We assess the performance of the National Probation Service and 21 Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) through a range of service levels and, for CRCs, through a robust contract management and assurance process. Performance information against these service levels is published quarterly. The most recent statistics were published on 28 April and can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/community-performance-quarterly-management-information-update-to-december-2015. Cohorts were established from 1 October 2015 and there will be a 26 month delay to allow for robust measurement over a sustained period, cases to clear courts, and analysis of the data. We will, therefore, be unable to assess whether the reforms are reducing reoffending until December 2017.

We are confident our reforms to probation services are being successfully implemented but are not complacent and are working to improve the issues identified in this report. The National Offender Management Service have developed an action plan and we are addressing the Chief Inspector's recommendations.

We continue to closely monitor and robustly manage providers to make sure they fulfil their contractual commitments to maintain service delivery, reduce reoffending, protect the public and provide value for money to the taxpayer and will continue to support probation staff to deliver these important changes.

The information requested could be only obtained at disproportionate cost.

Cohorts were established from 1 October 2015 and there will be a 26 month delay before the first Payment by Results payment to allow for robust measurement, cases to clear courts, and analysis of the data. We have therefore not made any payments through Payment by Results to Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs).

The National Offender Management Service regularly carries out assessments of all aspects of security and delivery at HMP Northumberland and will continue to monitor the prison’s progress closely.