Blended Supervision Model Evaluation

Task 

The Blended Supervision Model (BSM) in probation combines in-person and remote interactions, such as phone calls and video conferencing, to address the needs and manage the risks of individuals on probation. TONIC, alongside Get the Data and User Voice, helped to conduct the second phase of a two-year evaluation into this model that sought to fill any knowledge gaps in regard to: 

  • Guidance and Practitioner Support: Understanding how the MoJ could support probation practitioners with clear, useful guidance on the use of Blended Supervision while allowing for professional discretion. 

  • Impact on Sentence Management: Evaluating the perceived impact of different contact modes on sentence management. 

  • Technological Solutions: Assessing the benefits, challenges, and effectiveness of remote supervision technologies. 

The full evaluation took place from October 2022 to February 2024. TONIC were commissioned to conduct interviews with Senior Probation Officers and Probation Practitioners as part of the second phase of the evaluation.  

Our Approach 

The evaluation focused on five probation regions in the UK – East of England, Greater Manchester, North West, Wales and West Midlands – which were chosen due to the large throughput of cases and mix of rural and urban Probation Delivery Units (PDUs). TONIC utilised a mix of interviews and focus groups for data collection. The interviews and focus groups that TONIC conducted with practitioners explored supervision practices, compliance, use of technology, Rehabilitation Activity Requirements (RARs) and home visits. TONIC facilitated a total of 75 one-to-one interviews and six focus groups all of which were hosted virtually. All interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed. TONIC researchers created a qualitative coding framework based on experience and re-reading the transcripts, using an inductive method under the thematic analysis paradigm from Braun and Clarke (2006).           

Outcome 

TONIC contributed to a comprehensive report that was written collaboratively with Get the Data and User Voice. 

The evaluation revealed that probation practitioners and people on probation value the Blended Supervision approach, which combines in-person and remote interactions. The implementation of remote supervision was most likely to be used for check-ins rather than comprehensive supervision sessions. However, practitioners and individuals on probation preferred in-person supervision for its benefits in relationship building, body language reading, and addressing complex issues, which are crucial for fostering compliance and engagement. Although remote supervision offered flexibility and supported specific needs, concerns about its overall quality, particularly regarding confidentiality and meaningful engagement, were noted. Going forward, the model is considered sustainable but strengthened remote supervision training and updated guidelines were thought to be important to enhance the model’s effectiveness and consistency. 

Full published report is available to read here. 

“TONIC did an exceptional job on the delivery of the Blended Supervision Model evaluation. While TONIC joined the project in the second phase, the team’s attention to detail and thorough analysis was evident and secured the publication of the results. For the duration of the project, TONIC overcame numerous obstacles with resilience and successfully engaged with policy and operational colleagues to address all key concerns with clarity. The project was challenging but TONIC demonstrated expertise and managed to maintain a high standard of quality.”

Senior Research Officer, Ministry of Justice

(Probation Reform Evidence and Evaluation Team – Analysis Directorate)