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<p>We are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of the pandemic across all
responsibilities of our prisons, including on the progression of Indeterminate Sentence
Prisoners (ISPs). Whilst some changes to prison regimes have been necessary due to
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no evidence that the progression of
ISPs has been significantly impaired. Consequently, it would be entirely premature
to posit any effect on reoffending rates or future public spending on prisons and
probation or overcrowding within prisons. We recognise that anxieties regarding COVID-19
and the regime restrictions required for infection control may increase the risk of
self-harm and violence for some prisoners, and we will continue to work to mitigate
this risk as far as possible.</p><p> </p><p>Despite necessary restrictions due to
the COVID-19 pandemic, legal visits have been prioritised to ensure that ISPs maintain
meaningful contact with their legal representatives.</p><p> </p><p>The Offender Management
in Custody (OMiC) Model continues to make transformational improvements in the way
we support and manage prisoners through their sentence plan. A joint prison and probation
Exceptional Delivery Model (EDM) was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure
key offender management tasks were completed in line with the regime level of the
prison, whilst upholding the ethos of the OMiC Model.</p><p> </p><p>As to be expected,
most Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL) was suspended in March 2020 to help tackle
the threat from Covid-19; however, we have been working with Public Health authorities
to support prisons to re-introduce ROTL where it is safe and practicable to do so.</p><p>
</p><p>HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) is reviewing the reduced provision
of offending behaviour programmes (OBPs), in order to prioritise access to such opportunities
on those who present the highest risk of reoffending on release. When it comes to
the parole reviews of ISPs, the Parole Board is presented with a wide range of evidence,
not just completion of OBPs, in order to assess whether a prisoner’s risk has been
reduced to the point where s/he might be safely release on licence.</p><p> </p><p>The
HMPPS Safety Team has produced a range of products to support Governors in devising
and implementing local safety and welfare plans designed to mitigate risks during
the pandemic of disorder, self-harm, suicide and violence. The Team has issued guidance
on operating the key safety systems (such the case management models for self-harm
and suicide and violence), whilst complying with infection control measures and in
the context of staff shortfalls and/or the absence of trained staff. This guidance
includes materials to support wellbeing at this particularly difficult time, including
a range of in-cell activities.</p><p> </p><p>Finally, I would like to be clear that
our primary responsibility is to protect the public. We do not want to keep ISPs in
custody any longer than is necessary, but we have a duty to ensure that they are progressed
in a safe manner. It remains the case that prisoners serving indeterminate sentences
will be released only when the independent Parole Board concludes that the risk to
the public is capable of being safely managed in the community under probation supervision.</p>
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