Wakefield

PRISONERS

The prisoners described the jail as a ‘community’ which ‘inspires hope’, which was safe and quiet (‘a real positive’), with good relationships with staff, attributed to caring staff, 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 & the use of first-names. They praised managers as visible, approachable & responsive. They noted a good range of programmes, strong support & opportunities to progress. They valued single cells throughout, and the integrated regime (VPsVulnerable prisoners – often used to refer to those convicted of sexual offences & others). The largely peer-led induction, support for families (including family days run by Partners of PrisonersCharity supporting prisoners and their families www.partnersofprisoners.co.uk), lifer days, and activities for over-50’s (supported by Age UK), were highlighted, as was the wide range of peer mentors across the regime and strong prisoner consultation.

OFFICERS

The Officers rated staff-prisoner relations ‘excellent’, and highlighted the impact of Keywork on both. The integrated regime, and its consistency & predictability were considered positives, while having prisoners give out canteenProcess through which prisoners can purchase items such as toiletries, snacks and clothing from approved lists agreed by the prison saved staff time and showed trust in the men. Staff reported excellent relations among them; found the No. 1An informal term referring to a prison’s Governor (or Director in private jails) visible, approachable and supportive; appreciated managers’ efforts to give thanks where they’re due; and valued the daily wing briefings, weekly newsletter and staff engagement committee. A pre-training induction week and 2 weeks shadowing for all POELTSPrison Officer Entry Level Training – generally used to describe Officers under training and recent graduates was seen as best practice, and the annual staff BBQ and staff mess were also much appreciated.

MANAGERS

Managers too described the jail as a community, with outstanding relationships between prisoners and staff, and strong rehab culture. They highlighted prisoner engagement across the regime, including in induction of new staff, and strong consultation with both prisoners and staff. The No. 1 was seen as inspiring, highly visible, approachable and supportive. They also rated, among others, the integrated regime, EEAccreditation by the Royal College of Psychiatry for places with “a positive and effective social environment”, “where healthy relationships are seen as the key to success” accredited CSCClose Supervision Centre – high security unit for prisoners with especially challenging behaviours, end of life care and activities for over-50’s, as well as Keywork, and monthly group supervision for all Keyworkers.