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Families & Significant Others Strategy
HMP / YOI Nottingham
Deborah Searson-SmithNorth Midlands Group
April 2019
Revised June ‘19 – July ‘19 – September ‘19
CONTENTS
Section Contents & Vision Page
1 Introduction 1
2 Maintaining Contact: -
Written Correspondence Email Telephones Visits Normalisation
2
2
3
3
4
3 Hard To Reach Groups: -
Veterans Care Experienced Self – Isolators
5
6
4 Using families more effectively 6
5 Celebration Events 6
Annex A Meetings Terms of Reference 8
Annex B Action Plan 12
Annex C Family Policy Checklist 14
Annex D Visitor Survey 2019 Results 23
HMP Nottingham - Changing Lives, by Turning Them Around
Providing a Safe, Decent and Secure environment, which contributes to Reducing Reoffending by promoting hope and reform by effectively utilising and developing the skills of our People.
We will provide a rehabilitative regime for a resettlement and reception prison, which will encourage those in our care to ‘Change their Lives, by Turning Them Around’.
Phil Novis
If anyone has any concerns regarding a loved one, then please contact the concern and keep safe hotline 0115 8724464 or Email [email protected]
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1. IntroductionThe aim of the Strategy is to inform staff, prisoners and visitors of our Families & Significant
Others (FSO) Strategy, which provides information on how families can stay in contact.
Lord Farmer (2017) in his landmark report (Importance of strengthening prisoners family
ties to prevent reoffending and reduce intergenerational crime’) describes relationships as
the ‘golden thread’ to help reducing reoffending as studies note,
those who maintain regular contact are a staggering 39% less
likely to reoffend than those who do not maintain contact.
The Lord Farmer report, notes that ‘Family should be the ‘golden
thread’ running through the processes of all prisons, as well as in the implementation of
standards of Public protection, Safety and Order, Reform and Preparing for life after prison.
The report referred to a ‘local family offer’ recommending that all establishments deliver
and develop provision in the following areas and that these are reflected in their local
strategies which should be a minimum offer and include:
Visitor Centre/Visitor Reception Services Staffing structure to ensure family work represents as an operational priority Extended Visits – to enable supportive relationships to flourish Family Learning – to equip prisoners to maintain and improve relationships “Gateway” communications system – to demonstrate how the establishment have
responsive communication systems in place for families
This strategy will identify ways in which prisoners can maintain contact with their families.
It will also include reference to ‘Care Experienced’ and Veterans in Custody who may require
more intensive support.
The strategy will be managed via the Head of Reducing Reoffending and will form part of the
Reducing Reoffending Pathways meeting (Annex A).
The strategy will include the a dynamic action plan (Annex B), which will be monitored at
the Pathways meeting and Families Strategy Checklist (Annex C) with which to develop our
offer.
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For the purpose of this guidance document, Family is defined as
either a blood relative, legal or significant persons that a prisoner
identifies as their next of kin. For care-leavers this may be
someone that provides a statutory service, friend or associate.
Many of those in custody will have experienced a non-traditional upbringing, with a range of
adults having cared for them, and similarly those in custody with children may have other
arrangements outside of a traditional family arrangement. It is important to accommodate
all ‘family’ arrangements where they provide a constructive and supportive relationship for
the prisoner and their family.
2. Maintaining ContactThere are a number of ways prisoners can maintain contact with their families including: -
Written correspondence Email Telephone Social Visits Normalisation
2.1 Written Correspondence
Prisoners are entitled to one letter at the expense of the prison per week. Stamps can be purchased through canteen or sent in by friends and family and there is no limit to the amount of mail that prisoners are permitted to send, provided they are able to fund postage costs.
All mail is subject to searching as per the security arrangements contained in the Local Security Strategy (LSS).
Those subject to Public Protection may have further restrictions on who they can correspond with but they are advised of this and given additional support if this leaves them socially isolated.
On reception, each person who is new into custody will be asked if they wish to share their significant others email address so information on HMP Nottingham can be sent electronically. This information will contain details on how to book visits, what is the regime on offer and other important details about the prison.
2.2 Email2
There is a facility for friends and family to send an email and photographs to any prisoner in custody. Messages to prisoners can be sent via the www.emailaprisoner.com website, it takes only a few minutes to sign up and, the message is then printed out and delivered to the prisoner. The cost is 40 pence per
message. This method is quicker the sending a letter through the mail and we will send out details of this facility with each visits booking and with all outgoing letters sent by prisoners.
2.3 Telephones
Whilst telephones have been in operation in prisons for a number of years, HMP Nottingham is fortunate to have the majority of its cells having In Cell Telephony (ICT). This enables prisoners to contact their families at any time they’re locked in their cells (including night time). Prisoners can purchase phone credit as part of the ‘canteen’ spends, including when under
restrictions through IEP or any Discipline awards.
2.4 Visits
All methods of maintaining contact are of value, however we recognise nothing is as important as the face to face interaction of a visit. Our visits areas have recently been refurbished and provides a vibrant opportunity to families and friends to interact.
Our partnership with PACT is strong and they provide an excellent service of support to visitors. Visitors can attend the centre before and after their visits and there are staff available to offer support and advice to families.
The Head of Operations has functional responsibility for visits, with the practical delivery driven by a Custodial Manager. An operations function has recently been created to develop a more consistent approach. We are reviewing our training delivery to see how we can enhance the knowledge of our colleagues.
