PSO 2855 - Inside Time

PSO 2855 Page 6discriminated against in any aspect of prison life and that equality of opportunity inaccessing all parts of prison life, and in particular to address their offending behaviour andbe resettled is offered to all prisoners.1.8 One of the requirements introduced by the final stage of the legislation is the introduction ofdisability equality schemes. The Prison Service is covered by the Ministry of JusticeDisability Equality Scheme, and therefore there is no requirement for a separate PrisonService Scheme. The legislation also introduces the requirement for Action Plans whichare set out as new Mandatory action in this PSO:- Governors must ensure that an action plan is completed for the establishmentwhich identifies barriers to equality of opportunity for disabled prisoners1.9 Throughout the Order references to Governors apply equally to the Directors of contractedprisons.Prison Service Standard1.10 The Standard for Disabled Prisoners sets the quality of provision which must be in place.This states that:The Prison Service ensures that all prisoners are able, with reasonableadjustment, to participate equally in all aspects of prison life withoutdiscrimination.Access to Order1.11 It is important that this Order is readily available to all staff as the duties not to discriminateand to promote equality of opportunity for prisoners with disabilities is required of the wholeof the prison estate. It should also be made available to prisoners, in a format that is ableto be understood, i.e. large format text, audio etc and in other languages where appropriateto reflect the local prison population.Issue No. 295 Issue date 3/04/08