Manchester

Response
I understand the Board’s concern that the installation of secure windows has not commenced yet. The project has been progressing with a feasibility study completed to support planning and the project has been identified as part of the 2021/22 capital delivery programme approved by HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). The project is currently at the outline business case stage with the current projected timeline anticipating work commencing on site at HMP Manchester in August/September 2022 which will allow the completion of the business case approval, tender evaluation and the commercial agreement process.

Response
Turning to the Board’s continued concerns for those prisoners with mental ill health awaiting transfer to a secure hospital I can assure the Board that the Government is determined to improve the transfer process. The Government is committed to introducing a new statutory time limit of 28 days for transfers to mental health hospitals from custody which was proposed in the White Paper on Reforming the Mental Health Act published in January 2021. This will be commenced once the new NHS England and NHS Improvement good practice guidance is fully embedded which was published on 10 June 2021 and promotes the timely access to appropriate treatment and reduces unnecessary delays - https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/guidance-for-the-transfer-and-remission-of-adult-prisonersandimmigration-removal-centre-detainees-under-the-mental-health-act-1983. It is acknowledged that there have been delays in access to secure mental health hospitals due to a lack of suitable beds on appropriate admission wards relating to unprecedented demand across all communities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The relevant units are currently restoring and recovering routine levels of service where possible and NHS commissioners will continue to support mental health services and HMP Manchester when there are difficulties in achieving transfers in a timely way. Prisoners waiting for transfer are fully supported by the mental health team at the prison until the transfer is achieved and resolution of delays is given the highest priority. In addition, new performance metrics have been developed by NHS England and NHS Improvement to monitor referrals, assessments and transfers under the Mental Health Act. These commenced in April 2021 and work is ongoing to improve consistency and quality. Work is also developing the whole-pathway approach to the care of offenders including diverting them from the criminal justice system where appropriate, and reconnecting those leaving custody with health services in the community. Due to the complex needs and behaviour of some prisoners, segregation for their own safety or the safety of others may be necessary whilst awaiting a transfer to secure hospital under the Mental Health Act. However, segregation is always used as a last resort and following robust decision logs and safety algorithms led by the health provider, as well as regular multidisciplinary reviews taking place, to meet the individual’s needs, whilst ensuring safety, vulnerability and risks are managed. Every effort is made to expedite transfers and Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, HMP Manchester and the Directorate of Security continues to work collaboratively to access secure hospital beds where appropriate.

Response
Following the pause in the development of the new Prisoners’ Property policy framework due to Covid-19 mentioned in the previous response to the Board, feedback received from IMB members has been considered alongside the comments received from other stakeholders, and comments from subsequent operational engagement. HMPPS has now circulated the draft framework with internal and external stakeholders, including the IMB Secretariat and the IMB representatives previously consulted, and the large number of comments received are being considered. As a result, the framework is expected to be published early in 2022. The new framework will seek to ensure that property is handled with efficiency, care and respect and that staff and prisoners are clear on the arrangements in place. It provides clear requirements and strengthens guidance on known problem areas. This includes providing stronger guidance on the correct procedures for completing prisoners’ property cards. The introduction of digitally recorded Person Escort Records will also enable better tracking of property in transit with Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers and will assist with investigating the few complaints PECS receives about lost property. Locally HMP Manchester is also conducting a property summit which is seeking feedback from staff, prisoners, families of prisoners and other partner organisations. This will be used to implement changes in the local property processes and a local property task force is being setup to deliver the summit outcomes.

Response
Following the pause in the development of the new Prisoners’ Property policy framework due to Covid-19 mentioned in the previous response to the Board, feedback received from IMB members has been considered alongside the comments received from other stakeholders, and comments from subsequent operational engagement. HMPPS has now circulated the draft framework with internal and external stakeholders, including the IMB Secretariat and the IMB representatives previously consulted, and the large number of comments received are being considered. As a result, the framework is expected to be published early in 2022. The new framework will seek to ensure that property is handled with efficiency, care and respect and that staff and prisoners are clear on the arrangements in place. It provides clear requirements and strengthens guidance on known problem areas. This includes providing stronger guidance on the correct procedures for completing prisoners’ property cards. The introduction of digitally recorded Person Escort Records will also enable better tracking of property in transit with Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers and will assist with investigating the few complaints PECS receives about lost property. Locally HMP Manchester is also conducting a property summit which is seeking feedback from staff, prisoners, families of prisoners and other partner organisations. This will be used to implement changes in the local property processes and a local property task force is being setup to deliver the summit outcomes.

Response
Following the pause in the development of the new Prisoners’ Property policy framework due to Covid-19 mentioned in the previous response to the Board, feedback received from IMB members has been considered alongside the comments received from other stakeholders, and comments from subsequent operational engagement. HMPPS has now circulated the draft framework with internal and external stakeholders, including the IMB Secretariat and the IMB representatives previously consulted, and the large number of comments received are being considered. As a result, the framework is expected to be published early in 2022. The new framework will seek to ensure that property is handled with efficiency, care and respect and that staff and prisoners are clear on the arrangements in place. It provides clear requirements and strengthens guidance on known problem areas. This includes providing stronger guidance on the correct procedures for completing prisoners’ property cards. The introduction of digitally recorded Person Escort Records will also enable better tracking of property in transit with Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers and will assist with investigating the few complaints PECS receives about lost property. Locally HMP Manchester is also conducting a property summit which is seeking feedback from staff, prisoners, families of prisoners and other partner organisations. This will be used to implement changes in the local property processes and a local property task force is being setup to deliver the summit outcomes.

Response
Turning to the Board’s continued concerns for those prisoners with mental ill health awaiting transfer to a secure hospital I can assure the Board that the Government is determined to improve the transfer process. The Government is committed to introducing a new statutory time limit of 28 days for transfers to mental health hospitals from custody which was proposed in the White Paper on Reforming the Mental Health Act published in January 2021. This will be commenced once the new NHS England and NHS Improvement good practice guidance is fully embedded which was published on 10 June 2021 and promotes the timely access to appropriate treatment and reduces unnecessary delays - https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/guidance-for-the-transfer-and-remission-of-adult-prisonersandimmigration-removal-centre-detainees-under-the-mental-health-act-1983. It is acknowledged that there have been delays in access to secure mental health hospitals due to a lack of suitable beds on appropriate admission wards relating to unprecedented demand across all communities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The relevant units are currently restoring and recovering routine levels of service where possible and NHS commissioners will continue to support mental health services and HMP Manchester when there are difficulties in achieving transfers in a timely way. Prisoners waiting for transfer are fully supported by the mental health team at the prison until the transfer is achieved and resolution of delays is given the highest priority. In addition, new performance metrics have been developed by NHS England and NHS Improvement to monitor referrals, assessments and transfers under the Mental Health Act. These commenced in April 2021 and work is ongoing to improve consistency and quality. Work is also developing the whole-pathway approach to the care of offenders including diverting them from the criminal justice system where appropriate, and reconnecting those leaving custody with health services in the community. Due to the complex needs and behaviour of some prisoners, segregation for their own safety or the safety of others may be necessary whilst awaiting a transfer to secure hospital under the Mental Health Act. However, segregation is always used as a last resort and following robust decision logs and safety algorithms led by the health provider, as well as regular multidisciplinary reviews taking place, to meet the individual’s needs, whilst ensuring safety, vulnerability and risks are managed. Every effort is made to expedite transfers and Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust, HMP Manchester and the Directorate of Security continues to work collaboratively to access secure hospital beds where appropriate.