Integrated offender management workforce development

Abstract

PurposeThis article aims to inform the reader of the developments around integrated offender management (IOM) arrangements with a particular focus on the issues in relation to workforce development and responding to emerging support needs.Design/methodology/approachThe article is designed to take the reader through an IOM development journey, its key principles and some common issues on which the Government departments are supporting local areas.FindingsThe article emphasises that integrated offender management should not be seen as a programme or scheme. Rather, it is a locally agreed strategic framework for bringing together different offender‐focused programmes and approaches. It highlights the need for a skilled work force at both strategic and operational levels, in order to mainstream effective and efficient offender management approaches.Practical implicationsA focus on workforce development and training can be expected to help local areas to develop an agreed vision for the local IOM approach and raise awareness of it at all levels, to help to mainstream the approach.Originality/valueThe article highlights the importance of workforce development to the effectiveness of IOM and invites areas to engage with the Home Office.