Source · SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman)

Scottish Prison Service

SPSO (Scottish Public Services Ombudsman) Not Upheld Reference 201004315 Sector Prisons Category work (in prison) Decided 01 October 2011

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Summary

Mr C complained raised a number of issues about the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). He complained that they allocated him to a joinery workparty based on an incorrect view that he had relevant experience. He also complained that they do not operate an open and transparent process for allocation of prisoner employment/training opportunities and that this prevented Mr C from applying for a barbering position. He complained that the SPS allocated barbering positions to prisoners who did not hold the relevant qualifications and experience. He also complained that the SPS delayed in dealing with his complaint.

Our investigation found no evidence of maladministration in the handling of the issues raised by Mr C. The SPS confirmed that previous experience was not required to work in workshops. In addition, it was not for this office to decide who should be selected, or not selected, for employment opportunities. These were discretionary decisions for the SPS and local management and we, therefore, did not uphold the complaints.

Related reading

View Decision Report 201004315 as a PDF (14 KB) Updated: March 13, 2018

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