Report on HMP Shotts Follow-up Inspection, 29 September - 3 October 2014

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First published by The Scottish Government, December 2014
ISBN: 978-1-78412-967-5 (web only)

The Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Produced for The Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland, 21 Tennant Street, Edinburgh EH6 5NA
PPDAS39846 (12/14)

Published by The Scottish Government, December 2014

Key Facts

Location

Her Majesty's Prison Shotts is situated in countryside south of the M8 motorway near the Lanarkshire village of Shotts.

Role

HM Prison Shotts is a maximum security prison for long term adult male prisoners. It also houses a facility – the National Integration Centre (NIC) – within its boundary which holds approximately 70 adult male prisoners who are in the initial stages of a longer term sentence or are preparing for reintegration into mainstream establishments.

Design Capacity/Population held at time of Inspection

HMP Shotts has a design capacity of 538 spaces plus 2 'safer cells'. At the time of the follow up inspection there was a total of 539 long term prisoners of which 214 were serving four to ten years, 51 were serving ten years and over, and 274 were life sentence prisoners.

Date of Last Full Inspection

11-19 March 2013

Brief History

The original prison was purpose built in 1978 and catered for adult male prisoners serving sentences of four years and over who were transferred from other establishments and who were required to be kept in secure conditions. The prison was extended in 1987 and has since been completely rebuilt on the same site. Its core population remains the same with the addition of the NIC. The current prison became fully operational in November 2012.

Accommodation

There are two main residential units; Lamont Hall and Allanton Hall. There is also a 14 cell Separation and Reintegration Unit (SRU). Both Lamont and Allanton Halls have the capacity to hold 269 prisoners. All accommodation is designed for single occupancy and each cell has an integral toilet and shower.

Healthcare Provider

NHS Lanarkshire

Learning Provider

New College Lanarkshire

HM Chief Inspector's Overview

HMP Shotts was subject to a full inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland in March 2013. The resulting report contained 51 Recommendations and identified eight Areas of Good Practice.

The purpose of this follow-up inspection in September/October 2014 was to assess the actions which had been taken to address the Recommendations and to report on the progress made. For this inspection, the HMIPS team was assisted by inspectors from Education Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland, for whose invaluable contribution I am grateful.

In response to the full inspection report, HMP Shotts has achieved good progress in addressing over half of the Recommendations. We assess that 31 of the Recommendations have been achieved, seven partially achieved and 12 not achieved. All eight Areas of Good Practice have been maintained. We have identified an additional Area of Good Practice and made a further six Recommendations.

Overall, we found HMP Shotts to be safe and secure. Prisoners reported that they felt safe, and we saw evidence of good relationships between staff and prisoners. Improvements had been made to the admission processes and safety procedures throughout the prison. I was pleased to see that the involvement of families is encouraged through the offer of Family Induction Sessions and the introduction of Family Awareness Days. While the provision of father and child visits is available, there are insufficient spaces for the level of demand and we recommend that this is reviewed.

We also noted improvements in the provision of education and learning opportunities. In particular, arrangements have been put in place to promote learning activities for prisoners and to involve them in the planning and evaluation of educational activities. Prisoners have the opportunity to be involved with the creative writing workshop which edits and produces the STIR magazine, a creative arts publication for prisoners in the seven Scottish prisons which are supported by New College Lanarkshire. The magazine provides a focus for learning in prisons, develops prisoners' skills for release and supports rehabilitation.

An area of concern identified in the full inspection related to the provision of work available to prisoners through the Scottish Prison Service national contracts. This has not been addressed. There is still a lack of meaningful and productive work available for prisoners, which represents a lost opportunity for constructive activity for long term prisoners. We were, however, impressed by the work done in the prison in support of local charities.

Two other recommendations for SPS from the full inspection related to the National Integration Centre and to the provision of training for Personal Officers. It is disappointing to note that SPS has not yet implemented these recommendations. The NIC has an important role to play in the induction and reintegration of long term prisoners. We found dedicated and committed staff, who were keen to improve the impact of the NIC, but who were hampered by a lack of clarity of purpose and limited resources. We have again recommended that SPS review the purpose and role of the NIC. In relation to the provision of training for the role of Personal Officer, this is an outstanding recommendation from more than one previous inspection reports. We are aware that SPS is in the process of developing its people strategy for staff, which is intended to address this need for Personal Officer training.

The provision of healthcare is always an important aspect of prison life. We were pleased to see that the majority of recommendations in relation to healthcare have been achieved. In particular, there have been improvements in the referral processes and significant improvements in the provision of dental services, achieving a high level of consistency. In addition we were impressed with the levels of health promotion throughout the prison. The HMP Shotts Health Improvement Group have developed and progressed a Health Improvement Strategy and have made good progress in delivering positive outcomes in its first year. Additionally, the provision of physiotherapy in the prison has improved, resulting in significantly reduced waiting lists. There remains an outstanding need to review the healthcare triage process for prisoners following referral requests.