Feedback from the latest visitor survey (Annex D) indicates on the whole visits is a positive experience but there are weaknesses, which we need to address.
Visits at HMP Nottingham can be booked in the following ways:
Online - Visits can be booked online by visiting www.gov.uk/prison-visits and you can book up to 4 weeks in advance using this booking method
By Email - Email [email protected] 3
You can book up to 2 weeks in advance using this booking method
By Text - You can do this by texting 60777. Begin your text with the word SOCIALYou will need to enter the Prisoners number, name and date of birth. You can book up to 2 weeks in advance using this booking method
By Phone - Visits can be booked by dialling the following number: 0115 962 8980
Additional visits can be requested as an award for excellent attendance and performance at work – this is one of many ‘non-pay’ bonuses available for selection. We run a substance free living unit at HMP Nottingham, where there are achievements, the options for a non-pay award is given, including extra visits.
Individuals can book a visit, up to 2 weeks in advance using this booking method and can cancel their bookings in the same manner.
Visits sessions take place as follows
Day AM PM
Sunday 09:30 – 11:30 14:00 – 16:00
Monday No visits 14:00 – 16:00
Tuesday 09:00 – 11:00 14:00 – 16:00
Wednesday No visits No visits
Thursday 09:00 – 11:00 14:00 – 16:00
Friday 09:00 – 11:00 No visits
Saturday 09:30 – 11:30 14:00 – 16:00
Family Visits
Family Visits session are run once a month (twice during summer and Christmas school holidays). Prisoners and their families are able to apply for these special sessions, which allow prisoners to spend quality time interacting with their children in a more relaxed and informal environment.
Approval for these sessions is dependent on the prisoner meeting certain criteria, such as custodial behaviour and whether or not they are subject to any public protection measures. We do not exclude on the basis of IEP status.
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Reducing Reoffending will coordinate and facilitate family events during normal visits including homework club, story time and display achievements of prisoners in our care through the PACT centre and will run regular consultation with families and significant others in partnership with the PACT centre.
2.5 Normalisation
Whilst acknowledging that prison by definition keeps a boundary between prisoners and the community, we are keen to provide as much normality as possible. This includes utilising partnerships to enhance the regime, including visits by public speakers (local and national), in an attempt to ensure prisoners are able to interact and maintain their social skills. Events include employment fairs, where prisoners are able to practice interview techniques and CV writing and our innovative ‘Twinning’ arrangement with Notts County who provide guest speakers including coaches to discuss nutrition amongst other things.
Children are often seen a experiencing a ‘hidden sentence’ and often miss out on what can be seen as normal through their time at school – to support with a childs normal school experiences, we will hold an annual sports day inside the gymnasium, we enable homework to be done during visits and links to schools (as requested) if there are additional parental support required.
We aim to have the searching process less authoritative and to ensure children are not intimidated by any searching techniques used (dog search and rub down search).
3. Hard to Reach Groups3.1 Veterans
According to a previous snapshot analysis conducted by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Justice, there are approximately 2500 ex service personnel currently serving a prison sentence, it is anticipated the same, if not more, will be serving a community sentence however national statistics indicate this is woefully under recorded.
The majority of people leaving the Armed Forces do well, suffering no ill effects, entering full time employment and leading meaningful and fulfilling lives. Some Veterans do not do so well and because of this, we are working hard with our peer mentors including sign posters to identify them early in the custodial setting. In addition to the support from our partners within probation and the CRCs, we will signpost support from;
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SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents
Care after Combat – Their mission is to support veterans with alcohol and substance misuse problems and the reduction in numbers of re-offending veterans in the criminal justice system.
RBL (Royal British legion) - sometimes called The British Legion or The Legion, is a British charity providing financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.
We will also hold events where veterans can visit each other and build networks for release, examples of which are Veterans Breakfast during November for remembrance.
3.2 Care experienced and Young Adults
We recognise that care experienced prisoners have particular challenges when trying to maintain contact. Our Offender Managers and Key workers will work hard to provide support to those who have lost contact with close or distant family, including those that have cared for them (even if not related). We are working hard with the local authorities to identify
contacts but this work is in its infancy.
In addition to Care Experienced individuals, we have a small number of Yong Adults, who can share the same needs or who are also care experienced. It is understood that age is not often a feature in who has experienced the care system, so we offer support to older prisoners also.
Teen challenge rehab centre - Teen Challenge UK is a registered charity and operates nationally to help young people who have developed life controlling problems, especially drug and alcohol addictions, and also to offer preventative help to those who may be in danger of doing so.
Action Housing - Action (formerly Action Housing) is a charity providing services to vulnerable people in South Yorkshire and Derbyshire; offering support services around homelessness, ex-offenders, mental health, domestic abuse and young people, including accommodation and floating support.
Framework - Framework is a charity delivering housing, health, employment, and support and care services to people with a diverse range of needs.
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Other agencies who are working with us at HMP Nottingham and plan to provide ongoing support in housing / welfare / attitudes, behaviour and thinking are;
Princes Trust Notts County Football Club Broxtowe Youth
We have opened a release centre called ‘Next Steps’ – donations from charities and agencies received will be issued to those who leave prison and need extra clothing, food, shopping vouchers, electric to charge mobile phones and help to complete paperwork.
3.3 Self-isolators
By definition this group are extremely vulnerable and the reasons for their isolation can be complex.
