Minister pledges ‘seismic shift’ to improve professional standards across HM Prison and Probation Service

The Prisons, Probation, and Reducing Reoffending Minister Lord James Timpson pledged a ‘seismic shift’ to improve professional standards across HM’s Prison and Probation Service.

Immediate action will include establishing a new unit to investigate and better respond to allegations of internal bullying, harassment and discrimination.

The investigation will be conducted by an independent party – taking complaints away from the line management hierarchy to ensure they are dealt with impartially and fairly by a dedicated team of experts.

This move comes as more than one in eight staff last year reported being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against – 50% higher than the wider Civil Service.

Today’s announcement also follows a comprehensive review by Jennifer Rademaker, a non-executive director for the Ministry of Justice.

Commissioned by HMPPS leaders, it examined the HR processes and culture for dealing with professional standards complaints.

In a speech at HMP High Down in Surrey yesterday, Timpson said: “Professional standards matter. They cannot simply be words on paper. They must be reflected in how we treat each other, every day.  

“And where those standards aren’t met – our staff – and the public – must know that we’ll take swift and decisive action.