Summary

HMP Shotts is a unique establishment with its high level of long term and life sentence prisoners. In recent years, there has been a considerable turnover of staff at senior management level, which brings additional challenges. HMP Shotts has maintained all the Areas of Good Practice identified in the full inspection report and has made progress in addressing the Recommendations. HMIPS will continue to monitor the Areas of Good Practice and the new Recommendations from this report.

David Strang
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland

December 2014

Executive Summary

This inspection assesses the progress made by HMP Shotts in responding to the Recommendations made in the full inspection carried out in 2013. It also assesses if elements of the service previously considered to be Good Practice remain in place.

There are three criteria; Not Achieved, Partially Achieved and Achieved. These are defined as:

Not Achieved: Overall, there is insufficient evidence of progress against our Recommendations which either has a negative effect on prisoners or does not improve outcomes for prisoners.

Partially achieved: Overall, progress against our Recommendations is slow or negligible and/or there is little evidence of improvements in outcomes for prisoners.

Achieved: Overall there is evidence that demonstrates efforts have been made to respond to our Recommendations in a way that is having a discernible, positive impact on outcomes for prisoners.

Summary of Progress

Recommendations:
At our inspection in 2013 we made 51 Recommendations for the establishment of which 31 have been achieved, seven partially achieved, 12 have not been achieved and one is deemed no longer applicable.

Good Practice
All of the eight Areas of Good Practice identified in the original inspection report in March 2013 are still in place.

We have made a further six Recommendations and noted one additional Area of Good Practice.

The paragraph reference number at the end of each Recommendation and Area of Good Practice refers to its location in the previous inspection report which can be found online at: www.scotland.gov.uk/hmip.

Progress on Recommendations

1.1 HMP Shotts should ensure all prisoners entering the establishment should be strip searched. (Paragraph 1.4)

Achieved. During observation of the admission process all prisoners were body searched. In March 2014 a protocol was implemented within HMP Shotts which requires an Operations First Line Manager (FLM) to observe the prisoner admission process on a random basis to confirm body searches are carried out. Records examined verify FLMs routinely observe the process and confirm prisoners are body searched on admission.

1.2 HMP Shotts should ensure the standardised delivery and recording of information relating to a prisoner's first night in the establishment. (Paragraph 1.13)

Achieved. A new process to ensure prisoners are provided with information relating to their first night in custody was implemented in August 2014. A 'First Night Admission Checklist' is initiated in Reception during the prisoner admission process, which then goes with the prisoner to their allocated residential area where an Officer will check and/ or provide information on the following:

Prisoner's language

Literacy level

Information booklet

Fire procedures

Cell call system

Requirement for supported evacuation

Unlock procedure/ issue of breakfast

Hall regime

Reporting sick

Personal Officer role

Issues/ concerns

Listener Scheme

Visits Information

On completion, the checklist is signed by the Officer and the prisoner and forwarded to the Residential FLM who checks it is fully completed before returning it to Reception. This is then forwarded to the Throughcare FLM, who checks against admissions to the establishment to confirm a checklist has been completed for every admission.

1.3 HMP Shotts should ensure that information issued in prison and in residential areas should be available in languages other than English. (Paragraph 1.14)

Achieved. An SPS Induction booklet available in the following languages is issued to prisoners on admission:

Arabic

Lithuanian

Mandarin

Polish

Punjabi

Romanian

Russian

Urdu

In addition Fire Action Notices which detail the action to be taken in the event of a fire are available in the following languages:

Arabic

Chinese

French

Polish

Punjabi

Russian

Sorani

Spanish

Urdu

Vietnamese

HMP Shotts also employ the services of an interpretation service for prisoners who speak a language not listed above.

1.4 HMP Shotts should confirm prisoners can read and understand any written information provided. (Paragraph 1.14)

Achieved. As part of the 'First Night Admission Checklist' prisoners are asked if they can read and write. If prisoners state they cannot read information normally provided in a written format this will be communicated verbally to them. In addition any prisoner who states he cannot read or write will be referred to New College Lanarkshire.

1.5 HMP Shotts should employ a system to allow staff to identify languages spoken by those prisoners whose first language is not English. (Paragraph 1.14)

Achieved. All prisoners who transfer to HMP Shotts will already have spent time in another prison, meaning any language issues should already have been highlighted. Staff working in Reception state they would normally be informed by the sending establishment if a prisoner transferring to HMP Shotts cannot communicate in English. There are signs in Reception to allow prisoners whose first language is not English to identify the language they speak. These signs are available in the following languages:

Arabic

Chinese

French

Polish

Punjabi

Sorani

Spanish

Urdu

1.6 HMP Shotts should review and update their Contingency Plans. (Paragraph 1.17)

Achieved. Contingency plans have been updated and now reflect the current prison site. In addition to plans being updated as a result of any changes there is a process in place where each contingency is routinely checked and updated on an annual basis. This is positive.

1.7 HMP Shotts should ensure all Contingency Plans have version control. (Paragraph 1.17)

Achieved. An electronic copy of the contingency plans are held on a restricted access SharePoint site which is automatically updated each time there is a change to a contingency. A hard copy of these plans located in the Command Room is manually updated. Both electronic and hard copies of the plans were found to be identical at the time of the follow up inspection.

