENERAL
PUBLIC
DJELR

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CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENTS

The Probation Service is an Agency within the Department of Justice,

Equality and Law Reform. Our work in the Justice system is to supervise
and rehabilitate offenders in the community and in custody by:
assessing offenders suitability for community sanctions and managing
those referred to us under relevant legislation.
What we do
Prepare pre-sanction reports on offenders guilty of criminal
offences, including structured risk assessments community service
reports and reports under the Children Act 2001 (as amended), as
well as victim impact reports.
Supervision of offenders in the community on probation and
probation type orders, community service orders, orders under the
Misuse of Drugs Acts and community sanctions under the Children
Act 2001 (as amended).
Family conferencing with young people who offend, their families
and victims on behalf of the Courts.
Work to address offending related issues and prepare prisoners for
return to society, preparation of reports for the Parole Board, Courts
and Irish Prison Service.
Supervision on temporary release, including long serving and life
sentence prisoners, offenders on part suspended sentences, sex
offenders on post release supervision orders and young offenders
released from children detention schools.

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Our Service standards

Our customer charter sets out the standards of service you may
expect in your dealings with us.
We are committed to providing a high quality and professional
service to all users of our agency.
We are committed to implementing the principles of quality
customer service.
Visitors to our Offices
Our staff are helpful and courteous and treat our customers with
dignity and respect in all their dealings with us
We will ensure that our reception and meeting facilities are clean,
accessible to all, and maintained to a high standard of comfort and
safety.
Callers to our offices will be made to feel welcome and will be
treated with dignity and respect.
We will provide you with the maximum level of privacy possible.
We will meet you at the appointed time and be helpful and courteous
in our dealings with you.
We will provide an interpreter should you need one.
Your privacy will be given due attention in all our business with
you.
We will continue to review and improve our access for all our
customers as required.
Documents will be provided in a user friendly/plain English format.
We will provide documents in an appropriate language where
necessary.

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Contacting Us

Telephone
We are available to answer telephone calls during normal office
hours from 9.15am 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.15am
5.15pm on Friday.
Where voicemail is in use, we will return your call promptly and get
back to you with an agreed timeframe if unable to respond to your
enquiry immediately.
Staff will identify themselves and provide as much information as
possible or if our staff cannot help you immediately they will refer
you to someone who can or take your details and return call as soon
as possible.
Correspondence
We will acknowledge your initial correspondence within 5 working
days and we will keep you informed of progress.
We will respond to your correspondence within fifteen working
days. If it is not possible to send a full reply, we will send you an
interim reply explaining the position.
All correspondence will be written in clear language that is concise
and understandable.
All correspondence will identify the writers name and position,
address of the Probation Service office, a direct telephone number
and an e-mail address to facilitate direct contact where necessary.
All correspondence will be in plain English, clearly written, easily
understood and legal terms will only be used where necessary.
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Information Technology
We will maximise the use of technology to improve service delivery.
The Probation Service website can be accessed at www.probation.ie.
We will provide a direct link to Customer Service information on the
website.
We will regularly update relevant information on the website.
Internal Customers
The principles of quality customer service apply to our staff
We will keep all staff fully informed about service delivery issues.
We will keep our staff fully appraised of the principles of quality
customer service.
Complaints Procedure
It is the goal of the Probation Service to resolve complaints at the first
point of contact. If we cannot do this your complaint will be examined at
an appropriate higher level.
You may make a complaint in either of the following ways:
in person at any of our offices
by phone at 01 8173600
by completing a complaints form
by letter
By accessing our website at www.probation.ie or by email
[email protected]
We will investigate complaints in an objective, fair and open
manner. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of a complaint at
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the point of service, you may seek a review by contacting our

Customer Service Officer (see website).
Equality and Diversity
We will conduct our business in a fair and open manner consistent
with

principles

of

human

rights, equality

legislation

and

accountability.
We aim to ensure quality of access to our services, accommodating
those covered by the nine grounds identified in equality legislation,
as well as those experiencing poverty, social exclusion and
geographical barriers to services.
Services through other languages
We will comply with the requirements of the Official Languages Act
2003.
We will facilitate customers who wish to communicate through
other languages.
Information leaflets can be downloaded from our website in a
number of languages or are available on request.
Working in Partnership
The Probation Service will work in a spirit of mutual respect with all
its partner Agencies and Committees.
Staff at all levels in the organisation continue to participate in the
partnership process in the Service.
We are committed to the Partnership process and will continue to
work in the spirit of partnership in achieving modernisation and
flexibility in the Probation Service.
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Consultation and Evaluation

We value your feedback to assist us in providing a quality service and
ensuring that we meets their needs in the future.

We welcome suggestions and views on any aspect of the Service to

help improve quality and efficiency.

You can contact us at

www.probation.ie or by email [email protected]

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Delivering on our Customer Service Commitments

This Chapter sets out how we will deliver our Customer Service
Commitments.

1. Quality Service standards

A key objective of the Probation Service is the achievement of a high

standard of quality customer service. We will progress the implementation
of the principles of Quality Customer Services over the lifespan of this
Action plan and this commitment is underpinned and supported by the
Service Strategy Statement (2008-2010) and business plan (published on
our website www.probation.ie).

