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<p>The dates on which public sector prisons in England and Wales last undertook night-time
fire contingency exercises; whether a formal report from Fire and Rescue Services
was provided; and whether additional staff were requested as a result of such exercises,
is provided in the attached table. Arrangements are being made to ensure that prisons
listed as not yet completing for the period to undertake a fire contingency exercise.</p><p>Prison
Fire Safety leads engage regularly with Fire and Rescue Services to ensure contingency
plans are fit for purpose, and any issues or concerns are highlighted as part of this
ongoing engagement. Additionally, Fire and Rescue Service Senior Fire Officers are
required to highlight significant problems or concerns to the National Fire Chiefs
Council (NFCC) Operations Committee. The NFCC have confirmed that no reports on the
outcomes of night-time fire contingency testing have been received.</p><p>Privately
Managed Prisons (PMPs) are also obliged to follow Prison Service Instruction 11/2015,
Fire Safety in Prison Establishments. This requires Directors of PMP’s to regularly
test the fire contingency plans for both day and night state; contingency plans for
fire must be tested at least annually.</p><p>Operators of PMPs hold data for their
own contract sites. Each PMP has a full-time on-site Controller employed by HM Prison
and Probation Service (HMPPS). The Controller has regular review meetings with the
contractor against a range of performance indicators. Any concerns in relation to
these performance indicators or any other concerns relating to the delivery of the
contract are discussed at these meetings. Where action is needed, progress is monitored
by the Controller and escalated within HMPPS. Where appropriate action can be taken
in accordance with the contract. This may include a requirement for urgent improvement
and/or financial deductions.</p>
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