This case study is intended as a practical example for civil servants and public sector leaders considering productivity initiatives.

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The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) sought to improve productivity within the Probation Service by introducing a transcription tool, Justice Transcribe, for probation officers to use in meetings. This makes more time available for activities that directly contribute to public protection and rehabilitation.

The case study provides insights into the decisions, governance arrangements, testing approaches, implementation activities and evaluation methods that supported delivery of Justice Transcribe. It also highlights key lessons from each stage of implementation.

Key steps

The case study identifies five steps for public sector organisations to consider when seeking to improve productivity:

  1. Identify opportunities for improvement
  2. Develop solutions that meet operational needs
  3. Implement change at scale
  4. Realise and sustain benefits
  5. Embed improvements into business-as-usual operations

Productivity improvement series

This publication is the first of a series of case studies we plan to publish highlighting practical steps public bodies have taken to improve their productivity and the lessons others can learn from them.

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Press release

View press release (14 Oct 2026)

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