Sebert Cox, Chairman of the Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust, has been elected as the new Chair of the Association. For full story and other news, follow the link below.

This News Update carries details of the conference held to launch the Association's Local Partnership Development Strategy among other news.

This Update carries a report on a trust finance event organised by the Association at which Michael Spurr, Chief Executive designate of the National Offender Management Service, delivered some tough messages on the financial climate and its impact on trusts.

The April 2010 News Update features an article on the Association's Trust Finance day, in partnership with NOMS, on April 30.

This Update provides the latest on how the Association, on behalf of all probation boards and trusts in England and Wales, has continued to press NOMS to resolve outstanding contract issues ahead of April 1, 2010, when all probation boards become trusts.

The February 2010 News Update carries an article on the publication of guidance to help trusts face new scrutiny issues. Probation may find itself under a new public spotlight due to legislation in the Policing and Crime Act 2009.

The January 2010 Update includes a report on the success of the Trust Development project and an article on the conference to support area communications being jointly organised by the Association and the Probation Chiefs' Association.

The December 2009 update carries a report on a productive Practical Governance Study Day in November, the latest on pay negotiations and lots more.

The November 2009 News Update carries an article from Chief Executive Christine Lawrie about important consultations with members over current national pay negotiations and reminders and details of two events being held by the Association over the coming month on Information Communication Technology and good governance practice.

The October 2009 News Update features an overview of the services we offer our members and a picture and report on our attendance at the Criminal Justice Management Conference on 1 October, where we posed a crucial question to the Director General of Criminal Justice, Ministry of Justice.