Scottish Prison Service – The NEN

NHS Lothian offers new support to Scottish Prison Staff

NHS Lothian’s Lifelines Scotland project, a dedicated service to promote resilience and wellbeing for emergency responders, has today (25 September) expanded its reach. The service will now also be available to all Scottish Prison Service staff, recognising the challenges and particular stresses that these individuals face through their work.

The Lifelines Scotland project was established in 2016 by NHS Lothian’s specialist trauma service, the Rivers Centre, to provide support to voluntary emergency responders.

In 2020, the project was extended to Scotland’s blue light services and has been working with ambulance, fire and police to embed an understanding of responder resilience and wellbeing at the heart of these organisations.

Gill Moreton, Lifelines Scotland, Project Lead explained: “The NHS Lothian Rivers Centre team has a wealth of experience working with blue light colleagues and we are delighted that we can use this knowledge and expertise to help support other sectors where similarly challenging working environments are experienced.”

In doing their jobs, prison staff face uncertainty, risk, and challenge on a daily basis. Tensions can build in an instant, and it is their professionalism and dedication which is often the tempering factor. It is therefore vital that resources such as Lifelines are available, to help them care for their mental health.

Gill added: “Prison staff can face a range of challenges because of the environment they work in. Their roles can be physically, emotionally and psychologically demanding.

“Ensuring these individuals have the tools available to support their own wellbeing, as well as information should they become unwell is vital to boosting resilience amongst this workforce. I am delighted that Lifelines Scotland will now be available for Scottish Prison Service staff.”

Prison staff are welcomed to the project on national Hidden Heroes Day; an awareness day launched by the Butler Trust to recognise and thank prison, probation, and other Justice sector staff who deliver a critical public service.

The dedicated resource will provide additional support for all prison staff, who work in complex and demanding environments. They are responsible for the care of a largely vulnerable population, who are known to have high rates of trauma and mental ill-health.

Lifelines Scotland is unique in providing a single point of access for all of Scotland’s emergency responders, whether they’re employed, volunteer or have retired, and for their family, friends and other supporters. This access will now be expanded to all staff working within the Scottish Prison Service, with dedicated content available to them.

Adam Jobson, Director of Organisational Development for the Scottish Prison Service said, “We are delighted to be working alongside NHS Lothian to extend Lifelines Scotland resources to all our staff.

“Our staff go above and beyond every day, supporting and caring for some of the most vulnerable people in society, and doing their bit in keeping Scotland’s communities safe.

“We recognise the importance of providing wellbeing services appropriate to their specific needs. This resource will provide a valuable tool for supporting their self-care, resilience, and recovery, while also signposting to other wellbeing services that are available to them.”

The Lifelines Scotland project works upstream, taking a preventative, early intervention approach. It provides valuable information to ensure that people have access to support if they become unwell, but its principal focus is on helping people to stay well in the first place.

The Lifelines website is based on the Lifelines 10 Essentials, which recognise that emergency service staff, volunteers and prison service staff are at risk of psychological injury because of their roles, but that injury isn’t inevitable and that there are lots of things that can help to keep people well.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Scottish Government said, “The everyday stresses and strains of a job can have an impact on staff.

“Lifelines is exactly that – a lifeline providing resources and tools to help people manage their mental health and resilience when it comes to the physical, emotional and psychological demands of their job.

“I welcome this initiative being made available to all staff in the Scottish Prison Service. It is vital that we keep the people safe, who are keeping our communities safe.”

The Lifelines Scotland website can be accessed at https://www.lifelines.scot/

Soft touch Scotland? Have your say on long term prison sentencing

Consultation published on changing the point of release

Individuals could spend more time under community supervision as part of their prison sentence, a consultation has proposed.

Views are being sought on changing the point of release under licence conditions for people serving a custodial sentence of four years or more, which would provide a more managed return to the community and be a proportionate way to reduce the pressure on the prison estate.

The proposals, if implemented, would not apply to those who are serving an extended sentence for violent or sexual offences.

Currently most people serving long-term sentences, unless previously recommended for parole at an earlier stage – are released under community supervision six months before the end of their sentence. Consultation proposals suggest this could be done for a third of their sentence.

This would return the position to that prior to 1 February 2016 for most long-term prisoners.

