Developing confidence in PSR writing - public day course

Who should attend? Probation Officers, Youth Offending Team practitioners, Team Managers.

The course will cover the following elements:

• Good practice principles in undertaking Pre Sentence reports (purpose, clarity, expression)
• The place of anti discriminatory practice and diversity (assumptions and values, the myth of the value free report)
• The scope of planning reports and assessments
• Preparation and interviewing skills (the place of motivational interviewing)
• Identifying the need for further risk assessment and understand how to refer to the appropriate person
• Confidentiality and Data Protection; Serious Further Offence procedure
• Appropriate language and good presentation

The day’s training examines the skills involved in PSR writing with an emphasis on knowing what information to provide, how to gather it (the use of motivational interviewing skills) and presenting it in a manner that is appropriate for the courts as well as being concise and specific.

Each major section of a PSR will be scrutinised in order to refine your skills required for each section: Analysis of offending, assessing the risk of serious harm and proposing alternatives for the sentencer in line with their own stated purposes.

Linking this to the completion of OASys (Sections 3-12 and Self Assessment Questionnaire) or ASSET will comprise part of the discussion.

Case studies will be examined to provide more experience of the issues involved.

Getting the most out of the day

At the beginning of the day, the trainer will speak with you to determine areas you feel need to be developed, and ensure that this element is integrated into the course. An interactive and discursive environment is encouraged throughout the day.

Trainer

Graham Fitchett has over 20 years of criminal justice experience in the UK and abroad. He has developed cognitive behavioural programmes for offenders and provided consultancy for national probation assessment programmes.

To book:

email training@backstop.org.uk or call us on 020 8785 9912.

Current working locums: Use your Professional Development Scheme fund to earn yourself 25% off the course - speak to us to find out how much is in your fund.

Please read our Terms & Conditions on booking.