Source · Select Committees · Justice Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Deferred
Ensure all prison staff receive proper training upon recruitment, promotion, and annually.
Conclusion
Staff should never be promoted, even temporarily, without the proper training required to fulfil the duties of the role. As part of the Government’s work through ‘the Enable Programme’ it must ensure that, from prison officer to Governor, every member of prison staff receives training on recruitment, on promotion, and at a minimum on an annual basis, and more regularly as staff are promoted throughout their careers. This should be rolled out within 12 months. (Recommendation, Paragraph 34)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government's response focuses on its existing practices for workforce data transparency and why it does not publish data on skilled worker visas, completely deflecting from the recommendation about mandatory training for staff upon recruitment and promotion.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
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.
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