Frankland

PRISONERS

Prisoners described Frankland as safe, and saw few problems with SpiceSynthetic psychoactive substance, originally marketed as a synthetic cannabis – often used as a generic term for all synthetic psychoactive substances. Staff were described as ‘brilliant’ and relations with them were very positive, as was the KeyworkA national scheme under which Prison Officers are given training and time to work one-to-one with around six prisoners, aimed at supporting their management and rehabilitation scheme. Prisoners rated the wide range of peer mentors, highlighting in particular PIDPrisoner Information Desk worker – peer worker giving prisoners information and support, often also supporting the application process (see under “Apps”) Apps - Apps is short for applications – the means by which prisoners can make requests (e.g. to see the doctor) workers, programmes ‘ambassadors’ and buddies for older prisoners. A psychology drop-in on the wings, and weekly Age UK drop-in in the gym, were praised, as was the Inside OutScheme bringing together students and prisoners to study together – see also “Learning Together” Learning Together - Scheme bringing together students and prisoners to study together learning partnership with Durham University. Prisoners also highlighted the gym and the range of courses on offer there, as well as the opportunity to cook their own food on the wings.

MANAGERS

Managers described the prison as very safe. They said relationships between staff and prisoners were very good, and built on patience and tolerance. They noted the prison’s low use of force, and said that Frankland was particularly good at managing especially challenging prisoners. The PIPEPsychologically Informed Planned Environment – a specialist unit run by psychologically trained staff and supervised by psychologists, to support prisoners’ rehabilitation unit aimed at helping Cat AOne of four levels of security for male prisoners – from Cat A (high security) to Cat D (the lowest level) prisoners to progress through the system, and the separation unit for extremists (‘the first of its kind’) were highlighted, and staff were praised for their skill and sensitivity in dealing with trans prisoners. Managers also noted the Prison CouncilCommittee of prisoner representatives meeting with senior management to discuss issues relevant to the management and care of prisoners in the jail and range of consultative forums, and the range and effectiveness of peer mentoring & support.

OFFICERS

The Officers felt the prison was safe and noted low levels of NPSNew Psychotic Substances like the synthetic cannabis ‘Spice’ in the jail. They described good relations with prisoners, and felt they were good at managing particularly challenging inmates. They noted time out of cell, family visits, gym facilities and access, the range of workshops, and cooking facilities as positives for prisoners, and Keywork was well received by both staff and prisoners. Relations between staff were ‘great’ and new staff were well supported by more experienced colleagues. Managers were good at saying ‘thank you’ to staff, Xmas vouchers were widely appreciated, and the staff mess was valued.