The Offender Management Act 2007 (Establishment of Probation Trusts) Order 2008

This Order establishes the first six probation trusts using the power in section 5(1) of the Offender Management Act 2007 (“the 2007 Act”). The establishment of probation trusts are part of the new arrangements for the provision of probation services in England and Wales contained in Part 1 of the 2007 Act. The arrangements are expected to be brought into force by geographical areas in three phases, with the first phase coming into force on 1st April 2008. They will replace the arrangements in respect of the National Probation Service for England and Wales contained in Part 1 of the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000.

The probation trusts listed in article 2 of this Order are established for the purposes set out in article 3 on 1st April 2008. These purposes are the making and performance by the trusts of contracts for the provision of probation services with the Secretary of State for Justice under section 3(2) of the 2007 Act and with other persons (including other probation trusts). Contracts made with the Secretary of State for Justice under section 3(2) of the 2007 Act will be the principal mechanism for setting out in detail the activities of the trusts, including specifying the geographical area in which the trusts will operate.