Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to Government grants statistics 2020 to 2021, published on 31 March 2022, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the Engagement to Motivate Offenders to Participate in the Arts grant.

Grant-funded activity across His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is monitored, quality-assured and measured through the Grants Governance Board, which has oversight of all grants funded by HMPPS, both prior to award and throughout the lifetime of the grant.

HMPPS ensures all grants awarded to voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations are effective in helping to reduce reoffending, delivered in accordance with the Government Grants Functional Standard.

Grant managers are responsible for monitoring delivery, and agreed outcomes and budgets are defined in quarterly and end of year Reports. A Senior Responsible Officer will have oversight of grants within their specific business area and will be required to provide assurance in relation each grant, including the governance, risk management, and financial aspects.