Management of the centres
The risks and needs of prisoners are thoroughly assessed, managed and monitored. Deselection takes place when appropriate and safe.
5. Oversight of the use of centres is comprehensive and ensures prisoners’ risks and needs are met.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- There is ongoing analysis of the risks and needs of prisoners in each centre and action is taken to address them.
- A comprehensive strategy, underpinned by research, shapes the role and purpose of the centres.
- Close attention is paid to identifying and responding appropriately to the individual needs of all prisoners, including those who are vulnerable.
- The potential for discrimination in the use of separation and in progression and reintegration opportunities is kept under review and prevented.
- The impact of separation on prisoners is monitored frequently. Separation is not used as, and does not become, solitary confinement (see notes and references, note ii).
- There is an independent advisory board, which is well attended, meets regularly and has a good understanding of how the centres work.
6. Prisoners are assessed for placement in the centres in accordance with published procedures and criteria.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- There are clear, published criteria for the selection of prisoners for separation and the reasons for selection are documented.
- Prisoners are selected for the centres only after all other relevant options have been considered.
- The selection process is subject to scrutiny by an independent person to make sure it complies with prisoners’ rights and published procedures.
- Unless there are national security reasons which cannot be mitigated, prisoners are able to receive a copy of their assessment/selection reports.
- Prisoners who are selected for separation are entitled to challenge their selection and raise complaints.
- Prisoners are informed of the national governance structures for separation centres.
7. Prisoners are supported to progress by carefully selected, trained and equipped staff.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Staff are clear about the role of the centres and their responsibilities to support progression.
- Staff working in the centres are selected for their aptitude, resilience, skills and abilities. They uphold the values and standards required of them.
- Staff are trained in equality, diversity and human rights considerations with opportunities to undertake further learning and development relevant to their role.
- Staff are confident and have the skills to engage with prisoners and assess their progress against care and management plans.
- Staff receive regular supervision and appropriate support.
8. Prisoners are deselected from the centres when the risks no longer require their separation. This follows a thorough and robust assessment of risks and progress made.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners’ progress is formally and regularly reviewed to inform decisions about deselection. Reviews are clearly documented, and decisions are recorded.
- Any significant change in risk and/or need triggers a multidisciplinary review.
- Prisoners are given sufficient and timely information about their assessment and/or review and the opportunity to make representations and express their views in person.
- Prisoners have access to necessary support to present their own case or have their case presented.
- Prisoners are able to challenge their continued allocation to the centre.
- When deselection is agreed the prisoner is moved out of the centre promptly.