We will work with each individual and develop strategies through residence and safety to try and promote well-being but also in enabling the importance of maintaining contact with the outside world. The majority of our cells have in cell telephony this makes contact slightly easier, however it does not withstand the lack of funds they may have through non-attendance at work; key worker and /or safer custody team / OMU will work with each issue.
The Operations function will provide a weekly report on individuals who do not access visits and present this at the weekly Safeguarding meeting – investigations as to why they are socially isolated or self-isolating will be done by the SPU, options for supporting inclusion or access to professional / official visitors will be explored.
Official Prison Visitors Scheme – facilitated and arranged by the Faith centre
Bi-monthly contact visits – this can be with other individuals within the prison, contact with official volunteers (library, college, staff, healthcare, faith centre, CRC). We will also aim to enable this group of individuals to support events where practical.
If any person has a concern or keeping safe query, they can call on the number below – the message will be checked within 12 hours and nature of call acted upon – we will log all calls and attempt to link back with the caller to reassure them and inform them of what actions have been taken.
If anyone has any concerns regarding a loved one, then please contact the concern and keep safe hotline 0115 8724464 or Email [email protected]
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4. Using Families more effectively In addition to maintaining family ties for resettlement purposes, Families and Significant Others (F&SO), can be key to providing support for prisoners on ACCT or involved in anti-social behaviour. The Safer Custody team in consultation with psychology will identify those prisoners who would benefit from this intervention – it will not always be the case and special consideration should be given to making this assessment.
We will aim to enable F&SO supporting continued substance misuse ‘desistance’ – where people in our care have gone through a recovery and / or desistance programme, we will provide education to the F&SO so ongoing support can be given post release. We are also able to use the Next Steps suite to signpost support for families who may have substance misuse concerns.
The quarterly Families Strategy group aim to have users sit on this group having an equal and important voice in what is provided at HMP Nottingham to strengthen ties.
The visitors centre will hold quarterly visitor surveys to ensure visitors have a voice and to enable an effective action plan.
5. Celebration EventsAt HMP Nottingham, we believe outcomes should be congratulated, a successful outcome is incredibly personal but will always be a measure of someones’ motivation to change, be the best person they can be and step towards their own personal ultimate aim.
It is both a privilege to be part of this celebration but it is also important for a persons family (or significant other) to witness achievements / progression through custody. A close family member of close significant other, can often go through years of observing chaotic or disruptive behaviour, so to build confidence is essential in repairing ties that have possibly broken down.
Princes Trust awards
Art Auction
Drug Free Living
Educational Achievements
Active Citizens awards
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Annex A
Reducing Re-Offending Meeting
Terms of Reference
NAME OF MEETING: Pathways Meeting
AIM: To strategically manage and co-ordinate all Resettlement Issues at HMP Nottingham and to ensure interventions are met through identified pathways
FREQUENCY: Monthly
TIMING: As meeting schedule
VENUE: OMU Board Room
CHAIR: Head of Reducing Re-Offending
ATTENDEES: Offender Management & Public ProtectionResettlement ManagerHead of Learning, Skills & EducationResettlement services providersCRCCare Experience LeadInterventions Security Nottingham City LibraryResidential inc InductionGymnasium HealthcareFamilies Lead (Ops)Voluntary and Community Sector provider
KEY OBJECTIVES:
To establish good interdepartmental communication both within and outside the establishment to reduce risks of reoffending through pathway management
To co-ordinate Resettlement, OMU activity, ensuring strategic direction, effectiveness and efficiency following each pathway of rehabilitation as an agenda item.
To develop and implement policy, incorporating regional and national change advising the SMT on revisions.
To maintain an establishment wide delivery of rehabilitation services against each Pathway and bring in Voluntary sector support
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Families Strategy Group
Terms of Reference
NAME OF MEETING: Families Strategy Group
AIM: To share knowledge, expertise and experience of family practice across prison functions and to ensure a joined up ‘cross departmental’ approach to family engagement at HMP Nottingham. The group will review, develop and embed the ‘Family and Significant Others’ Strategy across HMP Nottingham
FREQUENCY: Quarterly (June / Aug / Nov / Feb / May)
TIMING: As meeting schedule
VENUE: Reducing Reoffending
CHAIR: Head of Reducing Re-Offending
ATTENDEES: Faith CentreResettlement & OM Lead
PACT ManagerGymnasium CMHealthcare (drugs)Families Lead (Ops)Care Experience LeadSafety TeamEqualities LeadNottingham City LibraryResidential CM
User Voice
KEY OBJECTIVES:
To establish good interdepartmental communication both within and outside the establishment to reduce risks of reoffending through pathway management of Families and Significant Others
To embed F&SO in all functional priorities – with special attention to Safer Custody
To understand the impact of the hidden sentence
To develop and implement policy, incorporating regional and national change
To maintain an establishment wide understanding on the added value of F&SO
Families Strategy Group10
AGENDA
Apologies
Minutes of last meeting / Actions
Pathway Updates ‘Functional’ to share progress against action plan, share challenges, success, upcoming events and good ideas
1. Operations (inc how many individuals do not receive visits, family visits)
2. PACT (inc feedback from user surveys / forums / events)
3. Healthcare (drugs)
4. Safer Custody (inc key concerns raised by F&SO through safety line, number of families engaging in ACCT reviews)
5. Care Experience
6. Health and Wellbeing - Gymnasium
7. Residence (inc support available to those who are socially isolated)
8. User Voice
9. Equalities Lead (inc developments which may need a Family Impact assessment)
10. Voluntary and other Agencies
Performance progress1. Families and Significant Others action plan2. Audit / HMIP / MQPL3. Keyworker & Think Family Training
Community Inclusion1. Under 25 year old2. Veterans in Custody3. Communication (inc messages / services which need sharing with Staff & Families)
National and Regional updates
Date of Next Meeting……………………………………………….
