Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Annual Staff Equalities Report 2019/20, published on 26 November 2020, if he will make an assessment of the reasons for the (a) lower promotion rate among Black staff compared to white staff and (b) higher leaving rate among (i) Asian and (ii) other BAME staff.

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) are committed to achieving a more representative workforce, and addressing the under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) colleagues at all levels. It is recognised that there are many factors which contribute towards the lower promotion rate amongst Black staff and higher leaving rates for Asian and other ethnic minority staff. As part of actions to address disparity in this area HMPPS are launching their Race Action Programme in December 2020; which aims to build on the work of recent years and develop between awareness of the rich diverse cultures of all staff and those in our care, with the aim of equitable outcomes for all. The programme consists of five projects:

1. Creation of safe spaces and support for staff and service users
2. Training
3. A review of our current diversity and inclusion structures and policies
4. Recruitment and career progression
5. Greater engagement and consultation with our BAME led third sector partners.