Third sector organisations to give evidence on prisons
Monday 10 March 2025
Tomorrow the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee will quiz senior representatives of third sector organisations, as it continues its inquiry into prison culture: governance, leadership and staffing.
The session will focus on prisoner experiences of prison culture, and accountability mechanisms within prisons and staff training.
Giving evidence will be:
- Helen Berresford, Director of External Engagement, Nacro
- Andrew Neilson, Campaigns Director, The Howard League for Penal Reform
Questions the committee is likely to ask during the sessions include:
- How can access to high-quality drug and alcohol treatment be improved both in custody and post-release?
- How does the prison environment affect staff attitudes towards rehabilitation, and what cultural changes are needed?
- How effective are existing oversight mechanisms in ensuring accountability and transparency in the prison system?
- What are the biggest challenges facing women in prison, and do current policies address their distinct needs compared to male prisoners?
- Do you believe that the current training for prison officers sufficiently equips them to work with vulnerable groups, such as women with complex needs? If not, what reforms are necessary?
- What are your views on prison leadership, including the training of governors and staff, and the level of autonomy prisons have to implement reforms?
The session will take place on Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 10:30am and can be followed live on Parliament TV.