HMP Nottingham - Changing Lives, by Turning Them AroundProviding a Safe, Decent and Secure environment, which contributes to Reducing Reoffending by promoting hope and
reform by effectively utilising and developing the skills of our People. We will provide a suitable regime for a resettlement and reception prison, which will encourage the men to ‘Change their Lives, by Turning Them Around’.
Annex B Families & Significant Others Action Plan
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Action SPoC Date Comments
Launch revised strategy in August 2019 following consultation with the National leads for policy update and 10PP feedback (July), with whole prison communication
Head of Reducing Reoffending
August 2019
Community Notice
Notice to Visitors
Peer mentors
Ensure F&SO is Standing Agenda in Pathways meeting (inc action plan)
Head of RR August 2019
Completed April 2019
CRC & ISFL / SMS communication to be shared with visitors to bring about a greater understanding of support on offer within HMP Nottingham
Head of Reducing Reoffending
July 2019
Completed – QA checks done in June show leaflets provided to visitors on pre-release, money management and other CRC work is good. Posters and information on drug strat and support is excellent. IEP details are included as well as prisoner catering menu and canteen items – the work done to promote what is happening inside HMP Nottingham from the PACT center is excellent.
Importance of F&SO to be embedded within Keyworker, Safety and other functional working
Head of Reducing Reoffending
August 2019
Keyworker booklets have been updated with F&SO prompts
‘Think Family Training’ has been delivered at HMP Nottingham with further events added to the training committee profile.
Planning of special events to promote F&SO contact
Head of Reducing Reoffending
August 2019
Events planned to support the School holidays and special achievements of individuals in our custody;
Drug Free Living
Active Citizens Award
Art Auction (charity)
Family Sports Day
‘Lock in’ Care after Combat and Families
CoPS charity walk
Include Families in strategy and feedback Head of Reducing Reoffending
June 2019
Share F&SO with visitors.
Gather feedback from events and share outcome with F&SO
PACT to lead on coordination of outcomes
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Family Strategy Working Group Head of Reducing Reoffending
August 2019
Initial scene setting meeting has been held (June) with ToR developed and ready for Bi-Monthly meetings
Family Induction Booklet – outlining what is on offer inc Quotes from those who have spent time in custody ‘A day in the life of…..’
Head of Engagement
August 2019
HoEngagement to meet with HoRes to bring about an information booklet to be sent to prisoner F&SO which outlines the induction process, the regime, Kit exchange, Searching, Daily Menu, IEP, FAQs and contact methods (Concern and Keep Safe line’.
Calls to the Concern & Keep safe line are not routinely recorded, monitored or follow up evidenced
Head of Safety
August 2019
HoS to meet with HoRR and HoF to discuss recording, evidencing and launch of ‘Concern & Keep Safe’ line. This must include those calls made to the Faith center.
Drive the identification and support of Self - Isolators
Head of Safety
July 2019
Will require support from Head of Residence.
Develop Peer Support
Ensure each ‘SI’ has a support plan in place
Ops run monthly report identifying those who do not have visits and share this with Safety & Res for additional support to link in with those who may be socially isolated.
Drive the identification and support of veterans in custody, working in collaboration with HoRR
Head of Equalities
August 2019
Will require support from Head of Residence.
Develop Veterans in Custody Peer Support
Develop links with Community Support Groups
Drive the identification and support of Care Experienced Prisoners
Head of Safety
August 2019
Will require support from Head of Residence.
Develop Peer Support
Develop links with Community Support Groups
Easy to read information boards to be developed on each wing re maintain family ties (inc PACT / Events / How to book a visits / AOPV etc)
Head of Residence
August 2019
CM Bradley has been tasked to develop simple boards which complement the information available on the Kiosks (linking in with CM Mullis from Ops)
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Annex C Establishing a Family Strategy – Checklist, Response and Actions
Questions to consider when establishing a family strategy Guiding Questions Potential Resources/Examples CommentsDo you have a Terms of Reference that includes the aims of the family strategy?
A strategy based around HMIP expectations and key Farmer recommendationsIntroduction Working in Partnership Contract Management Performance and
Measurement Digital and Technology Developing Innovation and
Practice Care Leavers
This strategy focuses on more than just visits and includes reference to other aspects of communication. Debz (complete)
The strategy forms part of the Reducing Reoffending committee and will be a standing agenda item. Debz (complete)
In addition the Governor, HoRR and Visits Custodial Manager meet monthly with PACT to monitor contract delivery. Vicki (Complete)
Care Experienced forms part of the Safer Custody Meeting. Keith
‘Self and Socially isolated’ are monitored via the Safer Prisons meeting and encouraged to maintain family ties. Keith
Do you understand the needs of visitors?
Family/significant other forumsVisitor survey Holding regular meetings with visitors as well as visitor surveys will give a good understanding of their needs. This information will help to better meet needs. A senior manager being present at some visits sessions.
