Wayland

MANAGERS

The managers praised relations in the prison, with ‘can do’ staff committed to making a difference, and a culture of ‘thank you’s by managers to staff. In-cell phones and tablets (for Kiosk services) made ‘a huge difference’. The catering team and education & training were both ‘excellent’. Vocational training covered ‘all the trades’ (including CSCS training course). A course helping prisoners set up in business was praised, as was family support, visits, and the Personality Disorder & PIPE units.

OFFICERS

The Officers agreed prison relations were ‘very good’. Experienced staff were ‘very supportive’ of new Officers, and they rated POELTS getting two weeks shadowing, extra training, two dedicated mentors, and drop-in meetings each lunchtime. They liked the full-time staff welfare Officers. In-cell phones and tablets were ‘terrific’ for all, and gave prisoners ‘more control and self-reliance’, supported family relationships, reduced conflict (no queues), and greatly reduced demands on staff. They praised the ‘great’ First Night Centre, separated off, with its induction mentors & Listeners, and emergency credit for prisoners to call home on arrival. Wayland’s on-wing (rather than prison-wide) prescribing was ‘much better’, and meant ‘far less’ bullying and ‘taxing’ problems. Security cameras ‘everywhere’, and all staff in body-cams, had ‘greatly’ reduced violence. They said Wayland was ‘very good’ at managing prisoners high on Spice. Education & training, including local employer links, were ‘excellent’.

PRISONERS

The prisoners felt ‘calm’ and ‘safe’, and said staff did ‘their best’ to make ‘a real difference’ (in spite of the pressures). They agreed about in-cell phones & tablets, and praised visits, including weekly family visits and others lasting ‘the full two hours’. They rated the wide range of prisoner mentors and the Prisoner Council. They also liked the chance to progress with ‘excellent’ vocational training (including CSCS course).