1.8 HMP Shotts should ensure that Night-Duty staff can access hard copies of Night-Duty orders at their work area in the event that the SharePoint site is inaccessible. (Paragraph 1.18)

Achieved. Hard copies of Night-Duty orders are held in a secure cabinet in Lamont and Allanton Halls and the SRU that only Night-Duty staff have access to. These orders are fully up to date and contain information relevant to Night-Duty Officers. There is also a hard copy of these orders kept in the Electronic Control Room.

1.9 HMP Shotts should ensure that Night-Duty staff competency in First Aid is maintained and that a member of staff or manager trained in First Aid is always available on Night-Duty and patrol periods. (Paragraph 1.19)

Not Achieved. Night-Duty – Three Officers and one FLM who work constant Night-Duty and a number of Officers who provide cover on a rotational basis are trained in First Aid at Work. While this means that on the majority of occasions there is a member of staff trained in First Aid at Work on shift during Night-Duty periods, it is not guaranteed and from March to the beginning of September 2014 there were three weeks where no staff on duty were trained in First Aid at Work. This is a significant weakness.

Patrol periods – Nine Operations Officers who cover Patrol periods on a rotational basis are trained in First Aid at Work, however staff rostering and deployment does not guarantee a member of staff trained in First Aid at Work will be on shift during these periods and from March to the beginning of September 2104 there were a number of occasions when there was no member of staff on duty trained in First Aid at Work during weekend patrol periods. This is a significant weakness.

Recommendation 1: HMP Shotts should ensure that a member of staff trained in First Aid at Work is on duty at all times.

1.10 HMP Shotts should ensure the computerised Cell Call System is operational and that all such systems are checked. (Paragraph 1.22)

Partially Achieved. During the follow up inspection the computer system that records cell calls in Allanton Hall was not in working order, however a request had been made to the Estates Department to have it repaired. While this meant it was not possible for the FLM to check the latest data, there were historical printouts showing staff response times to cell calls. The system in Lamont Hall is in working order and the FLM was able to interrogate it. Similar to Allanton Hall there were historical printouts confirming staff response times to cell calls.

Staff response times to cell calls in the SRU should be recorded on the computer system in Lamont Hall, however this has not been operational since the system was installed. The establishment are aware of this and have stated it will be rectified. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.11 HMP Shotts should ensure that managers are trained and able to interrogate the Cell Call System. (Paragraph 1.22)

Achieved. Between March and June 2014 an external contractor provided training and produced a user guide for staff on the computerised cell call system. Subsequently a residential FLM created desk instructions detailing how to use and interrogate the system, which on examination proved to be clear and easy to understand. A number of FLMs spoken with were able to use and interrogate the system where it was operational.

1.12 HMP Shotts should ensure cell door observation panels are not covered up. (Paragraph 1.23)

Not Achieved. A number of cell door observation panels were checked on all levels of Lamont and Allanton Halls. A high percentage of these panels were covered meaning Officers were unable to see into the cell during routine checks. Officers spoken with stated that items covering the observation panels are removed during daily cell security checks and that prisoners must re-cover after the checks. However in a number of cells the items obstructing the observation panels appeared to have been in place for a period of time and in some cases prisoners stated that staff did not remove them when conducting cell security checks. HMIPS will monitor this.

Cell door observation panels in the SRU were clear and unobstructed.

1.13 HMP Shotts should plan an evaluation of the impact of the Violence Reduction Group. (Paragraph 3.1)

Achieved. The Violence Reduction Group has continued to develop and a clear strategy, purpose and wide reaching membership is in place. Meetings are now held monthly with minutes produced and an Action Plan reviewed and updated as appropriate. Violence statistics are analysed and it is reassuring to see that levels of violent incidents have reduced significantly since the full inspection in 2013.

1.14 HMP Shotts should review the remit of the 'Integrated Approach to Challenging Prisoners'. (Paragraph 3.2)

This recommendation is no longer applicable. The effectiveness of this system has been reviewed and is now incorporated into the Prison's Violence Reduction Strategy and Tactical Tasking Co-ordination Group.

1.15 HMP Shotts should ensure that the SPS Anti-Bullying Strategy (ABS) is invoked as required. (Paragraph 3.4)

Not Achieved. Senior Management in HMP Shotts confirmed the SPS ABS is still not being used. Since the full inspection in March 2013, the practice of submitting intelligence reports to the Intelligence Management Unit when bullying behaviour is observed, reported or suspected has continued. Additionally, the prison uses Special Security Measures (SSM) when appropriate to provide additional protection to the victim or to apply restrictions to the perpetrator. 'Respect Me' awareness sessions currently take place for those prisoners located within the NIC only, however the prison has confirmed that plans are in place to deliver future sessions to all prisoners. HMIPS acknowledge that SPS are in the process of developing a strategy aimed at addressing bullying behaviour however in the interim HMP Shotts should use the recognised SPS ABS. HMIPS will monitor this.