The following specific actions will be undertaken by the Probation Service

to ensure delivery of quality customer services:
We will,
Publish a new customer service charter
Publish a customer service action plan
Publish information leaflets on Probation and Community Service
Prominently display our customer charter in all our offices
Prepare and publish our complaints procedure
Appoint a quality Customer Service Officer

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2. Equality/ Diversity

The Probation Service aims to treat all customers equally while respecting
individual differences and needs. We will conduct our business with you in
a fair and open manner consistent with the principles of human rights and
equality legislation.

We will;
Ensure that diverse needs of customers are recognised through
awareness raising training.
Continue to promote the availability of family friendly schemes for
staff.
Address the needs of relevant groups when formulating policy.
Ensure quality of access to our services for those customers with
specific needs,
3. Physical Access

We will ensure that our offices and facilities are accessible and convenient
to use and in particular we will comply with occupational and safety
standards. As part of this we will facilitate access for those with specific
needs.

We will;
Maintain our accommodation to a standard acceptable to both our
customers and staff.
Ensure that physical access is a priority for all offices of the Service
Meet the requirements of people with specific needs for planned
consultations/ meetings where required
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 Ensure that Health and Safety statements are in place in all offices
Ensure that Health and Safety audits on all offices has been
completed by end 2008
4. Information

The Probation Service will take a proactive approach in providing

information to our customers that is clear, timely and accurate. We will
ensure that the potential offered by Information Technology is fully availed
of and used to reach as wide an audience as possible.

We will
Publish an Annual Report
Review forms and information leaflets to ensure that they are clearly
written and easily understood
Produce leaflets on the work of the Service and make available on
our website in a number of languages
Customer Service information willl be made available on the Service
website and Intranet Portal
Ensure that the Service website is kept up to date

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5. Timeliness and Courtesy

The Service is committed to dealing with all our customers in a courteous
and sensitive manner, with mutual respect and with minimum delay.
Callers to our offices will be treated with dignity and respect.
Customers will be met at the appointed time.
Where offices offer a full-time service, telephone calls will be
answered during normal office hours 9.15am 5.30pm (Monday
to Thursday and 5.15pm on Friday)
Where voicemail is in use, we will return your call promptly.
Staff will identify themselves and provide as much information as
possible or refer to you as someone who can help.
We will acknowledge your correspondence within 5 working days
and we will keep you informed of progress.
Reports for Court will be delivered daily and in time for Registrars
and Judges to process and read as necessary.
6. Complaints and Appeals
The Probation Service is committed to maintaining an accessible,
transparent and simple system for dealing with complaints and appeals
about the quality of the service provided.
Our Complaints Procedure will be published on our website.
We will deal with complaints and appeals in a fair and impartial
manner.
We will put in place procedures for staff in relation to dealing with
customer complaints.
Reviews will be directed to the Customer Service Officer.
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7. Consultation and evaluation

The Probation Service is committed to consulting with its customers for
the purposes of evaluating our service delivery. We welcome our
customers comments, suggestions and views on any aspect of the service
to help improve the quality and efficiency of delivery.

We will
Keep customers appraised of all new developments within the
Probation Service.
Promote mechanisms to facilitate communications and feedback.
Where appropriate rectify issues identified to ensure a quality
service that meets our customers needs.
Continue dialogue with specific customer groups so that agreed
protocols and ways of working can be co-ordinated and developed.
8. Choice

Provide choice where feasible in service delivery including location of

contact points and appointments outside normal office hours.

We will
Provide appointments outside normal office hours where necessary
and appropriate.
Provide access to interpreters where language difficulties are a
barrier to accessing services.
Assist customers with specific needs to avail fully of quality
customer service

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9. Services through other languages

The Probation Service will make every effort to facilitate customers who
need to communicate through other languages. We will also provide
quality services through Irish and/or bilingually if required and inform
customers of their right to be dealt with through one or other of the official
languages.
Customers will be facilitated in dealing with the Service through
Irish and other languages if requested.
Information leaflets and other printed material will be available
through Irish and other frequently used languages.
10. Better co-ordination
The Probation Service aims to conduct its business with customers in a
spirit of partnership and respect. It is committed to a co-ordinated and
integrated approach to delivery of service.

We will
Continue to enhance our relationships with other partners in the
Criminal Justice System.
Continue to develop relationships and protocols with other Agencies
and government initiatives.
Support and foster relationships within communities in order to
integrate offenders and help make communities safer.
Develop stronger links and protocols with funded Projects to
facilitate the added value of projects to the work of the Probation
Service.
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11. Internal Customer

All staff will be fully supported and consulted with regard to service
delivery issues. In particular, we will ensure that our staff are fully
appraised of the principles of quality customer service.

We will
Further promote the Dignity at work charter and appointment of
designated contact persons scheme.
Provide appropriate supervision for staff at all levels.
Implement P.M.D.S. fully.
Provide appropriate staff training (including training on quality
customer service delivery) as identified through P.M.D.S.
Facilitate participation by staff at all levels in partnership process.

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Procedure for Monitoring and Reporting on Progress

We will monitor our progress in relation to the commitments set out in

this action plan by:

1. Establishing procedures to ensure actions specified in the document

are achieved.

2. Ensuring that customer service commitments are reflected in the

Service work plan.

3. Examining progress on customer service in each directorate through

scheduled meetings

4. Rectifying where appropriate any situations brought to our attention

that require modification.

5. Reviewing progress under this plan and amending where necessary.

6. Including an update on customer service progress in our annual

report.

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