Manchester

Can the minister expedite approval of the necessary funding [for safer custody windows]?

With regard the installation of the secure windows, the position as outlined in my response to the Board of 3 September 2020, remains unchanged. The successful bid is on the Ministry of Justice Projects database but a date for the work to be undertaken has not yet been identified. The Governor recognises that this is a high priority piece of work and will attempt to press this issue at every opportunity.

The Board would enquire of the minister if steps could be taken to provide the prison with a separate canteen facility for its prisoners.

I continue to recognise the Board’s request that prisoners be able to dine out of their cells. Further to my recent response to the Board’s last report, the top half of the prison is now entirely single cell accommodation. Dining tables have been purchased, delivered and built, however, due to Covid-19 restrictions on social distancing, the deployment of these to the wings has been halted. Funding has been secured and allocated to create kitchenettes on A, B, C, D, E, G, H, I and K wings. This work has been slightly delayed due to the pandemic but is anticipated to commence shortly.

What assurances can the minister provide to the Board that the handling of prisoner property is being prioritised to and from various prison establishments across the country?

In respect of the Board’s repeated concerns about the handling of prisoners’ property, it is disappointing that the new Prisoners’ Property policy framework has not been published. The project involving 14 prisons has been concluded and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is working closely with stakeholders to consult on proposed changes to the policy. As previously advised, in light of the pressures placed on Boards by Covid-19, HMPPS agreed with the IMB Secretariat to push consultation with Boards back until August and September. I am pleased to be able to confirm that this consultation exercise did resume in August of this year. The feedback received from those members will be considered alongside the comments received earlier this year from other stakeholders, and comments from the operational engagement which is now taking place. There has been a slight delay in us being able to circulate a revised draft policy framework because of the need to ensure sufficient operational engagement. We anticipate the draft framework will be circulated for wider consultation at the beginning of 2021.

What assurances can be offered to ensure that prisoners suffering from these symptoms can be swiftly placed in specialist accommodation to best support their needs?

NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) will continue to monitor the time taken from referral to transfer and ensuring there is effective liaison with specialised commissioning. New performance metrics are being developed by NHSE&I via a strategic reporting tool to monitor those being assessed under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and tracking assessment and transfer waiting periods. The Prison Transfer and Remission Guidance 2011 has now been refreshed and is awaiting publication, as the planned date for publication was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside this work, the new mental health service specifications have been published for low and medium-secure hospitals. The NHS led Provider Collaboratives service for adult medium and low secure care gives local ownership to providers for the whole pathway. This includes the interface with the criminal justice system, and resources for their own populations, enabling them to make commissioning decisions to improve and integrate services. In terms of high secure care, a strategic commissioning plan will be developed by April 2021. This will describe the clinical model, pathways and the required capacity for implementation during 2021/22. The Government is also committed to reforming the MHA and we are working closely with Department for Health and Social Care to respond to the recommendations of the independent review, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely. A White Paper will be published in the coming months. Locally, the Long Term and High Security Estate’s Pathways to Progression team works closely with healthcare colleagues on an individual basis and through a joint HMPPS / NHS meeting. This collaboration has seen improved outcomes for men being referred to hospital.

Other than the regular monthly board meetings, can the Governor offer alternative channels of communication to the Board, to keep them abreast of the changes planned for HMP Manchester in becoming a category B training establishment?

Can the prison develop a more efficient process for handling prisoners’ property, and particularly in relation to those prisoners in custody at HMP Manchester where there has been the necessity to undertake cell clearances for moves between wings? Can the introduction of mandatory body-worn cameras to record cell clearances be initiated?

Although it is now a requirement for staff at HMP Manchester to use Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVCs) during cell clearances, it is recognised that this is not happening for every clearance. The prison’s Head of Residence has been tasked to look into this further and embed a process that works on the principles that the BWVCs are tools to be utilised to deter violence, protecting staff, prisoners and those that visit our establishments.

What processes can be implemented to improve the quality of responses to those prisoners making a complaint?

What processes are being put into place to reduce staff sickness further, to provide a healthy workforce, with high levels of staff attendance?

Can assurances be provided by the Governor that these concerns will be a prioritised, in view of the new profiles for a category B training establishment?

What measures are being introduced to reduce the risk of violence in the prison and support those prisoners at risk of self-harm?

Although it is now a requirement for staff at HMP Manchester to use Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVCs) during cell clearances, it is recognised that this is not happening for every clearance. The prison’s Head of Residence has been tasked to look into this further and embed a process that works on the principles that the BWVCs are tools to be utilised to deter violence, protecting staff, prisoners and those that visit our establishments.
NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) will continue to monitor the time taken from referral to transfer and ensuring there is effective liaison with specialised commissioning. New performance metrics are being developed by NHSE&I via a strategic reporting tool to monitor those being assessed under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and tracking assessment and transfer waiting periods. The Prison Transfer and Remission Guidance 2011 has now been refreshed and is awaiting publication, as the planned date for publication was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Alongside this work, the new mental health service specifications have been published for low and medium-secure hospitals. The NHS led Provider Collaboratives service for adult medium and low secure care gives local ownership to providers for the whole pathway. This includes the interface with the criminal justice system, and resources for their own populations, enabling them to make commissioning decisions to improve and integrate services. In terms of high secure care, a strategic commissioning plan will be developed by April 2021. This will describe the clinical model, pathways and the required capacity for implementation during 2021/22. The Government is also committed to reforming the MHA and we are working closely with Department for Health and Social Care to respond to the recommendations of the independent review, chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely. A White Paper will be published in the coming months. Locally, the Long Term and High Security Estate’s Pathways to Progression team works closely with healthcare colleagues on an individual basis and through a joint HMPPS / NHS meeting. This collaboration has seen improved outcomes for men being referred to hospital.

What plans are in place to improve living conditions further for prisoners, in respect of the vermin infestation across the estate and on a number of wings?

The Board recommends that the Governor addresses the number of outstanding repairs across the estate, and, in particular, the length of time that it takes for repairs to be completed.