Recommendation 2: The Scottish Prison Service should review the effectiveness of its Anti-Bullying Strategy.

1.16 HMP Shotts should review security protocols for the safety of protection prisoners. (Paragraph 3.5)

Achieved. HMP Shotts has undertaken work in relation to the protection population since the last inspection. As well as assessing a prisoner's requirement for protection from others on admission, regular reviews of their need for on-going protection are in place. Additionally a prisoner's specific requirements for protection from others is assessed, which may result in SSM being initiated in order to ensure known enemies do not meet.

Similar to the full inspection, prisoners located in Allanton Hall Levels 1 and 2 who are deemed to require protection from others highlighted concerns in relation to their safety. While they feel safe with fellow prisoners in their residential area they highlighted instances where they felt their safety may be compromised when outside their residential area. Prisoners stated the potential for physical violence was less of a worry than derogatory actions and comments from other prisoners. Prisoners reported instances where they met mainstream prisoners while moving to and returning from the Visit Room or Health Centre or when passmen were going to or returning from the Kitchen after collecting meals. During our observations on two occasions protection prisoners being escorted to the Kitchen to pick up meals met a group of mainstream prisoners. When the staff escorting these prisoners were spoken with they confirmed this routinely happens and felt the risk was minimal. This is a weakness.

HMP Shotts state that incidents between protection and mainstream prisoners are unusual and overall recorded levels of violence support this with only one recorded incident of this nature since the beginning of January 2013 to date. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.17 HMP Shotts should ensure that all Prisoner Supervision reviews are undertaken at least annually and retained. (Paragraph 4.1)

Achieved. HMP Shotts has improved its system for tracking and monitoring Prisoner Supervision System review dates and at the time of the follow up inspection the prison evidenced adherence to required timescales. All review paperwork requested for inspection was easily located, however it was noted that of the five files reviewed only one prisoner declaration section had been completed and signed. This is a weakness.

1.18 HMP Shotts should ensure photographs are only displayed on designated areas within the cell. (Paragraph 7.4)

Achieved. From observation of a number of cells in both Lamont and Allanton Halls it is apparent the establishment have made significant improvements in relation to prisoners only displaying items within designated areas of their cells.

1.19 HMP Shotts should remove all storage items out with the original cell design and provide prisoners with sufficient, appropriate storage facilities. (Paragraph 7.5)

Not Achieved. Cells in Lamont and Allanton Halls were checked and a number still contained the make-shift items referred to in the full inspection report of March 2013, such as hooks for clothing, shelves and in one instance a washing line. It should be noted that any such item that is not part of the cell design should be removed as part of daily cell security checks.

In some cases cells appear cluttered due to the amount of items prisoners keep within their cells. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.20 SPS should review the storage provision in the cellular design of all new prisons. (Paragraph 7.5)

Achieved. The Scottish Prison Service have incorporated a number of design changes into the cellular design of HMP Grampian and Inverclyde.

1.21 HMP Shotts should ensure that clothing suitable for use in inclement weather is available to all prisoners. (Paragraph 8.7)

Achieved. Some prisoners still have the shower proof jacket they were issued with when prisoners were first moved into Lamont Hall. In addition the establishment has purchased a number of jackets suitable for use in inclement weather which are available on each level of Lamont and Allanton Halls and the SRU.

1.22 HMP Shotts should provide appropriate space for drying external clothing. (Paragraph 8.8)

Not Achieved. Jackets for communal use in inclement weather are kept in boxes within storerooms on each level of Lamont and Allanton Halls. After use these jackets are returned to these boxes meaning that, if wet, do not have the opportunity to dry out properly. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.23 HMP Shotts should conduct a full review of all laundry arrangements. (Paragraph 9.6)

Partially Achieved. HMP Shotts has not conducted a full review of laundry arrangements, however it has taken some action to improve the process. HMIPS accept that by issuing a notice to prisoners, checking bags are not overfilled and providing prisoners with regular access to laundry services that HMP Shotts has taken all reasonable steps to negate the issue of clothing being returned from the Laundry not properly dried.

A number of prisoners spoken with stated rather than send clothing to the Laundry, they choose instead to wash clothes in buckets or sinks within their residential area. During the inspection prisoners were observed doing this and wet clothing was being dried within cells. Additionally, the prison canteen sells washing powder suitable for hand washing which supports the use of this process.

The recognised laundry process is also slightly unclear. Whilst clothing should be laundered in sealed bags this does not always happen. Observation confirmed prisoners working in the Laundry provide a bespoke service for some prisoners in which they personally wash, dry and fold clothing out-with the recognised process. Not all prisoners spoken to during the inspection were aware of this service. During observation of the process it was also clear that washing detergent is not always automatically added to the machine during the cycle and instead prisoners use their own detergent which has been purchased from the prison canteen. HMIPS have discussed these observations with the manager responsible for the laundry process and are assured a review will be undertaken. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.24 HMP Shotts should provide better quality pillows. (Paragraph 10.2)

Not Achieved. HMP Shotts continue to use the same type of pillows used at the time of the full inspection. The establishment has added an additional covering which makes them easier to clean, however this does not make them any more comfortable.

