The power of an incentivising culture
How does an open prison get the best out of its prisoners and equip them for life in the community? HMI Prisons inspector, Lindsay Jones, discusses how HMP Standford Hill used education, training and work to motivate prisoners and give them the skills they needed to turn their lives around.
It is always pleasing to visit a prison which is getting the basics right, and Standford Hill was a great example. It was well led, with senior leaders who spent time on the wings, talking to prisoners and staff, and who were receptive to new and innovative ideas. Running through the culture of the prison was clarity about its core purpose, which was to rehabilitate prisoners.
It was striking that most prisoners told us their experiences at Standford Hill would make them less likely to reoffend. Much of this was due to the education and work opportunities they could access, which helped them to gain the skills they needed to find secure and sustainable employment on release. They could train in construction, road works and delivery driving, or work in commercial enterprises like the carpentry workshop or the nearby Blitz café. This was boosted by a very effective partnership with a local college, which delivered valuable vocational training, as well as some high-quality education from the contracted provider.
Overall, around 100 men left the prison each day to work in nearby towns and cities, and many more were granted temporary release to spend time with family and rebuild their lives in the community.
Another motivator was the chance to develop life skills. Since our last visit, new ensuite pod accommodation had been installed, giving more independence to those working off-site, including access to a full kitchen in which to prepare meals. A new shop had also opened within the grounds of the prison, which allowed prisoners to browse and buy groceries themselves, seven days a week. This offered a helpful element of normality for those approaching release.
There were two dedicated senior officers who devised and led a schedule of enrichment activities, including a varied timetable of games, hobbies and other activities. This not only alleviated boredom, but also gave prisoners opportunities for personal development, helping them to develop new interests and build their self-esteem.
There were still some areas for improvement. Communal areas were not clean enough, many of the buildings on the site were dilapidated or not fit for purpose, and the prison did not have its own kitchen. Despite this, the overriding sense of purpose, partnership and opportunity was clear, and prisoners felt spurred on to make the most of their time at the jail.