We have recently completed a visitor survey and these will be conducted at least twice a year. Vicki to conduct survey analysis
How many prisoners receive visits?
PNOMISPrisoner forums Using PNOMIS data, identified trends.Strategy can cover this area and identify plans to explore further. Provider can assist
We review this regularly to ensure capacity and have recently reduced the number of sessions pro rata to reduction in op cap. We monitor those who do not receive visits at the safeguarding meeting. Keith/Vicki to ensure this is in place
Does visitors having to wait matter?
“What is it like to visit someone in prison”
Visitors are allowed in to our visitor centre well in advance of visit sessions starting. There are some observations that visitors are left waiting outside the prison. Debz / PACT - Complete
Why are visitors’ centre important?
Understand perception of visitor centre/reception service – use provider to assist Pictures on the wall, photographs, children’s drawings/paintings
We understand the need of a supportive visitor centre and are proud to collaborate with PACT. Debz / PACT - CompleteThe rehab culture and engagement lead will review the centre for its appropriate communication aspects. Katie
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What does it feel like to be searched?
We appreciate the challenges searching poses, particularly for children and therefore we try and make the process as unobtrusive as possible Mark
What are visitor’s experiences of being searched?
Visitors surveyMQPLHMIP reportVisitor forums – with families’ senior lead presence Develop a children friendly approach to the visits search experience/ safeguarding
The most recent survey indicated 34 (out of 41) were satisfied to ‘very satisfied’ with our arrangements.
‘Just like an airport not invasive or unpleasant.’
‘I have no issues with this it is a safety requirement that I am
more than happy with.’
How does it feel to visit someone in prison?
Understand perception of visit experience – use provider to assist Demonstrate actions and plans designed to encourage positive outcomes
Overall from the graph below, the experience is mostly positive. The waiting time appears to be the worst aspect. Vicki
Comments in the latest survey were disappointing with some suggesting staff did not treat them courteously once out of the visitor centre. Vicki
How does it feel for a child or young person to visit someone in the prison?
This question needs to be posed in the next survey, although children’s play areas seem to be popular. Vicki
Are visits a time to really talk?
Create an environment that enables positive communication
The visits experience has recently been renovated and we believe provides a good opportunity to interact.
Do visits become easier for family/ children and young people/significant other and prisoners over time?
Visitors surveyMQPLHMIP reportDevelop regular feedback opportunities to inform strategy
This needs to be posed in the next survey. Vicki
What would make visiting a more positive experience for all?
Visitors surveyMQPLHMIP reportPrisoner and Family Forums Develop regular feedback opportunities to inform strategy
The most recent survey suggests overall experience is good, however distance from visitor centre was cited as a problem. Sadly there is little was can do other than allow visitors to drive this final bit but parking will be a challenge.
What staffing arrangements including training are in place for staff working with prisoners, their families and significant others?
Use of provider to assist in training and awareness/ including safeguardingRegular deployment of informed staff Staff invited to volunteer for visits/families workProvider asked to attend wider forums to raise awareness of family issues
We have developed a bespoke operations group who run visits on a regular basis
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How effective are local procedures in allowing the family to contribute to sentence planning? Are Personal Advisors included in sentence planning for care leavers?
This is not in place at present. We will review arrangements to consider if appropriate for our cohort. Gurdev
Have staff accessed training to deliver an effective service in partnership with family services providers, prisoners, family and significant others?
Training programme / competenciesSPDRSpecialist JDs
This is not realistic at this time due to competing training demands. We will review what we can deliver in this area Vicki ‘Think Family’ Training facilitated in June by Debz & PACT; onward plan to be in place for all contact staff - Vicki.Child safeguarding training to be completed via justice academy website and through SPO
What are the key headings for a strategy?
Operating GuidanceBest practiceWhilst it should be a document personal to the establishment - headings taken from operation guidance might assist: Introduction Working in Partnership –
Where a prison is involved with the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) or the new multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, the Board may be able to assist
Contract Management Performance and
Measurement Digital and TechnologyDeveloping Innovation and Practice
In addition, our strategy focuses on other aspects of communication including telephones and emails.
How might we encourage or support family and significant other ties for prisoner’s subject to public protection arrangements?
Person Posing Risk to Children (PPRC) and Child Contact reviewsMonitoring arrangements and reviewsEngagement with Local Authority Children’s ServicesMulti-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) engagementConsider least intrusive restriction whilst maintaining public protection
Our MAPPA arrangements are effective but we will review in light of this aspect. Andrea
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How are providers meeting the organisational needs for prisoners and their family?
SurveysFamily forumsContract management meetings Providers may be asked to provide evidence as part of contract management
PACT and ourselves are responsible for the completion of surveys.
In addition the governor meets monthly with PACT to review performance.
Do you have a family lead to support family services provision?
Do understand the need to consider care leavers?
Family strategyFamily teamFamily forumsIdentify a family lead from the SMT to specialise in family services, works closely with service providers and embeds within organisation.Useful also to have a middle management presence and responsibility
The Head of Operations and her team lead on visits.
Fund Raising to support PACT families Lead (Debz complete)
Family Strategy Group to be formed – Debz complete
Head of Ops to attend Reducing Reoffending F&SO Meeting to feedback on visits progress
How often do you meet with the family services providers?
Minutes of meetingsContract Management Guidance Monthly meetingsQuarterly cluster meetings
Monthly
Are providers represented in wider prison forums?
