11 March 2025 - Prison culture: governance, leadership and staffing - Oral evidence

The Justice and Home Affairs Committee continues its inquiry into prison culture: governance, leadership and staffing. Today, senior representatives of third sector organisations will speak to the Committee about prisoner experiences of prison culture, and about accountability mechanisms within prisons and staff training.

Possible Questions:

• How can access to high-quality drug and alcohol treatment be improved both in custody and post-release? 
• How does the prison environment affect staff attitudes towards rehabilitation, and what cultural changes are needed? 
• How effective are existing oversight mechanisms in ensuring accountability and transparency in the prison system? 
• What are the biggest challenges facing women in prison, and do current policies address their distinct needs compared to male prisoners? 
• Do you believe that the current training for prison officers sufficiently equips them to work with vulnerable groups, such as women with complex needs? If not, what reforms are necessary? 
• What are your views on prison leadership, including the training of governors and staff, and the level of autonomy prisons have to implement reforms? 

Further information

• About Parliament: Select Committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch Committees