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12.1 We met with the Chairman and Clerk of the Visiting Committee (VC), that had a total membership of 15. Meeting on a quarterly basis, a rota had been devised to ensure that one member was making a visit to the prison at least once per fortnight. Those visits included regular inspections of the Wings, the work areas, the health centre and the education unit. Any complaints by prisoners were recorded in the request book.
12.2 Among the issues that were raised, we were told that relationships with the Director and the management team were excellent and staff were described as being extremely willing. Staff/prisoner relationships were considered to be positive and generally, the atmosphere in the prison was thought to be very good. The Committee Chairman was, however, worried about the lack of training for the members. Similarly, he was concerned about the lack of experience in the VC, as only one member had previously served in such a capacity.
12.3 We were pleased to find that a VC had been established so quickly. Also, given that there were bound to be some teething problems, we were not surprised by some of the reservations expressed by the Chairman. We trust, however, that further assistance will come through contact with the Association of Visiting Committees.
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