Establishment family Strategy Reducing Reoffending forumsLearning and Skills forums
The prisoner council has opportunities for prisoners to discuss any issues they may wish to raise.The F&SO strat group have prisoner champions
Has the establishment got links with the community – schools and local authorities; and with community supervision in this area?
This needs to be developed Gurdev?
Have you agreed what services will be delivered and expected standards?
Family forumsContract management guidance Using the family services specification, agree the provision to be delivered
There is an SLA in place with PACT. This is monitored on a monthly basis.
Have you established and agreed performance indicators and contract management information?
Family services specificationHaving agreed the provision consider how you might measure performance. How many of… what quality you expect
This may need developing further. Vicki
Have you established purchase orders so that providers are paid on time?
Identify a key member of staff to oversee this processSee Contract Guidance document for further details
Yes effective systems are in place for the timely completion of payments
Is the provider included in key meetings and
Is the family service provider invited to attend the SMT or
Not SMT, however the Head of Operations and policy lead does attend the SMT. PACT will attend
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integrated in the life of the prison?
other management board? the F&SO and RR meeting
Is your approach to contract management clear to the provider?
See Contract Guidance document for further details
PACT are an established provider so well aware of obligations
Is the contract management approach clear to your SMT, family lead and all relevant parties?
SMT minutesFamily lead SPDRContract meeting minutes Lead + provider presentation to SMT
Yes, although needs formalising in SPDR arrangements. Vicki
Are your monthly meetings minuted with actions and issues identified and addressed?
Minutes Variation orders in place
Meetings are minuted by Head of Ops. Vicki
Do you know where to get assistance and further support?
See support and contact section Having cluster meetings may help
Yes we are confident on this.
Have you agreed what services will be delivered and the expected standards?
Family forums Meeting minutes and agenda
Complete Vicki
Have you considered how to record agreed performance indicators and contract management information to manage family services provision?
Performance agreement with family services provider Meeting minutes and agenda
Complete Vicki
Is there existing family management information that can be used to determine performance?
PNOMIS data should show historical and current data regarding performance. The number of visits that a prisoner receives could indicate the effectiveness of relationships, also a reduction in the number of visits received may indicate an issue. Also, how many prisoners do not receive visits and how might this be addressed?
The recent survey indicates an overall positive experience for families. Complaints from prisoners regarding visits are not common. Neil
Reference Farmer recommendations and HMIP expectations and record deliver/developments against them
Development plan arising out of examination of delivery in this area
Families & Significant Others is a red line in our performance delivery, therefore this is a high priority for the prison.
What actions will be taken once you know
Meeting minutes Published Development plan
Included in strat Vicki
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what the data tells you?Have you shared the data and considered actions with the SMT and all staff?
Meeting minutesStaff information Published plan
No data has been presented as yet, but will follow after the self-audit Nov 2019. Vicki
How do we monitor progress against the actions?
Meeting minutes Combined annual report?
Monthly meeting with PACT and at F&SO. Vicki
How effective is the recording of next of kin and family contact?
Data gaps are reviewed weekly, as part of our performance culture. Vicki
Who ensures that a prisoner’s family or significant others’ details are recorded when they arrive at the prison from court?
It is the responsibility of reception and Early Days staff. This works well. Stuart
Have alternative arrangements been made where a prisoner is the sole carer of a child or other dependent?
We have limited control over this expectation - This will be addressed by Probation colleagues at court Gurdev
What efforts are made to assist family engagement especially for those who have no family/significant other contact?Have you considered the role of the Personal Advisor for prisoners who are care leavers and are entitled to this support from the local authority?
The safer custody team and also the prisoners individual key worker will engage with prisoners in an attempt to rekindle family ties. For those who do not receive visits, the APV is also encouraged. Keith / Stuart
What arrangements are in place to support family and significant others that wish to communicate concerns about their friends or relatives in prison?
Family forums There is a safer custody hotline, although the survey indicates little confidence.
In addition the governor has published his email in the visitors entrance and visitors routinely contract him expressing concerns over loved ones.
How is information from family and significant others recorded and if concerns are raised, how are actions recorded?
Performance agreement with family services provider
The governor replies directly and also includes the relevant HoF to address any concerns. The HoF will then meet with the prisoner and contact the family directly; entries are then made on NOMISCalls are facilitated through a dedicated concern and keep safe line – this is an answerphone – all
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details are logged and outcomes are recorded on Nomis. The caller will receive a reply by the Orderly Officer or their nominated rep from the safety team - Keith
Are family and significant others included in ACCT reviews?
ACCT Guidance (link)Annex E
This has been discussed but not formally in operation. There are some examples where this has taken place. – Keith
For prisoners who are care leavers is the Personal Advisor invited to attend where appropriate?
This has been discussed but not formally in operation. – Keith / Stuart
Are actions taken when a prisoner is on acct communicated to the family and significant other?
This has been discussed but not formally in operation. Keith
How might family or significant others be helpfully involved where a prisoner is feeling suicidal?
This has been discussed but not formally in operation. Keith
How might family or significant others be helpfully involved where a prisoner has ongoing mental health issues?
Clearly any input is invaluable. We will consider this with our NHS colleagues. Kerry
How might prison visits be enhanced to assist a prisoner to cope with and feel safe?
Feedback from the survey indicates majority of people feel safe. It is acknowledged staff could be more welcoming. Vicki
What is the ethnic make-up of your prisoners and users?
