Staff-detainee relationships

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Staff and detainees are fair and courteous to each other.
• Staff talk to detainees and try to get to know them as individuals.
• Staff support detainees who find it difficult to talk to staff of a higher rank and encourage them to do so.
• Senior managers lead by example and regularly spend time talking to detainees on residential units.
• When staff need to relay sensitive or unwelcome news to detainees, they do this in private and with compassion.
• Staff treat detainees’ rooms and possessions with respect.
• Staff understand the impact of life experiences, such as trauma, abuse and mental illness, on the behaviour of detainees.
• When rules are breached, staff take time to explain how and why to the detainee concerned.
• Staff are able to access support to help them manage the emotional demands of their work.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Detainees take responsibility for meeting their own needs.
• Detainees are encouraged to attend activities regularly and punctually.
• Inappropriate conduct by detainees, including any verbal abuse, is routinely challenged.
• Staff support and motivate detainees to engage positively with activities designed to reduce their risk of reoffending. Staff help detainees to prepare for release.
• There is an organised and structured scheme which allows detainees to support their peers.
• Peer workers’ roles are clearly defined and they receive appropriate training, support and supervision.

The following indicators describe evidence that may show this expectation being met, but do not exclude other ways of achieving it.

• Staff know detainees and their personal circumstances well.
• Staff encourage detainees to have contact with the outside world.
• Staff are caring and compassionate and support detainees to make good choices and manage their emotions.
• Where appropriate, staff use care plans to coordinate care for the most vulnerable detainees.
• Staff are aware of the services available in the establishment and use them to help detainees.
• Staff encourage detainees to reflect on the consequences of their behaviour and use mediation to resolve conflict.
• Staff believe in the possibility of rehabilitation and support detainees to achieve their objectives.
• Staff help detainees with their resettlement issues.
• Staff are consulted on matters relating to the detainees in their care.
• Staff maintain an accurate chronological record of contact with detainees.