Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Bellamy on 7 December (HL3687) concerning guidance issued by a staff network in the HM Prison and Probation Service, whether that guidance has now been withdrawn; and what steps they are taking to ensure guidance is not issued which does not comply with departmental policies and legal responsibilities.

The document in question was produced by a staff network. It was not Government guidance. The content was not cleared by the Ministry of Justice, does not reflect departmental policy and should not have been shared. It will not be further disseminated.

His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is reviewing its Employee Networks Protocol. This review will strengthen the process for ensuring that all information and materials communicated comply with our policies and legal responsibilities. This will include a review of sign-off procedures for nationally distributed employee network communications. HMPPS will also provide further communications training for its network leads. We remain committed to promoting diversity and awareness and maintaining robust professional standards.