Engaging with the Dorset Probation Community Payback Team

Dorset Probation is one of 42 Probation Areas that make up the National Probation Service – working with offenders who have been given sentences to do unpaid work to serve the community.

Last year (2008/09)...Over 62,000 offenders completed Community Paybackin England and Wales
Over 8 million hours of work were undertaken, Work valued at over £45 million (if paid at the minimum wage) was carried out.

At a meeting between the Borough of Poole and the Community Payback Team, it was identified that some excellent work has already been undertaken by the Payback Team in conjunction with Poole Housing Partnership. However, it has been identified that there is a potential for the Borough of Poole to work more closely with them.

In order to do this we need to take a co-ordinated approach and nominate projects that can be undertaken. This will enable us to engage, prioritise, lead, and develop works across the Borough.

All nominated projects are discussed and prioritised by the Borough of Poole with the Community Payback Team. Priority will be given to projects that contribute to Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and corporate policies.

For guidance the types of Community Payback Projects that could be acceptedcan range from,

  • Litter removal or clearing dense undergrowth
  • Repairing and redecorating community centers
  • Removing graffiti
  • Ground work / clearing
  • Garden Community clearance
  • Land Clearance
  • Painting & Decorating
  • Painting the exterior of public buildings
  • Painting playground areas
  • Rebuilding fences
  • Litter picks

Whatever the work is, there are key points to consider. It must:

  • Benefit the local community
  • Not take paid work away from others
  • Not make a profit for anyone
  • Provide sufficient work to fully occupy a group of offenders a minimum of 3 days work
  • Be within the capabilities of the local Community Payback Unit to undertake
  • Satisfy Health and Safety requirements
  • A Daily Support Charge of £50, which is a contribution to transport cost etc.
  • Materials – you can supply your own or any purchased on your behalf will be re-charged to you at cost.
  • Waste/rubbish removal – this will be charged by an internal transfer with Environmental & Consumer Protection services or another waste carrier.

An example of a recent ongoing successful project is the re-decoration of some of public toilets in the Borough of Poole.

Other recent projects also include a litter pick around the Parkway & Sherborn Crescent open space & a litter pick at Bearwood.

Nominate a Project

Have your say on what Community Payback Projects could be undertaken to benefit the Borough of Poole.

If you require further information contact: Judith Martin, Environmental & Consumer Protection Services.

Phone: 01202 261724

Email:

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