His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service

“attention. The HMPPS First Aid Policy Framework was re-issued nationally in August 2023. The revised policy highlights the training requirements for Emergency First Aid and First Aid in prisons, including the importance of Governors ensuring that there is an appropriate number of trained staff on duty at all times. To achieve this, a detailed local first aid risk assessment must be produced to determine the number of First Aiders at Work (FAW) and Emergency First Aiders at work (EFAW) required at an”

“HMP Forest Bank has advised that the induction is now split across two wings, which allows VPs and non-VPs to be housed separately, which means that the risks to VPs associated with co-location, including the cancelling of cell call bells by non-VPs, are no longer present.”

“HMPPS is committed to ensuring that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their role effectively and safely. I have been informed by the Governor of HMP Nottingham that the prison have increased their delivery of SASH/ACCT awareness and upskilling via training days and one-to-one refresher sessions, resulting in a greater number of staff being trained in these areas. The prison will continue to offer ACCT training and upskilling sessions to all staff to increase”

“The training for CCTV operators encompasses modules that cover behavioural body language training and are specifically designed to detect behaviours that would fall under the remit of 'suspicious'. The training is based on established principles and techniques outlined in Tavcom training programs - suspicious behaviours can include gestures, mannerisms, alone or in a group, time, location, how someone is acting (i.e. drunk/disorientated), approaching people, being aggressive etc. The training given”

“We accept that the Probation Delivery Unit (PDU) responsible for [name redacted] was understaffed at the time. Whilst at a national level, the staffing position of the Probation Service is improving, I acknowledge that raising staffing in this PDU to its full complement remains a significant challenge. Therefore, until such time as the situation improves, in this PDU and others with acute pressure remaining, staff will follow a Prioritisation Framework which we first implemented in January 2022”

“The reforms proposed in the Bill will speed up access to specialist inpatient care and treatment by introducing a new statutory time limit of 28 days for the transfer of patients from prison and other places of detention to hospital.”

“HMPPS has expanded psychology services through the prison gate and into the community, to support some of the most complex people we work with.”

“We acknowledge the need for a sustainable engagement strategy with the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Currently the Prison Discharge Coordinator acts as the main link with the MAPPA process.”

“The Standard Operating Procedure has been revised. In addition to this there is an intention to review the Job Description of this role and understand in more depth the scope of what this role can achieve currently or will need to achieve in the future including any potential additional resource requirements.”

“A comprehensive review of the current interaction process between the Prison In-reach team and the CMHT is planned. This will involve a detailed gap analysis to determine areas needing strengthening. We aim to develop a clear plan to enhance this interface, thereby improving continuity of care and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support as they transition from prison to community-based services.”

“We anticipate we will have a decision around this within the next month.”

“the Trust has improved the structure and supervision surrounding the prison discharge coordinator roles, such that the practitioners have weekly supervision with opportunity to escalate cases of concern, and an improved system of referrals and discharge procedures, reflected in the updated standard operating protocol.”

“RECONNECT is a vulnerability service supporting multiple service user needs including accessing mental health support. They are based within HMP Birmingham however are a national service and accept referrals from Out of Area prisons for prison leavers relocating to Birmingham and Solihull. Additionally, prison leavers can be referred up to 28 days post release by probation offender managers, other professionals, family/friends or self-referrals.”

“Following evidence heard at the inquest, you have raised some concerns regarding the first aid training for staff, particularly in relation to the use of CPR. Thank you for bringing your concern to my attention. As you are aware, the HMPPS First Aid Policy Framework was re-issued nationally in August 2023. The revised policy highlights the training requirements for Emergency First Aid and First Aid in prisons, including the importance of Governors ensuring that there is an appropriate number of”

“We are currently working on a new policy framework on the follow-up to deaths in custody (replacing PSI 64/2011) and intend to use that to mandate the early learning review process, and to make clear that it is the responsibility of the Prison Group Director to satisfy themselves of the quality of the ELR before signing the report off. Alongside the new policy framework, we will issue a revised standard template and a refreshed guidance document.”

“We recognise that prisoners may feel vulnerable during their time in custody and HMPPS uses the Assessment, Care in Custody, Teamwork (ACCT) case management approach to support people at risk of self-harm and suicide. As part of any case review, those present will consider a range of measures to mitigate risk, including the prisoner's location and whether any possessions need to be removed or returned, and this may include moving the prisoner to a cell that is more appropriate to manage their risk”

“I will be presenting an Operational Briefing on 21st December to all staff, taking into consideration the Governors Order GO 01/2023 which reads as follows: The purpose of this Governors Orders is to make you aware that it is the responsibility of the Cleaning Officer to ensure that ACCT observations and conversations are conducted and recorded in the ACCT document between the hours of 0745 - 1715. Between the hours of 1745 - 1915 an Officer will be detailed on the Night Orderly Officers detail”

“we will issue a Senior Leaders Bulletin on the importance of recognising key dates and encouraging the use of local databases.”