Report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons on HM Prison, Penninghame 1997

15. Points of Note

15.1 Issue to be addressed by SPS HQ.

15.1.1 The number of prisoners being housed at Penninghame without a release programme should be monitored carefully (paragraph 6.58).

15.2 Issues to be taken up with the Governor on subsequent visits by the Inspectorate.

15.2.1 There should be a review of the current arrangements for the storage of prisoners' personal property (paragraph 4.15).

15.2.2 The establishment should work towards the funding of a civilian addictions worker (paragraph 5.8).

15.2.3 Management should consider additional sources of employment, including additional outplacements, to meet the needs of an increased prisoner population (paragraph 6.23).

15.2.4 There should be a review of the staffing arrangements for the supervision of outworker placements (paragraph 6.25).

15.2.5 The Governor should review the education provision with a view to extending it (paragraph 6.31).

15.2.6 Consideration should be given to appointing an Officer who could be available more at weekends as the Family Contact Development Officer (paragraph 6.53).

15.2.7 As a matter of priority, prison management and the local authority should work towards the development of a service level agreement for the delivery of the social work service (paragraph 7.13).

15.2.8 A more detailed review system should be introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of the programmes aimed at tackling prisoners' offending behaviour (paragraph 7.19).

15.2.9 The laundry should be re-decorated and the out of commission drier replaced (paragraph 7.30).

15.2.10 Consideration should be given to finding ways of tackling the problem of the poor state of the decoration in the main building (paragraph 7.34).

15.2.11 Specified times should be set aside every week for fire precaution and health and safety duties (paragraphs 7.42 and 7.47).

15.2.12 There should be a complete refurbishment/redecoration of all staff toilet and shower areas (paragraph 9.15).

15.2.13 A Deputy Communications Co-ordinator should be appointed and a local Communications Committee established (paragraph 9.29).

15.2.14 A ramp to allow wheelchair access into the establishment should be installed (paragraph 9.38).