Leadership and management of safety
We consider leadership and management only insofar as it has a direct and observable impact on outcomes for prisoners. The term ‘leaders and managers’ may include any member of staff, including those working for contracted services, and the management hierarchy, including commissioners. Our judgements relate to how leaders and managers support or obstruct the achievement of our Expectations. We do not assess leadership and management in isolation, nor do we do so comprehensively. Our judgements will be presented at the end of the relevant healthy prison test summary.
20. Safe outcomes for prisoners are supported by effective leadership and management.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it:
- Leaders and managers pay close personal attention to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable prisoners.
- Sufficient resources are available to promote safety.
- A whole-prison strategy for promoting positive behaviour minimises the need for a punitive approach.
- There are clear strategies for reducing violence and self-harm.
- Leaders and managers are visible and appropriately challenge staff and prisoners.
- Data is used effectively to identify and minimise risks to the safety of prisoners and staff.
- The approach to caring for prisoners is multidisciplinary.
- The importance of dynamic security is recognised.