HMIPS are aware that at the time of the follow up inspection a new type of pillow available in soft, medium and firm versions was being trialled at HMP Barlinnie. Initial feedback points towards these pillows being suitable, meaning they will be distributed to all prisons in due course. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.25 HMP Shotts should ensure that the arrangements for serving breakfast cereals are safe and hygienic. (Paragraph 12.4)

Achieved. HMP Shotts has taken appropriate steps to ensure that serving scoops are provided within the halls.

1.26 HMP Shotts review the menu and increase the quantity of fruit and vegetables offered. (Paragraph 12.5)

Partially Achieved. Menu choices are reviewed on a regular basis and take into account feedback received from prisoner food focus groups. At the time of the follow up inspection a review of the proposed winter menu had just been completed and was due to be implemented in October. Although the prison aims to offer a balanced diet and includes a healthier choice option at lunch and tea time, the fruit and vegetable offering is still on the low side with only three or four portions available on most days. The majority of 'wet' food prepared in the kitchen is portion controlled and served in foil trays and whilst the prison is of the opinion that such trays are of adequate size prisoners are still purchasing fairly large quantities of fruit, vegetables and salad foodstuff via the canteen system. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.27 HMP Shotts should be ensured that all food trolleys are plugged in immediately on delivery and that the use of the bains-marie should be reviewed to ensure that they are being used appropriately to maintain temperature and quality of food at point of service. (Paragraph 12.7)

Achieved. Since the full inspection the process for ensuring food trolleys are plugged in as soon as they are received in the halls has improved. Pantry food safety folders exist in all residential areas and when examined it was clear that temperature levels are carefully monitored at all stages prior to final service delivery. There continues to be a high level of portion control in place at HMP Shotts and whilst portion sizes were deemed by the establishment to be adequate, prisoners continue to complain about portion sizes.

1.28 HMP Shotts should review the system for washing crockery and cutlery. (Paragraph 12.9)

Achieved. Washing up liquid is available for use and is located beside cleaning sinks within all pantry areas. Dishwashers are also in use although at the time of the follow up inspection, at least one dishwasher remained unplumbed and unused. The Estates Department confirmed that this fault had recently been reported to them and will be rectified as soon as possible.

1.29 HMP Shotts should ensure that Family Induction Sessions are better promoted among prisoners' families. (Paragraph 15.9)

Achieved. On admission, all prisoners are informed of the existence of and the benefits of family members attending family induction sessions. Additionally, prisoners are asked if they would like the prison to issue an information pack to their family on their behalf. This pack contains useful information such as details of visiting times, the prison regime, canteen, items in use and other benefits and services available to families. This is positive.

Posters and information booklets are now widely available in both the visitor waiting area and the Visit room. In August the prison held a Family Awareness Day in Glasgow. Despite the relatively small numbers of families who attended, feedback has been positive and the prison intend to continue to offer these days in Glasgow and other areas of Scotland. This is positive. HMIPS were impressed with this initiative and have asked HMP Shotts to keep them informed of how this develops.

1.30 HMP Shotts should consider more equitable access to Father and Child visit sessions as part of their Visits Review Project. (Paragraph 15.13)

Not Achieved. Since the full inspection HMP Shotts has concluded a review of its arrangements for visits. Although there continues to be a fair and transparent arrangement in place for booking visits, prisoners continue to be restricted by the low numbers of family visit spaces available at weekends. The prison currently offers a total of 40 spaces every week for the purpose of family visits however 32 of the 40 visits available take place on a Thursday and Friday between the hours of 09:30 and 11:30 hours and between 13:15 and 15:15 hours. This means that children of school age are unable to attend unless during designated school holiday periods. This may also explain the reason for the low 'take up' figures the prison has recorded in respect of family visits. This is a weakness.

Recommendation 3: HMP Shotts should give further consideration for the arrangements in place for family visits ensuring equitable access for families with children of all ages.

1.31 HMP Shotts should consider holding a stock of non-prison issue clothing for those prisoners who do not have their own clothes and are required to attend an external appointment. (Paragraph 19.6)

Achieved. If a prisoner does not have civilian clothing of his own within the establishment he will be provided with a plain blue t-shirt and/ or sweatshirt to attend an external appointment. These items are available in various sizes, are in good condition and do not have any markings associated with SPS or HMP Shotts, meaning they are suitable for external appointments. In addition a small stock of communal civilian clothing is held within Reception. These items, donated by prisoners, are laundered and available to prisoners attending external appointments or may be issued to prisoners who have little clothing of their own. This is positive.

1.32 HMP Shotts should review the wage differential between mainstream prisoners and prisoners held in the National Integration Centre. (Paragraph 20.3)

Achieved. HMP Shotts has now adopted the SPS national wages policy. All records examined during the follow up inspection confirmed prisoners are paid in accordance with national policy.