Under the proposals, those released would be subject to licence conditions, supervision, and ultimately recall to custody. The individuals would be subject to individualised risk assessment ahead of release, with licence conditions reflecting the conclusions of that assessment and being set on the recommendations of the Parole Board.

Victims would continue to have the right to receive certain information about a prisoner in their case, including their release dates, and to make representations under the Victim Notification Scheme.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Supervision is a commonly used element of custodial sentences – as part of efforts to prepare individuals nearing their return to the community to settle and ultimately to not re-offend.

“Our proposals would bring forward the point at which long-term prisoners are released so individuals spend more time under licence conditions in the community before the end of their sentence.

“Individuals would continue to serve their sentence but do so in the community under strict supervision, which can improve reintegration back into society and reduce the risk of re-offending.

“We are considering these measures to find a better balance between the time spent in custody and time supervised in the community, particularly following the recent increase in the prison population when Scotland already has one of the highest in Western Europe.

“Public safety will be paramount. Release under licence conditions means strict community supervision and specific support in place informed by robust individual risk assessments of prisoners. These measures would be introduced through legislation, requiring debate and the approval of Parliament. I invite people to share their views.”

Responses to this consultation are invited by 19 August 2024. It can be found here: [Long-term prisoner release process: consultation – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space]

Position Paper

[Prison population: position paper – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)]

Police appeal as drugs drone crashes near Saughton prison

POLICE are appealing for information after a drone crashed near HMP Edinburgh. The incident was reported to police around 1.05am yesterday (Wednesday, 17 January).

We are working with partners in the Scottish Prison Service to establish the full circumstances, but enquiries so far indicate the drone was carrying a package of drugs.

Sergeant Mark Coull said: “It is believed the drone operator was in the Longstone Road area. Residents may have CCTV or even a passing motorist could have dash-cam footage that could assist us. We are keen to speak to anyone with information that could trace those responsible.

“Drugs bring nothing but misery and harm. We depend on the support from our partners and members of the public, and will continue to use every tool and tactic at our disposal to remove illegal substances from our communities.”

Anyone who can assist with our enquiries can contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 0123 of Wednesday, 17 January, 2024. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Case review on management of transgender prisoner: Women were not at risk from harm

An urgent case review into the management of a transgender person in custody has found that at no point were any women in the care of the prison service at risk of harm.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) review also confirmed the person did not come into contact with any other prisoners during their time at HMP&YOI Cornton Vale and that SPS policy was followed during each decision making process and risk assessment.

The review makes four key recommendations into the management of transgender individuals:

the creation of a shared justice process for admitting transgender people to prisons in Scotland – to help improve decision making at admission and subsequent case conferences
better communication between justice partners to ensure a clearer approach to the transfer of transgender people from court to custody
for the wider SPS Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review to consider improvements to ‘admission’ and ‘placement and management’ and for SPS to consider the weight of a person’s previous offending history to be considered as part of the case conference process
to strengthen the balance around the risk of harm with an individualised approach as part of the admissions process to prison, allowing for someone to be located in secure isolation for the sole purpose of a risk assessment based on known and unknown risks

In addition to the recommendations, SPS is also undertaking a full multi-disciplinary case review for each transgender person in custody. The Service is also continuing to progress, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners as part of its GIGR Policy Review.

Until these reviews are complete any transgender person in custody who has a history of violence against women – including sexual offences will not be relocated from the male to female estate. Additionally, any newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner will initially be placed in an establishment commensurate with their birth gender.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown welcomed the findings in a letter to the Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee.

The Justice Secretary said: “Firstly, I want to acknowledge my concern for victims of crime and the distress caused to them. It is important that consideration of issues relating to the management of prisoners is measured and does not retraumatise victims or risk unintended consequences for transgender people or individuals in the care of SPS.

“All recommendations from the review have been accepted by Ms Medhurst as Chief Executive and will be progressed by SPS in collaboration with others as needed. As confirmed in the letter, SPS will factor the learning identified from this review into its Gender Identity and Gender Reassignment (GIGR) Policy Review, which is ongoing.

“Pending the outcome of the GIGR Policy Review, measures to provide reassurance as set out in Ms Medhurst’s letter will remain in place.

“I would like to acknowledge the work SPS has done in continuing to fulfil its operational responsibilities while completing the lessons learned review. SPS has considerable expertise in managing complex, high-profile and challenging individuals within their care and keeping people safe; and I commend their professionalism.”

