What consideration has the Minister given to the different organisational structures of a potential devolved probation service, in light of the report Towards a Devolved Probation Service in Wales from the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice?
We have been working with the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice to advise on the future vision for probation in Wales and welcomed the publication of the recent report, which we will consider carefully as we prepare for potential devolution. To complement this work, last year we commissioned the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) to take forward a specific piece of research. They will draw on existing evidence, including the Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice report, and host discussions with relevant experts to outline options for probation devolution to Wales. Operational models are being explored as part of this work, with insights being drawn from practice in other countries and regions, within and outside of the UK.