The Probation Service is preparing a large outsourcing
project in an effort to improve its poor technology track
record.
Problems with its Crams case management system and poor network
performance led to threats of industrial action by Probation
Service staff in 2002.
In 2001, a National Audit Office report described Crams as outdated
and difficult to use. In September 2003, an interim review by the
Inspectorate of Probation reported that there were still problems
with the system.
The Home Office is seeking a private sector partner as part of its
Steps2 contract, which will be in place in 2005.
Prospective suppliers have been asked to propose a new IT
infrastructure for the Probation Service. It currently uses a
thin-client infrastructure based on Citrix and Windows.
Steps2 will replace an existing £50m contract with systems
integrator Steria, which was signed in 2001. The interim deal
covers management and support of Probation Service IT and
Crams.
The Probation Service's future outsourcer will assume
responsibility for Crams and the development of its replacement,
Salsa.