NIPS Annual Report and Accounts 2012-13 - Department of Justice

2012-2013
On 19 March 2013, the Justice Minister set out
the vision for the prison estate which will include
a secure college at Hydebank Wood, a dedicated
women’s facility, the establishment of three ‘mini
prisons’ in Maghaberry and a replacement prison
at Magilligan. This is an ambitious vision to ensure
we have an estate that is fit for purpose that will
provide a safe, decent and secure environment for
staff, prisoners and visitors.
Other Issues
Tragically there were eight deaths in custody this
year. Whilst inquests have not yet taken place, four
of these deaths were believed to be self inflicted.
Six deaths are currently under investigation by the
Prisoner Ombudsman.
The Prison Service continues to work closely with
the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SET)
to ensure that the needs of vulnerable offenders
are addressed to the highest standards achievable
within a prison setting. We are writing our own
Operating Procedures to make sure we learn lessons
from the investigations and that we continue to
improve our delivery in this important area.
Reports
As well as the implementation of a number
of significant changes as part of the reform
programme, signs of real and positive change have
been acknowledged in reports by the Criminal
Justice Inspectorate (CJINI).
On our management of life sentence prisoners, CJINI
found them to be well managed both in custody and
in the community following their release on license.
In April 2012 CJINI found that considerable progress
had been made to implement 25 recommendations
made in November 2010 as a result of their
report on mistaken prisoner releases. Of the
10 recommendations they noted as remaining
outstanding nine have now been completed.
In December 2012 the findings of an announced
inspection of Maghaberry which took place in March
2012 concluded that progress since the previous
inspection in January 2009 has been made in three
of the four “healthy prison tests.”
However it is also clear from these reports that
much more needs to be done and done quicker.
Action plans have been drawn up to address all
recommendations made and in keeping with our
reform agenda will serve as an important driver for
change.
Looking forward
With many of the reforms to enable change in
place or well progressed NIPS will continue to
drive through the necessary reform to transform
the organisation. It is critical that we build on the
progress we have made and, in particular, ensure
our staff are trained and developed to meet the
challenges that lie ahead. Only by developing
a professional and motivated workforce, that is
effectively led, will we ensure that we provide
opportunities and interventions to support
rehabilitation and the offender back into the
community.
The year ahead will be challenging but it is also full
of potential as our experienced staff continue to
work with the new recruits to develop their skills
and capacity to build a professional service which
is firmly focused on helping offenders to reduce
their risk of reoffending. By continuing to embed
change throughout the organisation, I am confident
we will deliver a high quality and sustainable service
that will help build a safer community in Northern
Ireland.
Sue McAllister
Director General & Accounting Officer
18 June 2013
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