Time out of cell and purposeful activities
Prisoners have sufficient time out of cell and are encouraged to engage in recreational and social activities which support their well-being and promote effective rehabilitation.
12. Prisoners have regular and predictable time out of cell which is sufficient to promote reintegration and rehabilitation.
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.
- Prisoners are never subjected to a regime which amounts to solitary confinement (see notes and references, note ii).
- Prisoners have the opportunity for one hour of association in the evening every day.
- Prisoners know the daily routines for activities, association and
- Out-of-cell activities happen on time and are not cancelled unnecessarily.
- There is enough time in the regime for prisoners to engage in purposeful activity 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 can telephone their families and friends during the evening.
13. Prisoners 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 spacious, attractive and have adequate seating and equipment.
- Prisoners do not have to choose between access to the open air and other important regime activities.
- Staff encourage prisoners to spend time in the open air. Staff and prisoners understand this is important for mental and physical health.
- Outside exercise is only cancelled in extreme weather conditions.
14. 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 for meaningful interaction.
- Activities provide physical and mental stimulation and include suitable time outdoors.
- Activities are available every day, including in the evenings.
- Prisoners are involved in a variety of activities throughout the day.
- Prisoners are encouraged to socialise with each other.
- Prisoners have properly equipped areas for association.
- Prisoners are encouraged to take part in recreational activities which promote well-being.
15. Prisoners have regular access to library materials and additional learning resources.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners have ready access to a good range of library materials and can influence the selection offered.
- Books and other library resources reflect the diverse needs of the prisoners held and include a range of formats and languages.
- Prisoners can easily access documents relating to their management, rights and entitlements.
- Services provided by the library promote literacy effectively and encourage engagement with children, families and others who are significant to prisoners.
16. 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 participate safely, at least twice a week, in a range of physical education, fitness and associated activities, based on an effective assessment of their risks and needs.
- Physical education and fitness staff engage with prisoners and have appropriate qualifications and expertise.
- Opportunities are provided for prisoners to participate in physical education with each other.
- Prisoners benefit from structured training programmes and opportunities.
- Health promotion information and material is provided to prisoners and is incorporated into an individualised programme.
17. Prisoners can access a good range of creative recreational and social 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.
- There is an easily accessible range of recreational and social activities.
- Prisoners are encouraged to take part in activities to promote their well-being.
- Prisoners help to develop the range of recreational activities on offer.
- Art and cultural experiences are used to enhance the centre’s environment.
Education, skills and work
18. Prisoners have access to learning, skills and work provision that meets their needs and supports progression.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners have access to a range of education, training and work opportunities.
- Prisoners are able to gain knowledge and develop skills that will be useful to them after release or on return to the mainstream prison population.
- Prisoners can complete short and, where appropriate, more substantial, units of education and training.
- All prisoners can undertake paid work during the working day.
- Prisoners are helped to prepare for their next phase of education, training or work on transfer or release.
- Staff understand the importance of education, training and work and encourage attendance.