In her letter, the SPS Chief Executive Teresa Medhurst reiterated that the SPS remained firmly committed to providing person-centred care to their entire population, including managing and identifying risks, which are not exclusive to transgender people in their care.

She added: “Staff in our establishments have demonstrated their long-standing expertise and strong track record in the management and care of an increasingly complex prison population.

“My priority remains the health, safety, and wellbeing of all people in our care, many of whom are the most marginalised in our society, and that of staff.”

Trans Prisoners: statement by Justice Secretary

Measures to protect female prisoners

The Justice Secretary has announced the introduction of measures to ensure the on-going safety of prisoners while the Scottish Prison Service undertakes a review of the management of trans prisoners.

The measures will be in place until the reviews are completed and will mean that no newly convicted transgender person with any history of violence against women will be placed in a female prison – including female sections of prisons traditionally used to house males – and any transgender prisoner with this history will not be moved from a male to a female prison.

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: “I understand that the issue of any trans woman being convicted of violent and sexual offences is a highly emotive subject and that the public concern is understandable.

“As the First Minister pointed out last week, we must not allow any suggestion to take root that trans women pose an inherent threat to women. Predatory men are the risk to women. However, as with any group in society, a small number of trans women will offend and be sent to prison. Therefore, I hope that the measures I am about to highlight will offer reassurance in the ongoing ability of the prison service to manage trans individuals and ensure the safety of all prisoners.

“We must also never forget that there are victims in these cases. My thoughts remain with them.

“I explained in Parliament last week my trust in the Scottish Prison Service in managing and dealing with offenders and the risks that they can pose. That includes the tiny fraction – around 0.2% of prison population – of people in prison who are trans.

“As we always acknowledge, it is important arrangements for the management of offenders are kept under review.

“It is important to be clear, however, that SPS policies have in no way been changed or impacted by the recent passing of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill (which, in any event, is not yet in force).

“SPS have already been undertaking, in dialogue with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders, a review of the management of trans prisoners, which is nearing completion

“In addition, an urgent lessons learned review has been instructed in relation to the case of Isla Bryson, with any learning to be applied immediately to existing transgender cases in the prison estate. The latter review will report to the CEO by Friday 3 Feb.

“Until these reviews are complete, however, I can confirm that the following will apply (unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case the approval of Ministers will be required):

No transgender person already in custody with any history of violence against women will be moved from the male to the female estate.
No newly convicted or remanded transgender prisoner with any history of violence against women will be placed in the female estate. Violence against women includes sexual offences against women.

“The on-going safety of prisoners – many of whom have experienced gender based violence in the community – will remain the priority in all actions that are taken.

“Beyond the steps being set out today, it is vital that decisions about the location and management of prisoners continue to be based on thorough risk assessment, drawing on the expertise and input of relevant professionals and applying any lessons learned from the reviews referred to.

“I am grateful to the Scottish Prison Service for their continued ongoing work in this area and for their professionalism in dealing with complex, high profile and challenging individuals within their care.”

Joint working to reduce violence against workers under the National Assault Pledge

Emergency services, prosecutors and health colleagues are among those supporting a National Assault Pledge underlining a joint commitment to reduce violence and abuse against workers.

The National Assault Pledge builds upon Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone’s Assault Pledge, developed in response to a concerning increase in violence and abuse against Police Scotland officers and staff. The Chief Constable’s Assault Pledge was published in August 2020 with the support of the then Lord Advocate and Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

Since then, local pledges have been developed by services in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

The national partnership group includes British Transport Police, NHS Scotland, Scottish Prison Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and others. The group will share best practice, develop preventative measures and use consistent messaging in their workplace to support and encourage staff to report incidents.

The National Assault Pledge was agreed by signatories at an event at Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan, on Tuesday, 15 November.

Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor QPM has been leading Police Scotland’s drive to reduce the impact violence and abuse has on officers and staff and introduce measures to improve their safety.

DCC Taylor said: “Being the victim of an assault can have a long lasting impact both physically and mentally. It’s not simply part of the job.

“Working in partnership with a number of key organisations highlights our collective approach and united pledge to reduce assaults at work.

“I want our officers and staff to feel supported and this partnership adds to work already ongoing in this area.”

Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC said: “Assaults on front line workers will not be tolerated and Scotland’s prosecutors will help protect their safety through robust action.

