Preston

Response
I understand the Board’s ongoing concerns regarding kitchen maintenance and the timescales taken to repair faulty equipment. As the Board will be aware, the current kitchen at HMP/YOI Preston is ten years old and requires substantial levels of support with maintenance and reactive repairs. The commercial service provider at HMP/YOI Preston has been changed, which my officials tell me has already resulted in an improved service. HMP/YOI Preston also has an asset replacement plan in placeand it is expected that this will result in a reduction in equipment breakdowns in the longer term.

Response
I have noted your longstanding frustrations about the fabric of HMP/YOI Preston, and particularly the reception area, gate house, and Offender Management Units (OMU). The Board will be aware that in 2023, HMP/YOI Preston explored the feasibility of purchasing the former Lancashire Museum from the County Council. As the museum is a listed building, this was seen as cost prohibitive. The Ministry of Justice Property team are now considering moving the gate area to be shared with the visitors’ entrance on Ribbleton Lane and are seeking funding for this. The OMU building has been identified for replacement and the bid is currently undergoing the consideration and funding process. HMP/YOI Preston being a Victorian prison naturally presents various challenges. However, I would like to assure the Board that HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) will continue to work with all stakeholders and contractors to ensure that the prison provides decent accommodation. The cumulative investment over the past few years that allowed the prison to undertake significant refursbishment of the showers, flooring, and external wall, should help to provide better conditions for the prisoners. The local Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling and Decent (CRED) programme will also continue it’s good work in refurbishing cells to a high standard.

Response
Thank you for bringing the issues with the RECONNECT service provision to my attention. NHS England have advised that at the time of implementation, every RECONNECT service in each county was set up differently. This was due to the way they receive their funding. Consequently each service has different thresholds around referral criteria, including need and level of risk, depending on their staffing model and staffing skills/experience and expertise. A national evaluation of RECONNECT is underway and it is anticipated that the model and thresholds will be explored as part of this exercise. The RECONNECT service at HMP/YOI Preston is provided by Lancashire and South Cumbria Service who are not aware of any individuals being rejected. However, there is a possibility this may happen if a prisoner is then referred to the RECONNECT service in their home area. I have been assured that this issue will be investigated further by NHS England and the national RECONNECT team. Prior to release, staff at HMP/YOI Preston will continue to support prisoners in their preparation and will include healthcare and resettlement services to minimise reoffending.

Response
Foundation training focusses throughout on pro-social role modelling and building good working relationships. Five Minute Interventions (FMI) is introduced early in the training scheme and the skills are practised throughout the remainder of the programme to officers in different contexts. These include the use of the skills to de escalate situations through conversations with individuals. The use of force is emphasised to be a last resort when all other interpersonal and de-escalation skills have not been effective. An e-learning module on autism is offered, and an introduction to mental health is delivered which includes some elements of neurodiversity. HMPPS have successfully rolled out The Neurodiversity Support Manager (NSM) role across the prison estate and NSMs are responsible for improving support for prisoners with neurodivergent needs. To enhance capability, NSMs are responsible for providing training and guidance to staff to equip them to better understand and support neurodivergent prisoners, which is underpinned by the Neurodiversity Support Manager Framework. At HMP/YOI Preston the NSM delivers monthly training sessions to all new staff as well as existing staff. In 2023, 207 members of staff successfully completed the training. In the current year 112 members of staff have completed the training so far, which has resulted in good progress in terms of treatment, understanding, and support of neurodiverse prisoners. HMPPS can assure the Board that concerns raised are taken very seriously and have a range of interventions, including disciplinary action and police referral where appropriate, to ensure that Prison Officers who treat prisoners in a disrespectful way are challenged and held accountable for their actions.