Time out of room
Detainees spend most of their time out of their room, engaged in activities such as military training, education and physical exercise, seven days a week.
70. Detainees have enough regular and predictable time out of room to promote their rehabilitation and well-being.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- Detainees have as much time out of their room as possible, and no less than 10 hours, every day.
- Wherever they are located, detainees are never subjected to a regime which amounts to solitary confinement.
- Detainees have the opportunity for at least one hour of association in the evening every day.
- Detainees know the daily routines for activities, association and exercise.
- Out of room activities happen on time and are not cancelled unnecessarily.
- There is enough time in the regime for detainees to attend compulsory regime activities and still have time for domestic routines such as showering, collecting medication, room cleaning, telephone calls and recreational activity.
- Detainees who are unable to attend learning or work activities are unlocked during the day and are provided with suitable activities.
- Detainees can telephone or video-call their families and friends during the evening.
71. Detainees are expected and encouraged to use time out of room 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.
- Detainees have daily opportunities to speak to staff and seek their support.
- Detainees engage in a variety of activities throughout the day and can have at least one rest day a week.
- Detainees are encouraged to socialise with each other.
- Subject to risk assessment and with supervision, children and women can socialise with the rest of the population to avoid potential isolation. Supervision is at an appropriate level to ensure safety and well-being.
- Detainees have properly equipped areas for association.
- Detainees are encouraged to take part in sociable recreational activities which promote well-being.
72. Every detainee is 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 and inviting and have adequate seating and equipment.
- Waterproof coats are available.
- Detainees do not have to choose between access to the open air and other important regime activities.
- Detainees understand that time in the open air is important to their mental and physical health.
- Outside exercise is only cancelled in extreme weather conditions.
73. Detainees benefit from regular access to a well-equipped library which has direct links to libraries in the community, and offers library materials and additional learning resources that meet their needs. They are encouraged to use it frequently.
The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.
- All detainees receive a prompt and effective library induction.
- The library provides an opportunity for both learning and social interaction in an informal, relaxed setting.
- The quantity and quality of library materials meets the needs of the population.
- Detainees have enough time to sit and read materials if they are unable to take them away from the library.
- Detainees can easily access legal textbooks and other documents relating to their rights and entitlements.
- Detainees have access to internet and IT services, subject to a risk assessment and any public protection concerns.
- The library runs a range of educational programmes.
- The library promotes literacy effectively.
- Services provided by the library actively promote contact with children, families and friends.
- The library provides detainees being discharged with the time and opportunity to research and plan for their future outside the services.
74. Detainees 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.
- The range of physical education and fitness activities offered is varied and meets the needs of the population.
- All detainees can use the physical education facilities daily and shower in safety and privacy after each session.
- Effective joint working between gym and health care staff supports safe gym use for all detainees and focuses on detainees’ individual needs.
- Detainees being retained in the services and those being discharged receive equitable access to recreational gym sessions.
- Detainees being discharged from the services can achieve employment-related qualifications.
- Physical education and fitness staff have appropriate qualifications and expertise.