What are the demographics of prisoners in you jail?What are the demographics of staff in your jail?
Demographics are monitored by the equalities team as is the take up of activities including visits. Becky
What is the ethnic make-up of your staff?
Do staff reflect the diversity of users?Where ethnic reflection is not possible, do family services providers represent diversity?Do staff understand the needs of prisoners and users with protected characteristics?
BAME ethnicity is lower than the city / county statisitcs.
Female staff are well represented in all areas including front line.
What are the criteria for prisoners to access family services? For
How many times are prisoners accessing family services?Is the application and criteria
Arrangements are in place and published. Vicki
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example, family days or other activities?How are you addressing the needs of care leavers?
for successfully accessing family service clear?Is there diversity of prisoners and their family/significant others accessing family services?Is there an appeals process for prisoners that are denied access to family services?
Is the aesthetics of the prison diverse?
Are photographs and resources in the prison and in particular visits and play areas diverse and reflective of protected characteristics?
The engagement lead is reviewing all aspects of our information to ensure it is appropriate for all. Katie
How often is in-cell telephony / landing based telephony used by prisoners in digital environments?
SurveyMonitor number of calls and when Published data
Unsure what we do with any information. Neil
How well is the on-line visits booking system received by prisoners/visitors?
SurveyMonitor use and feedback from visitors/prisonsNumber of failed visits – no shows. Information displays in public areas
Updated feedback is good - Vicki
How are prisoners that are not conversant with the use of technology supported?
Family service engagement worker may assist. Staff identified that can support technology for prisoners who for a range of reasons cannot use the facility. E.g. literacy needs, not familiar or comfortable with technology Is assisted technology provided for prisoners who have disabilitiesUse of peer supporters
Sign posters (peer workers) assist those having difficulty with kiosks and the like. In addition staff are on hand to support.
How effective is other forms of communication – telephone, letters, other initiatives – email a prisoner, prison voicemail, prison visitor scheme
Data recorded Information published and part of strategy/development plan
We collect data, however it is not used strategically at this time. We will review. Vicki
Have you shared your ideas with the family services partners about new and innovative
Storybook dads/mums Departure lounges – an initiative that provides support for prisoners and their families
Partnership working is good – other agencies get involved in innovative plans for the improvement of F&SO and in how to enhance core offers Debz
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services to support and improve prisoners, their family and significant other relationships? How do your family service partners share their ideas with you?
on dischargeContact initiatives with schoolshttp://www.storybookdads.org.uk/http://giveabook.org.uk/2015/02/01/storybook-mums/ Children friendly visits design
If you have a homework club, what criteria is used for prisoner’s family/significant children to access the service?
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/locked-out-report.pdfReflected in strategy
This is run through normal visits ‘homework with Dad’. This is supported through the college and through the Library Debz
How do you know that initiatives are effective?
SurveyManagement informationPerformance measurement
MQPL, HMIP, visitors surveys, complaints monitoring
Do you provide a service for prisoners who do not have family or significant other relationships?
Care leaver strategy and work Care leaver champion?Peer supporters? Links with local authorities that have a statutory duty to provide ongoing support to care leavers?
This forms part of our Care Experienced policy - Stuart
Your learning and skills provider may have ideas to support family learning activities
Discussions with learning provider
Current engagement with the College is good Mike
Annex D - HMP Nottingham: Visitors Survey
Total Survey completion = 52
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Concern and Keep Safe Hotline
Number of visitors who had reported concerns: 10 (19%) - Route for sharing concerns:
General telephone line 4
Chaplain 3
Safer custody line 1
Health department 1
Governor/management
2
Number of visitors who received a response from prison after they had raised a concern: 2
Satisfaction in prisons’ response to concern:
5 (50%) of the visitors scored their satisfaction level as 1 (not satisfied at all) 3 of the visitors scored their satisfaction level as 3 (neither satisfied nor dissatisfied)
‘The prison has never got back to me though. ‘No response whatsoever. Not confident knowing what to do to raise concerns - I researched online to find out best contact route and I received no response to written or telephone contact about concerns.’
I feel that you do not get much response back what so ever. I don’t feel that any issues are dealt with properly.
‘Disgusting lack of communication when inmate was in ITU at hospital. Get passed to pillar to post nobody ever seems to know anything. I was never told he was in ITU - I had to chase it up.’
‘We hadn’t heard from my parent in over 2 weeks and no-one told us anything.’
‘Felt like they didn’t want to hear my concerns and feel like they don’t have any interest in the inmates.’
Sharing concerns about prisoner welfare with prison
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13%
25%
13%15%
34%
Confidence in sharing concern with the prison
16%
14%
14%26%
30%
Confidence in knowing how to share concerns
34%
16%22%
16%
12%
Confidence in believing that the prison will re-
spond to your concerns
Key:
1 – not at all confident
2 – not confident
3
4 - confident
5 – very confident
‘I would never contact the prison with a concern - no way!’
‘I would be concerned that some staff would use the information negatively.
‘There is no point contacting safer custody - they never get back to you.’
‘I have always been advised to contact the chaplain for the best response.’
‘I didn’t know you could contact the prison.’
What prevents families sharing their concerns?
Prison not responding to concerns (3) Families unable to get through to anyone (3) Potential negative impact on prisoner (7)
‘Nobody trusts jails because it gets reported to the wrong people.’
‘Don’t feel confident in confiding in staff.’
