Deerbolt

There is a distinct difference in the definition of key worker sessions and wellbeing checks. Key Work is an element of the OMiC Model for the male closed estate and Women's estate. Many establishments have been delivering wellbeing checks as opposed to key work since the Covid-19 pandemic commenced and in line with their current regime level and Exceptional Delivery Model. Guidance has been shared with establishments on how to record either a wellbeing check or Key Work Session. The guidance is as follows:
• Wellbeing Check - A well-being check is more than just a roll-check, it will be a brief conversation on the prisoner’s current wellbeing;
• Key Work Session – Where a prisoner has been provided the dedicated 45 minutes to complete a 1-2-1 key work session;
As per the National Framework for regime recovery, at level three, prisons should be re-introducing key work to all prisoners and ceasing wellbeing checks. All prison officers delivering key work should be recording the details on the Digital Prison Services (DPS) platform to which IMB members at HMP/YOI Deerbolt have been offered access. The OMiC Enquiries Team at headquarters can also provide further advice and guidance on how to access key work data.

HMPPS says work has been performed to enhance staff understanding and training on gang identification around gangs and the threat they pose in prison. Also, training will be rolled out to all staff in establishments. The IMB is confident that Deerbolt staff are very much up to date with gang culture, and our members have been impressed by the work the prison is performing in regard to gang issues. However, we have noted gang enrolment increasing in the prison in this reporting period.

Prisoners can only be segregated beyond 42 days when it is sanctioned by the Secretary of State, which is normally carried out by the Prison Group Director (PGD) through delegated powers. The PGD will only sanction continued segregation if there is a clear progression plan in place. Transfers between prisons is an operational issue and the Custodial Capacity Team at HMPPS Headquarters does not intervene or expedite transfers where prisoners may be detained in a Segregation Unit for an extended period of time. An operational escalation process is in place which includes a coordinated regional meeting on a weekly basis including the Population Management team; prison representatives from every establishment with the Regional Group and privately managed HMP Northumberland; and the Reconfiguration Team that supports offender flows. Prisoners that have been difficult to progress are discussed and reasons for refusal from any receiving prison (within the region or external) are discussed and escalated by the regional operations manager. Liaison thereafter between regions can be undertaken to explore progressive opportunities in the wider prison estate.

The prison looked for more suitable locations, but this could not be facilitated. The IMB continued to dial into important meetings. Every effort was made by our members to speak to the parties involved prior to meetings.