Reducing risk, rehabilitation and progression

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• There is a local rehabilitation strategy that outlines how the needs of all groups within the prison will be identified and addressed.
• There is good cooperation and communication between various organisations and departments delivering rehabilitative work in the prison.
• There are sound arrangements for sharing information about individual prisoners.
• Case managers coordinate work with individual prisoners.
• A central case record holds up-to-date details of contact with the prisoner and work done to achieve objectives.
• Staff have a good working knowledge of the rehabilitation services available and actively promote them.
• Relevant voluntary and community sector organisations are supported to work with prisoners.
• A named manager is responsible for coordinating the work of voluntary and community sector organisations.
• Partners are encouraged to take part in prison training, for example suicide and self-harm prevention.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners are encouraged and helped to take responsibility for their own rehabilitation.
• Prisoners’ immediate rehabilitation needs (including families, accommodation, employment and debt) are identified on arrival and met.
• Recalled prisoners receive swift information and help to contact a solicitor.
• There is a timely and sufficient assessment of the likelihood of reoffending, including factors relating to a prisoner’s community reintegration.
• Prisoners are involved in preparing a custody plan based on the likelihood of reoffending, the risk of harm to others and their individual strengths, skills and goals.
• Plans include outcome-focused objectives identifying relevant time-limited and appropriately sequenced interventions and reintegration support.
• Home detention curfew (HDC) assessments are up to date and prisoners approved for HDC are released on the earliest eligible date.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• All prisoners have an accurate and timely screening of the risk of harm to others and (if necessary) a risk management plan which is shared as appropriate.  
• Reviews are undertaken at appropriate intervals and following a significant change/event.
• Multi-agency structures for protecting and safeguarding the public (such as multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA)) are used effectively.
• In statutory victim contact cases, relevant and accurate information is exchanged in a timely manner.
• The best interests and safety of the child are considered when a prisoner’s access to children is being assessed.
• Prisoners are informed of the arrangements for managing the risk of harm they pose to others (including family members) and the avenues available to them for challenge.
• Restrictions on access to specific activities are proportionate and clearly communicated to prisoners.
• There is routine management oversight of assessment and planning in all high risk of harm cases or those involving child protection issues.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Unsentenced prisoners are held in the most convenient local prison for their domestic and legal visits.
• Categorisation documentation (including for category A prisoners) contains accurate and detailed information, taking account of the individual needs of the prisoner and any medical needs.  
• Sentenced prisoners are allocated according to their individual needs.
• Proximity to home is given strong importance in allocation decisions.
• Reviews involve the prisoner and all relevant departments. Prisoners are informed of the outcome in writing and told how to appeal.
• Progressive transfers are swift, but do not take place without an up-to-date assessment of the prisoner’s risk of harm and rehabilitation needs.
• Prisoners are transferred to an appropriate resettlement prison for their release.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• A case manager works with the prisoner to ensure key decisions about interventions and activities reflect the plan.
• The level of contact between the prisoner and responsible staff member reflects assessed levels of risk and need.
• Prisoners can easily arrange an appointment with their case manager.
• Prisoners understand and are meaningfully engaged in their plans and have opportunities to make choices about their rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Staff have a good working knowledge of the rehabilitation services available and actively promote them.
• Prisoners are able to participate fully in rehabilitation opportunities and staff reinforce their learning and progress.
• Plans are regularly reviewed and, where necessary, adapted to meet needs.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Prisoners who face an indeterminate sentence are identified on remand, given support and have the elements and implications of an indeterminate sentence explained to them and, where appropriate, to their families.
• Knowledgeable staff explain tariffs and parole board processes.
• Prisoners have realistic opportunities, including offending behaviour programmes, to make objective progress towards a reduction of the risk they pose throughout their sentence.
• Prisoners are given effective and timely support to progress and prepare for parole hearings.
• Staff ensure that parole paperwork is submitted on time.
• Parole board processes happen on time.
• Prisoners know how to make a complaint against the parole board.
• There are sufficient learning opportunities at an appropriate level for prisoners to be engaged over many years.