1.33 HMP Shotts should ensure that the complaint process flowchart is posted for prisoners to see in all Residential areas. (Paragraph 22.1)

Achieved. Complaints process flowcharts are posted in all residential areas with relevant forms freely available to prisoners.

1.34 HMP Shotts should ensure that all prisoners receive the same remuneration for attending the National Induction Programme. (Paragraph 24.2)

Achieved. As outlined in paragraph 1.32 HMP Shotts has now adopted the SPS national wages policy. All records examined during the follow up inspection confirmed prisoners are paid for attending the national induction session in accordance with national policy.

1.35 The SPS should review the purpose and role of the National Integration Centre. (Paragraph 24.2)

Not Achieved. Since the full inspection, the regime available within the NIC has not improved and has recently declined due to staffing shortages. Prisoners stated that they like being located in the NIC, however are dissatisfied with the lack of structured regime available. Staff state they are frustrated that they cannot deliver an appropriate regime to prisoners due to continuing staff shortages. HMP Shotts has recently carried out research into the 'Human Adjustment Factors' of those prisoners serving long term sentences and has submitted a paper to the SPS Board recommending that the development of strategy to support prisoners in the early stages of serving long term sentences.

Recommendation 4: The Scottish Prison Service should review the purpose and role of the National Integration Centre.

1.36 HMP Shotts should ensure where possible the allocated Personal Officer attend Integrated Case Management (ICM) Case Conferences and Risk Management Team Meetings. (Paragraph 24.6)

Partially Achieved. Between May and September 2014 Personal Officers attended 57.5% of ICM Case Conferences. HMP Shotts has recently reviewed this process and is now scheduling ICM Case Conferences taking into account the shift pattern of the Personal Officer in the expectation this will increase attendance. This is due to commence in October 2014 so at present there is no evidence to support the effectiveness in the long term. HMIPS will monitor this.

Personal Officers do not routinely attend Risk Management Team Meetings but can be asked to attend to provide further information.

1.37 SPS should consider developing a Personal Officer training package. (Paragraph 24.7)

Not Achieved. SPS has not developed a training package specifically for Personal Officers.

Recommendation 5: The Scottish Prison Service should develop a Personal Officer training package.

1.38 SPS should review the level of national contracts allocated to HMP Shotts. (Paragraph 25.3)

Not Achieved. Since the full inspection the number of national contracts available to HMP Shotts has not increased and prisoners continue to experience a lack of productive work available to them. The prison acknowledges that a lack of meaningful work is problematic and as a result has recently joined the local Chamber of Commerce and held an open day in an attempt to try and generate more work for prisoners.

The SPS has also recognised the need to have effective local arrangements in place to maximise the take-up of meaningful, available work spaces each day and as a result plans a review of employability which will be driven by outcomes in support of appropriate and enabling opportunities for prisoners post release.

Recommendation 6: The Scottish Prison Service should review the level of national contracts allocated to prisons in Scotland.

1.39 HMP Shotts should establish links between production workshops and Learning Centre to provide formal recognition of core and vocational skills gained through production activities. (Paragraph 27.5)

Not Achieved. HMP Shotts has not made progress in addressing this recommendation. There have been no formal discussions with the Learning Centre manager to explore options to recognise, record and accredit core and vocational skills gained by prisoners through production workshop activities. This continues to be a missed opportunity to give prisoners recognition for a wide range of personal, social and employability skills gained during production workshop activities. This is a weakness. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.40 HMP Shotts in collaboration with Motherwell College should put in place arrangements to promote learning activities. (Paragraph 27.8)

Achieved. HMP Shotts and Learning Centre staff have worked collaboratively to better promote learning activities to prisoners. Since the full inspection, they have organised and held two successful open days. The events were well attended by prisoners who did not previously engage. Learning Centre staff and prisoners who attend classes have also offered a number of taster sessions for prisoners new to education within HMP Shotts. The Learning Centre's annual prisoner feedback survey indicates that over 90% of prisoners attending classes recall being given information about learning activities at induction.

1.41 HMP Shotts should provide access to learning resources and activities in residential areas to enable prisoners to study out with Learning Centre classes. (Paragraph 27.8)

Partially Achieved. Lamont and Allanton Halls now have small rooms designated as a study area and have a stand-alone computer for prisoners to type up assignments. Prisoners can request access to the study room from Residential Officers in the area. Currently, these facilities are restricted to prisoners studying on Open University programmes – 16 prisoners in total. Whilst arrangements have recently been put in place for prisoners to transfer written work from these computers to computers in the Learning Centre, they have yet to be tested. HMP Shotts are viewing these arrangements as a pilot and will review them in due course to determine demand and whether to make the facility available to other prisoners. Some residential areas have a small stock of books and magazines for prisoners to access when the Learning Centre is closed.

1.42 Motherwell College staff should involve prisoners in evaluating provision and programme planning activities. (Paragraph 27.8)

Achieved. The Learning Centre carries out an annual prisoner feedback survey to collect the views of prisoners who attend education. The survey is comprehensive and asks prisoners for their views on a wide range of issues, including the quality of teaching and resources available for learning. The survey report is discussed by Learning Centre staff and is used to inform the annual portfolio review process.

