Follows HMIP reinspection which found 'insufficient progress'
The Isle of Man Prison says it’s ‘constantly working’ on providing prisoners with ‘purposeful activity’, and the opportunity to undertake training and qualifications, whilst they are detained.
Government has published a new social media promotional video highlighting the progress it says it’s made since the Jurby facility was reinspected by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons.
The HMIP report, published in May, showed that ‘insufficient progress’ had been made in areas concerning education, skills and work.
You can read it in full HERE.
The inspectorate had raised concerns in 2023 that the Island’s prison regime was not sufficiently preparing prisoners for employment after their release.
There were not enough practical courses offered and none of the jobs offered training, realistic work conditions or accreditation of skills.
At the time of the reinspection – between 30 April and 3 May this year – it was found that no overall strategy had been prepared but some progress had been made in relation to practical courses.
Equipment had also been ordered to enable barbering and barista training and a tutor for construction skills had been appointed.
Inspectors noted horticultural facilities were also being expanded to provide more practical experiences for prisoners.
There were also plans for industrial cleaning courses to be offered in the future.
However progress was described as ‘slow’ partly because the college had been unable to recruit new vocational training tutors to assist in the prison.
Two schemes introducing certification of knowledge and skills have been introduced and nationally accredited short unit awards in subjects including maths, English and art are now offered.
Inspectors also found that ‘reasonable progress’ had been made in getting prisoners into work within the prison setting but said in most cases jobs didn’t provide realistic work conditions or treatment.
However they noted the amount of time prisoners could spend focussing on their education was restricted because there were not enough teachers.
Tim Russell is a senior officer with the Prison and Probation Service.
He says although it’s been a ‘slow process’ they’ve been working ‘really hard’ to make improvements:
The fourth in our series of videos from Isle of Man Prison looks at the changes that have been introduced to the education and work skills programme. During their recent re-visit, HMIP highlighted that a number of improvements had taken place – including broadening the types of courses available and a new practical skills workshop. Prisoners often enter the prison without some of the skills or knowledge they need in the community. Supporting them with a basis for numeracy, literacy and work skills helps to reduce reoffending and can help with finding stability when back in the community.
Posted by Isle of Man Government on Friday, August 2, 2024
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