“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service work closely with police to ensure the effective investigation and prosecution of crime.

“Any criminal behaviour that threatens public safety and the safety of front line workers will be taken very seriously.”

In 2021/22, there were 7,858 common assaults against emergency workers – an increase of 12 per cent compared to the previous year. Over 7,000 of these were against police officers and staff.

Improved operational safety training, a Taser uplift programme and partnership with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service to introduce impact statements are some of the work that has been driven within Police Scotland to support officer and staff safety.

Scotland’s prisons creaking at the seams

Developing a contingency plan for HMP Barlinnie in the event that it fails must be of the highest priority for the Scottish Prison Service, says Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee.

Given the condition of Scotland’s prisons in general, the Scottish Government and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) must also develop robust contingency plans in case any other part of the prison estate becomes uninhabitable.

All contingency plans should reflect the immediate capacity issues faced by the SPS and the fact that there is no evidence to suggest that prisoner numbers will decrease in the short term.

In a report published today, the committee says ten years of capital underspend to stay within budget should have raised serious concerns at an early stage given the deteriorating state of prisons. The impact of the delay in the capital programme cannot be overestimated.

Urgent action by the Scottish Government and SPS is needed to address under-lying pressures on the prison service, with solutions required from across the justice system.

The report says this situation is now undermining the Scottish Government’s policy objectives of rehabilitating prisoners and reducing re-offending.

Jenny Marra MSP, Convener of the Public Audit Committee, said: “Audit Scotland says HMP Barlinnie presents the “biggest risk of failure in the prison system” but warns there is no clear contingency plan for accommodating the 1,460 prisoners it currently holds should it fail.

“Developing a contingency plan for Barlinnie in the event that it fails must be of the highest priority. Given the state of prisons generally, the Scottish Government and the SPS must develop robust contingency plans should any other part of the prison estate become uninhabitable.

On underlying pressure on the prison service, Ms Marra added: “It is clear to the Committee that there are significant and wide-ranging challenges both the SPS and Scottish Government must overcome. The SPS is currently accommodating around 500 prisoners above capacity and there is no evidence to suggest that prisoner numbers will decrease in the short term.

“At the same time, the SPS’s revenue budget is down by 12.5 per cent in real terms; the capital programmes for HMPs Barlinnie, Inverness and Greenock are behind schedule and prisoner violence is on the increase. At its core, this situation is undermining the Scottish Government’s policy objectives of rehabilitating prisoners and reducing re-offending.”

The report finds that either the numbers entering prisons needs to be reduced or additional capacity provided to ensure that prisons are a safe and adequate environment for those who live and work in them.

As such, the service should be funded for the population it currently holds and for the expected increase rather than it being assumed that prisoner numbers will fall. Suggestions of doubling up prisoners in individual cells are a backwards step, says the committee.

The report states that action needs to be taken now by both the SPS and the Scottish Government to address these significant pressures. Such action must be based on a whole-system approach, requiring solutions from across the justice system.

On HMP Barlinnie, the report says: ‘Given the history of the prison service capital programme to date, it would seem that further delays in the completion of HMP Barlinnie are likely. It is crucial that the SPS and the Scottish Government anticipate and plan for such delays and put in place robust contingency plans.

‘The Scottish Government and the SPS must take all steps to ensure that the proposed timetable for the completion of a replacement for HMP Barlinnie is adhered to because if HMP Barlinnie fails, the whole prison system is at risk’.

Read the Committee’s report here.

Scottish prison custody officers launch strike ballot

An industrial action ballot of Prisoner Custody Officers (PCOs) in GeoAmey gets underway today (Monday 13 January) over a pay imposition which will result in staff receiving less than £10 an hour for the next two years. Continue reading Scottish prison custody officers launch strike ballot

Napier students help HMP Polmont women get creative with photography project

Touching images developed by participants under the guidance of Edinburgh Napier students

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that age-old adage is never more true for the photographers behind this suite of touching images. Continue reading Napier students help HMP Polmont women get creative with photography project

On the Outside: a visual letter to the past, the present and the future

Powerful short film tells story of four women who had previously served sentences at HMPYOI Polmont

The stories of four females who had previously served sentences at HMPYOI Polmont have been brought to life through a powerful new short film. Continue reading On the Outside: a visual letter to the past, the present and the future