Many prisoners are involved in planning and shaping aspects of their learning, particularly the pace at which they learn. Prisoners have the opportunity to be involved with the creative writing workshop that edits and produces the STIR magazine, a creative arts publication for prisoners. STIR is an education initiative in seven Scottish prisons which is supported by New College Lanarkshire. The magazine provides a focus for learning in the prisons, develops prisoners' skills for release and supports rehabilitation. This is an area of good practice.

1.43 HMP Shotts should ensure that Physical Training staff engage with external bodies to provide a wider range of activities and experiences for prisoners. (Paragraph 27.12)

Partially Achieved. Physical Training (PT) staff have had limited engagement with external bodies to provide a wider range of activities and experiences for prisoners. They have recently begun partnership working with NHS Health Scotland on physical activity in prisons and have contributed to a national sub-group discussing these issues. They also work with NHS partners within the prison to identify and support prisoners identified with health and weight issues. There has been some engagement with local community-based bodies which has seen the introduction of yoga as a prisoner activity. Prisoner uptake however, was low and the activity has been discontinued.

1.44 HMP Shotts should increase the range of Physical Training activities available to prisoners. (Paragraph 27.12)

Achieved. Following the full inspection, prisoners were surveyed to seek their views on the types of activities they would like to see offered. As a result, specific gym classes and activities are now offered for the over 40s. These classes are on offer eight times a week and allow older prisoners to pursue activities at a pace and manner with which they feel more comfortable. More generally, PT staff have completed Continuous Professional Development and now offer classes in SpinFit and MetaFit. Lunchtime classes are now available to prisoners working in the enhanced work sheds and the Kitchen to allow them to attend activities around their work commitments. PT staff also offer Heart-start courses and have held focus groups on raising awareness on the use of anabolic steroids. This is positive.

1.45 HMP Shotts should take action to promote the benefits of prisoner participation in Integrated Case Management. (Paragraph 28.8)

Achieved. Prisoner participation in ICM is actively encouraged and promoted by the ICM team, Residential Officers and individual Personal Officers. This was confirmed by both staff and prisoners spoken with during the follow up inspection.

1.46 HMP Shotts should ensure the video conferencing facilities are repaired and maintained. (Paragraph 28.10)

Achieved. The video conferencing facilities are now fully functioning with three separate units available for use. It was reported that, at times, there are connection issues with the community.

1.47 HMP Shotts should review arrangements for attendance at Chaplaincy. (Paragraph 30.6)

Achieved. Since the full inspection HMP Shotts has completed a review of its arrangements for attendance at Chaplaincy services. The timetable has been altered to ensure prisoners can access religious services without clashing with other prison regime activities and additionally, the weekly activities and events on offer from the Chaplaincy team has been increased.

1.48 NHS Lanarkshire should ensure that referral forms are easy to read by all. (Paragraph 32.3)

Achieved. Referral documentation and referral response sheets have been reviewed and reconfigured. The new forms are easy to read, simplistic in layout and contain pictorial representations. Prisoners spoken with commented positively on the revisited form. This is positive.

1.49 NHS Lanarkshire should ensure that proper referral forms are provided. (Paragraph 32.4)

Partially Achieved. Newly designed healthcare referral and request forms are available in some residential areas. Unfortunately, this is not the case in all areas as older style referral forms were still being used. When HMIPS brought this to the Healthcare Manager attention he gave assurance that all previous versions of referral forms would be removed as a matter of priority. HMIPS will monitor this.

1.50 NHS Lanarkshire should review the volume of Dental provision. (Paragraph 32.12)

Achieved. Since the full inspection Dental waiting times had increased to approximately 12 weeks. However following review and an increase in clinical provision, waiting times have been reduced to approximately six weeks. Dental hygienist sessions are currently provided on a Friday morning and afternoon and the Oral health team continue to provide education and information to prisoners on a regular basis.

1.51 NHS Lanarkshire in collaboration with HMP Shotts should undertake a review of the Triage process. (Paragraph 32.14)

Not Achieved. A review of the healthcare triage process has not taken place. Healthcare and prison management recognise that this is an area of high priority and agree that a partnership approach to addressing the issue is required. The process around validating the request for a prisoner to be absent from work through ill health remains both ineffective and time consuming.

This is concerning and HMIPS have asked HMP Shotts to keep them informed of developments in this area.

Progress on Good Practice

2.1 HMP Shotts has comprehensive contingency plans in place for dealing with emergencies. Hard copies of the Contingency Plans are located within the Command Room and Electronic Control Room with electronic copies available on the establishment's SharePoint site. Managers and staff are familiar with the plans and able to access them in the event of an emergency. There are however a number of contingencies which still refer to the old prison site. These require to be updated. There is no evidence to confirm version control is in place for managing these documents. Work is ongoing in HMP Shotts to adopt the Standard Operating Procedure Contingency Planning model developed in HMP Low Moss. (Paragraph 1.17)

This remains an area of good practice. Contingency plans are now up to date and reflect the current prison site.

