Peterborough

MALE PRISONERS

The men praised staff-prisoner relations, and the impact of 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, phones in cells and KiosksTouch-screen terminals, normally on the wings, which allow prisoners to deal with many ‘domestic’ issues, such as submitting “apps” and ordering “canteen”. Time out of cell and association were also rated, as were visits, gym (facilities, access & courses), education, range of offending behaviour programmes, employment links, and pre-release help with CVs and interview training. They also rated wide-ranging peer support and highlighted their involvement in reception and the peer-led induction programme.

FEMALE PRISONERS

The women also praised staff and relations with them, and valued in-cell phones and Kiosks, as well as visits and education, including access to distance learning courses. They particularly valued the role of peer mentors and support workers, highlighting especially ‘Connections’ mentors (covering reception, induction and resettlement), ListenersPrisoners trained by Samaritans to provide a listening ear and support to prisoners in crisis and the specialist-trained peer trauma champion.

OFFICERS

The Officers too rated staff-prisoner relationships, Keywork, phones and Kiosks, visits, education and peer mentors, and also highlighted 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 recognition of achievement events to which families were invited. They noted the commitment of staff and excellent relations between them. They valued staff recognition and a ‘culture of thanks’, staff consultation meetings, weekly team ‘huddle’ and monthly full staff meeting, and the Governor’s weekly newsletter.

MANAGERS

The SMTSenior Management Team noted many of the same things as staff and prisoners. They also rated (among others): the prison’s Restorative Service Quality Mark, and trained staff & prisoner ‘Restorative Practice’ team; trauma training for all staff and ‘trauma co-ordinator’ for the women; help for care leavers; support for prisoners on release; the role of the Chaplaincy; an apprenticeship and 12 months of mentoring for new staff; Xmas & birthday vouchers for staff; and staff family tours of the jail.