‘Bullying and confidentiality concerns.’ - ‘I don’t want my son victimised for this.’
Communication between the prison and families
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How they keep prisoners safe
Substance misuse services
Mental health and wellbeing
Education and training
Support for prisoners
Resettlement
How families can stay in touch
How to make a complaint
New developments in the prison
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Do visitors feel they have sufficient information from the prison?
Don't know No, I would like more informationYes, I have enough information
What would families like further information about?
5 visitors said they would like to receive more information about specifically about mental health provision in the prison
2 visitors said that they would like more information about substance misuse programmes in the prison. 4 prisoners said that they would like information about all the above areas (as depicted in graph)
Safety
The vast majority of families felt safe during visit processes.
In the visit centre Moving from the visit centre to the hall
In the visit hall On family visits0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
2 3 411 2
423 4
73
8 8
3 4
3430
27
12
How safe visitors feel during visits
1 not at all safe 2 3 4 5 very safe
‘Very nervous about moving from the centre to the hall and the constant clang of locking doors but with having officers around you feel quite safe.’
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‘The staff at the visit centre make you feel safe and welcome.’
‘The visit hall needs to be closer to the visit centre as it is not suitable for disabled who cant walk or have problems to walk that hill.’
‘I think there are sufficient officers and staff to cover the fear factor.’
‘Do separate visits for people that are convicted of sexual assaults and paedophiles.’
23%
13%
23%
18%
23%
How safe visitors feel their family member in custody is
1 not at all safe
2
3
4
5 very safe
‘A visitor would quickly see and feel if there were any safety issues.’
‘Listen to families more as you have a duty of care.’
2 families felt that Nottingham Post newspaper heightened families’ anxieties about the prison.
Visits
Booking processes
Support and information
Search processes
Play facilities
Refreshments
Waiting times
Visit hall environment
Keeping children safe
Days and times
Extended visits
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
3
1
1
2
4
10
3
0
3
0
4
4
1
1
6
5
3
3
4
1
11
5
7
6
11
15
12
7
8
1
7
9
12
5
6
7
9
8
7
1
21
26
22
25
14
7
16
14
22
9
Visitor satisfaction with visit provision
1 not at all satisfied 2 34 5 very satisfied
Booking processes
‘At times this has been complex and annoying but it is not too bad at the moment.’
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‘Easy via internet not so easy to ring for visits.’
Support and information
‘The visit centre is very welcoming environment that put the first time visitor at ease.’
‘Pact are very helpful.’
‘All staff are friendly and help best they can with information.’
‘Brilliant staff friendly and helpful always willing to help with anything when they can.’
Search processes
‘Just like an airport not invasive or unpleasant.’
‘I have no issues with this it is a safety requirement that I am more than happy with.’
Play facilities
‘Although it does not apply in my case it is very nice to see an area set for children, making them more relaxed.’
Refreshments
4 visitors suggested that they would like hot food available in the visit hall.
3 visitors said that certain items of food often ran out and that additional food should be stocked to avoid this.
1 visitor suggested that they would like refreshments available in the Visit Centre.
Wait times
6 visitors commented on the fact that once they left the Visit Centre they often had to wait significant periods of time before they were able to go into the visit hall. During this time visitors waited outside even when it was cold and wet and then were held a second time in cramped conditions:
‘Too long. Very good in visits centre but once you get to the prison gate they are slow and make is wait in cold and on the street.’
‘Up until you enter the prison is very efficient but have to wait too long in-between booking in at the main gate and getting into visits hall. The children get stressed.’
‘Waiting to go through to dog search after general search is sometimes late. It is a hot sweaty room we are all squashed into and there is nothing to entertain children.’
‘Fast in visit centre but slow after search to prisoners.’
Visit hall environment
3 visitors said that they did not like the new seating in the visit hall:
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‘I don’t like the new tables and chairs they are terrible, I leave with back ache every week.’
‘The seating is very bad and the new tables and chairs are too low and sitting the way you have to puts strain on your back.’
‘Seating not appropriate for small children i.e hot drinks.’
Keeping children safe
‘It seems very safe for children after all it parent’s responsibility to keep their children safe.’
‘Prisoners can sometimes kick off with their partners and they don’t care that there are children about.’
Extended visits
‘The family day was brilliant - extremely well organised. All the family thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a greatly appreciated privilege.’
‘Ensure families are equally chosen for family visits.’
2 visitors said that there should be more Family Days made available and that they should be longer in length.
How much importance does the prison put on the role of the family?
Over a half of visitors (52%) felt that the prison placed importance on the role of the family. Almost a quarter of visitors (24%) did not feel that the prison placed any importance on the role of the family.
12%
12%
24%19%
33%
How much importance does the prison put on the role of the family?
1 not at all important
2
3
4
5 very important
Families’ suggestions to create improved family-centred prison practice:
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6 visitors suggested that if prison staff treated them with more respect and in a more welcoming manner, this could help to improve family centred practice:
‘Prison officers to be more friendly to family members. I always feel we are treated similar to prisoners.’
‘Just be a bit friendlier and more approachable.’
‘Members of staff could talk to them in a better manner for them to feel like they can confide in them.’
‘Yes stop talking to me like I am a criminal - just because I come to visit doesn't make me a criminal.’
‘We are also the criminals! If only half of these officers had a loved one inside they would understand.’
‘They look at us like scumbags - we are not criminals!’
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