Northumberland

PRISONERS

The prisoners praised relations with staff, and a DirectorThe term by which Governors are known in private sector prisons, widely respected by prisoners, who ‘wants to make a difference’, ‘listens’ and ‘delivers on your hope’. The Prisoner CouncilCommittee of prisoner representatives meeting with senior management to discuss issues relevant to the management and care of prisoners in the jail was ’very effective’ and management highly responsive to it. They liked the range of peer support mentors, including pre-release residential support workers who helped with accommodation, advised on benefits etc. Induction – with ‘excellent’ staff and mentors – was highly rated. In-cell phones, KiosksTouch-screen terminals, normally on the wings, which allow prisoners to deal with many ‘domestic’ issues, such as submitting “apps” and ordering “canteen” and 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 all made ‘a huge difference’. Support for families, including family visits, was ‘brilliant’. And opportunities to develop, including education & training, and ROTLRelease On Temporary Licence – the mechanism through which serving prisoners are allowed out of prison on a temporary basis, including for work, were ‘outstanding’.

OFFICERS

The staff said relations with prisoners were ‘excellent’ and felt the jail was ‘safe’, with Keywork (‘great’) contributing to both. They praised a Governor who was ‘first in and last out’, supported staff and was ‘visible’, ‘approachable’ and ‘consults widely’. The monthly staff recognition scheme and ‘on the spot’ recognitions for good work (with recipients entered in to a prize draw) were ‘great’, as were communications with staff (‘so important’) including a well-liked weekly newsletter, which kept staff informed as well as including praise for good work and contributions from staff. They praised the work of the gardens party and rated the impact of the EnhancedThe highest of three levels within the Prison Service’s Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme (see also “IEP”) IEP - Incentives and Earned Privileges – national scheme under which prisoners can earn additional privileges through good behaviour wing for the best behaved prisoners.

MANAGERS

Managers added their own praise for the staff and their engagement with prisoners. They too rated the Prison CouncilCommittee of prisoner representatives meeting with senior management to discuss issues relevant to the management and care of prisoners in the jail, Keywork, and phones and Kiosks, as well as ‘Resettlement fairs’, family day visits and inviting families to ‘celebration of achievement’ events. Consulting, communicating, and recognising staff (as per staff comments) were ‘key strengths’. They also highlighted staff training & development opportunities, local recruitment, shadowing for new staff, staff counselling & helpline, and family open days – and staff attrition and sickness were ‘very low’.