Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) has made of the effect on the health and safety of (a) residents, (b) staff and (c) communities of contracting out night waking services in HMPPS Approved Premises.

The new arrangements for night cover will promote the health and safety of those who live and work in in Approved Premises (AP) and of the community at large. Under previous arrangements in some AP, only one member of staff was required to be awake during the night hours. The new contracts will ensure that two staff are on duty and awake during the night in all Approved Premises. This model has been in operation for many years in certain parts of the country and has provided an effective service.

The new contracts make appropriate provision to protect the health and safety of staff, service users and members of the public. Services must be delivered in full compliance with statutory obligations and the Health & Safety Executive’s Approved Codes of Practice. Suppliers must be able to provide professional advice to their own staff, sub-contractors and the client where required.

The Ministry of Justice will audit a random sample of the suppliers’ safe systems of work to determine the appropriateness and effectiveness of the systems. Feedback on improvements or deficiencies will form part of the monthly governance meetings and quarterly commercial meetings with suppliers.