Staff-prisoner relationships
Prisoners are treated with respect by staff and are encouraged to take responsibility for achieving their reintegration pathway and addressing their offending behaviour.
45. Prisoners are always treated with humanity and respect for their dignity.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- All staff are clear about the role of the centre and their responsibilities to support progression and reintegration.
- Relationships between prisoners and staff are positive, with a clear focus on reintegration pathways and addressing offending behaviour.
- Prisoners are supported by staff who are specifically selected, trained and appropriately supervised for the work they are doing.
- Staff understand the impact of life experiences such as trauma, abuse and mental illness on behaviour.
- Staff are fair, courteous and promote inclusivity and a multidisciplinary ethos. Senior managers lead by example and regularly engage with prisoners on the unit.
- Staff address prisoners using their preferred name or title.
- Staff actively engage with prisoners, including during association and exercise time, and contribute to the quality of prisoners’ free time.
46. Prisoners are encouraged and supported to take responsibility for their rehabilitation and to contribute positively to the centre.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- The centre and all staff provide a psychologically and trauma-informed environment, which encourages safe and supportive relationships.
- Staff encourage prisoners to reflect on the consequences of their behaviour and use mediation to resolve conflict within the centre.
- Prisoners understand and are encouraged to take responsibility for meeting their own needs.
- Prisoners are encouraged to attend activities regularly and punctually.
- Staff support and motivate prisoners to get involved in activities designed to reduce their risk of reoffending and help them prepare for reintegration.
- Prisoners are consulted about the basic routines and facilities of the unit. They are informed of the outcomes of consultations and provided with justifiable reasons for decisions.
- Inappropriate conduct by prisoners is challenged and discussed as part of care and management reviews.
- Prisoners can challenge decisions appropriately and are confident that their views are taken seriously.
47. Prisoners have a member of staff they can turn to on a day-to-day basis who is aware of their individual needs, and who provides support as needed.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Prisoners have a named member of staff they can turn to.
- Staff know the personal circumstances of prisoners and encourage the achievement of targets.
- Staff are consulted on matters relating to prisoners and provide support with prisoners’ care and management and progression plans.
- Staff are aware of the services available in the wider prison and use them to help separation centre prisoners.