This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31093568
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Probation chief Paul McDowell resigns over 'conflict of interest' | Probation chief Paul McDowell resigns over 'conflict of interest' |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The chief inspector of the probation service in England and Wales has resigned because of a "potential perceived conflict of interest". | The chief inspector of the probation service in England and Wales has resigned because of a "potential perceived conflict of interest". |
| Paul McDowell's decision relates to his wife's role as a senior manager at Sodexo, which has taken over the management of a number of probation contracts. | Paul McDowell's decision relates to his wife's role as a senior manager at Sodexo, which has taken over the management of a number of probation contracts. |
| Mr McDowell said it was "imperative that any inspectorate is independent and seen to be so". | Mr McDowell said it was "imperative that any inspectorate is independent and seen to be so". |
| He took up his role in February 2014. | He took up his role in February 2014. |
| Payment by results | Payment by results |
| Sodexo, in partnership with crime reduction charity Nacro, has been selected by the Ministry of Justice to run six of 21 probation contracts. | |
| Under the new probation scheme, which started on Sunday, private contractors will rehabilitate prisoners who have served short sentences. | |
| The companies will be paid by results and earn more money if offenders do not commit further crimes. | The companies will be paid by results and earn more money if offenders do not commit further crimes. |
| Mr McDowell said in a statement: "Although we have measures in place to manage any conflicts of interest, and I would always carry out my duties without fear or favour, it is clear that a perception of conflict around my post remains." | |
| Before becoming chief inspector of probation, Mr McDowell was chief executive of Nacro and a governor of HMP Brixton. |