Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Accepted
Prison staff recruitment and training fall significantly short compared to other public services.
Conclusion
We heard concerns that recruitment and training for prison staff falls significantly short when compared to other public sector services. It is not right that promotions often come without proper training for their new role. This undermines both staff confidence and the quality of prison operations. (Conclusion, Paragraph 33)
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the importance of staff training and outlines ongoing work through the Enable Programme to redesign training and develop capability packages for various roles. It notes this full national rollout is not feasible within 12 months and a new Prisons Training Oversight Function, whose board is not yet established, is responsible for curriculum development.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
7. We agree with the concept of all staff within the prison service receive a suitable induction and training on recruitment and promotion, as well as suitable development at regular intervals. 8. The Enable Programme is working to address this approach with the redesign of Prison Officer Foundation Training and the development of a range of capability packages aimed at Custodial Managers, Heads of Function, Deputy Governors and Governors. There are also capability packages being created for staff in non-operational roles. 9. The work to develop these packages is part of a programme of work that is not feasible to deliver within 12 months and will take longer to design, test and roll out nationally. 10. The first group of capability packages, Core Capability Packages aimed at Bands 3 and 4 officers, Custodial Manager Portfolio and Governor Induction are all in to business as usual delivery, providing capability development for a range of staff roles within prisons. 11. The Prisons Training Oversight Function has been stood up in response to the Independent Review of Foundation Training. This function has responsibility for developing and implementing the capability curriculum for all prison staff, including non-operational. Governance of this function will include a Board level meeting to oversee commissions and decommission of new learning and capability products as well as tactical oversight of delivery. The Board has not yet been established. 12. PE Instructors (PEIs) receive a comprehensive training package that equips them with the required skills and knowledge to deliver physical activity and education in custody. A national review is underway to further develop the offer, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for staff.