Time out of cell
All prisoners have sufficient time out of cell and are encouraged to engage in activities which meet their resettlement needs and support their rehabilitation.
66. Prisoners have regular and predictable time out of cell which is sufficient to promote rehabilitation and mental well-being.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners have at least 10 hours out of their cell on weekdays, including some time in the evening.
- Wherever they are located, prisoners are never subjected to a regime which amounts to solitary confinement (when prisoners are confined alone for 22 hours or more a day without meaningful human contact).
- Prisoners have the opportunity for one hour of association in the evening every day.
- Prisoners know the daily routines for activities, association and exercise.
- Out of cell activities happen on time and are not cancelled unnecessarily.
- There is sufficient time in the regime for prisoners to attend compulsory regime activities and still have time for domestic routines such as showering, collecting medication, cell cleaning, telephone calls and some recreational activity.
- Prisoners unable to attend learning or work activities are unlocked during the day and are provided with suitable activities.
- Prisoners have the opportunity to telephone their families and friends during the evening.
67. Prisoners are expected and encouraged to use time out of cell constructively, including at weekends.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Staff and prisoners have daily opportunities to interact proactively.
- Prisoners engage in a variety of activities throughout the day and can have at least one rest day a week.
- Prisoners are encouraged to socialise with each other.
- Prisoners have properly equipped areas for association.
- Prisoners are encouraged to take part in sociable recreational activities which promote well-being.
- Prisoners are encouraged to give their time to benefit others, for example in peer support roles.
68. Prisoners, including inpatients, those on the basic regime and those in segregation, are able to spend at least one hour in the open air every day.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Exercise areas are big enough, are attractive and have adequate seating and equipment.
- Waterproof coats are available.
- Prisoners do not have to choose between access to the open air and other important regime activities.
- Prisoners understand that time in the open air is important to their mental and physical health.
- Outside exercise is only cancelled in extreme weather conditions.
69. Prisoners benefit from regular access to a suitable library, library materials and additional learning resources that meet their needs.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners can visit the library at least once a week.
- The library provides an opportunity for both learning and social interaction in an informal, relaxed setting.
- The quantity and quality of library materials is sufficient to meet the needs of the prison population.
- Prisoners can easily access documents relating to their management, rights and entitlements.
- The library promotes healthy living, for example by supplying books recommended by the health team.
- The library promotes literacy effectively and encourages social engagement.
70. Prisoners are encouraged to participate in physical education and fitness provision that meets their needs.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners are able to use the physical education facilities for recreation at least twice a week and are able to shower in safety and privacy after each session.
- The range of physical education and fitness activities offered is varied and meets the needs of the population.
- Effective joint working between gym staff and health/substance misuse staff supports safe gym use for all prisoners.
- Prisoners benefit from structured training programmes and opportunities to achieve employment-related qualifications.
- Physical education and fitness staff have appropriate qualifications and expertise.
- Prisoners are encouraged to participate in fitness activities which involve the local community.
71. Prisoners can access creative activities which promote learning, well-being and support rehabilitation.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners are encouraged to engage in creative activities to promote more formal learning and boost employability.
- Prisoners have access to creative opportunities that improve health and well-being.
- Prisoners are encouraged to engage in creative activities to reflect upon their lives and social responsibilities.
- Art and cultural experiences are used to enhance the prison environment, making it more conducive to rehabilitation.
- Creative activities are used to help prisoners maintain contact with their children and families and to promote resettlement into the community.