Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the HM Prison and Probation Service is taking to respond to the findings in the 2016-17 National Offender Management Service Annual Staff Equalities Report to tackle inequalities for (a) BAME staff and (b) staff with disabilities relating its performance management system.

HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) continue to work closely with Civil Service Employee Policy who provide specialist HR services and support to the Civil Service to help deliver effective and efficient HR solutions. At the forefront of HMPPS HR policy development is adherence to the Equality Act 2010 and ongoing equalities monitoring and review of our HR policies and practises. Regular communications, line manager training and guidance are provided to support the application of our performance management process. Toolkits have also been developed and issued which help to eliminate areas which may lead to disproportionate outcomes for staff.