2.2 HMP Shotts has developed a SharePoint site which contains all Night-Duty orders and provides staff with access to documentation relevant to their post. (Paragraph 1.18)

This remains an area of good practice. The SharePoint site is still in place and can be accessed by all Officers who carry out Night-Duty. Information contained on this site is relevant to the duties the Officers undertake.

2.3 The establishment operates in line with NHS Lanarkshire's infection control policies and protocols. Prison healthcare is represented at the Joint Community Health Partnership Infection Control Committee held every three months. This ensures that developments in practice and protocol are communicated to the prison healthcare setting. (Paragraph 1.32)

This remains an area of good practice. Healthcare within the establishment is delivered in accordance with NHS Lanarkshire's infection control policy. Healthcare continues to be represented at a series of appropriate infection control meetings. In addition to healthcare's vigilance regarding infection control, the wider establishment has recently reviewed their adherence to their infection control standards.

2.4 Staff and prisoners have been appropriately trained in food safety, hygiene, cleaning and catering skills. Training records for prisoners working in the vegetable preparation areas were checked and the records showed that the particular prisoners working in that area at the time of the inspection had been trained for work in that specific area. A training manager has recently been appointed to oversee the development of training and enhance opportunities for prisoners. (Paragraph 12.2)

This remains an area of good practice. HMP Shotts continues to ensure that staff and prisoners are appropriately trained and that adequate records are maintained which evidence adherence to food safety, hygiene, cleaning and catering standards. Since the full inspection, the Catering Training Officer has continued to develop training opportunities and it is encouraging to note that plans are being made to enhance prisoners' independent living skills in preparation for progression and eventual release to the community.

2.5 A wide range of volunteering and charity activities are effective in engaging prisoners in working collaboratively and creatively with their peers for the benefit of others. The hours worked by the prisoner Listeners are forwarded on to the Castlemilk Timebank which transfers this time into hours of voluntary work for the community. (Paragraph 29.7)

This remain an area of good practice. The charity work party continue to undertake work for the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) by building bespoke pieces of equipment. Work is also on going with local primary schools. Listeners' hours continue to be transferred to the Castlemilk Timebank. Prisoners and staff in this area are very enthusiastic and motivated by the work they do with CHAS and the local community.

2.6 A canteen Prisoner Information Action Committee group meet regularly to discuss issues relating to canteen items. In addition, prisoners can make comments or suggestions about the range and cost of goods on their weekly canteen sheets. The Canteen Manager takes account of these comments and suggestions and provides the prisoner group with a response on a 3 weekly basis. Prisoners confirm that their suggestions are routinely actioned. (Paragraph 31.8)

This remains an area of good practice. The canteen Prisoner Information Action Committee still meet regularly to ensure that the cost and variety of items is kept current and that the canteen continues to meet the needs of the population within HMP Shotts where possible.

2.7 It is noted that Operational staff have no access to the referral box and submitted referral forms which ensures confidentiality is maintained. (Paragraph 32.5)

This remains an area of good practice. Referral forms continue to be deposited in a locked box located in the halls with only healthcare staff having access.

2.8 There is widely distributed information on information governance throughout the healthcare centre. (Paragraph 32.20)

This remains an area of good practice. Information governance guidance and notices are prominent throughout the Health Centre. Notices are current and reviewed on a regular basis.

Recommendations

Recommendation 1: HMP Shotts should ensure that a member of staff trained in First Aid at Work is on duty at all times. (Paragraph 1.9)

Recommendation 2: The Scottish Prison Service should ensure that the SPS Anti-Bullying Strategy is used within its establishments. (Paragraph 1.15)

Recommendation 3: HMP Shotts should again consider and review the arrangements in place for family visits ensuring equitable access for families with children of all ages. (Paragraph 1.30)

Recommendation 4: The Scottish Prison Service should review the purpose and role of the National Integration Centre. (Paragraph 1.35)

Recommendation 5: The Scottish Prison Service should develop a Personal Officer training package. (Paragraph 1.37)

Recommendation 6: The Scottish Prison Service should review the level of national contracts allocated to prisons in Scotland. (Paragraph 1.38)

Good Practice

Good Practice 1: STIR Magazine. (Paragraph 1.42)

The Inspection Team

David Strang, Chief Inspector
Caroline Johnston, Deputy Chief Inspector
Tony Martin, Inspector
Ralph Henderson, Guest Inspector
Dr John Bowditch, Education Inspector, Education Scotland
Ian Beach, Education Inspector, Education Scotland
David Thomson, Healthcare Inspector, Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Karen Malloch, Healthcare Inspector, Healthcare Improvement Scotland

Acronyms

ABS | SPS Anti-Bullying Strategy
CHAS | Children's Hospice Association Scotland
FLM | First Line Manager
HMP | Her Majesty's Prison
ICM | Integrated Case Management
NIC | National Integration Centre
PT | Physical Training
SPS | Scottish Prison Service
SRU | Separation and Reintegration Unit
SSM | Special Security Measures