Latest updates

All contents within this guidance are to be treated as OFFICIAL

This page shows a digest of the updates from each week.

To view all recent COVID-19 Gold Briefings please click here

WC 18/07/22

  • 20/07: Updated Covid-19 Corporate Risk Assessment published. It can be found in the Safe Operating Procedures file on the Post National Framework page.

WC 04/07/22

WC 27/06/22

WC 06/06/22

WC 23/05/22

  • 24/05/22: Clarification on continued COVID-19 Reporting: Twice weekly establishment, regional and group reporting will continue. The reporting team functional mailbox: HMPPSCOVID19@justice.gov.uk, remains available and will continue to be monitored for queries. COVID related deaths must continue to be reported in via NIMU.
  • 25/05/22: ‘Living with Covid-19: Revised Testing Approach 2022’ has been published on the Post National Framework page, to be implemented in prisons (including YCS) and approved premises in England and Wales. The document outlines the testing approach that will remain in place, as well as some areas of testing that will now cease, from 31st May 2022.

Testing Manuals have been updated to reflect changes and supportive communications materials have also been published to help explain to staff, prisoners, children and their families our decision and any changes affecting them regarding the revised testing approach for prisons and YCS sites.

WC 16/05/22

Further details of the overall future testing strategy will be issued early next week and until then the other elements of the current testing regime should remain in place. If there are any queries, prisons can contact the testing team via hmppstesting@justice.gov.uk

WC 09/05/22

  • Exiting the National Framework: Operational Guidance has been published this morning to support the Exit of the National Framework. This guidance, and all other remaining live guidance can be found on a dedicated Post National Framework page on this platform. This page will be updated as guidance is updated and expires, to contain any current guidance remaining after today. The page has been split into sections, a section is included at the end with guidance for increased controls, should this be recommended by an OCT or IMT. If you have any questions, please get in touch with COVID19.Ops&Guidance1@justice.gov.uk
  • 13/05/22: There will be changes in the opening times of the 119 contact centre, which will take effect from Monday 30th May 2022. The operating hours will be reducing in line with the decrease in the numbers and frequency of calls being received to provide a targeted support service.

Currently, 119 operate a seven-day service between 7am – 11pm. This will be changing to the following opening hours –

  1. Monday to Friday,  8.00am – 6pm
  2. Saturday and Sunday 9.00am -1pm
  • 13/05/22: Prisons should be aware that HMPPS Regional & HQ staff have no access to LFD tests at their base location,  this means when visiting staff attend prisons and are encouraged to test in line with current advice LFD tests should be provided by the prison to facilitate this.
  • 13/05/22: As outlined in recent correspondence, work on a phased approach to close the regional COVID PPE hubs and move to a post exit ppe management process is progressing. Prisons will  maintain a buffer stock of ppe and place orders for replacements via i-proc, orders being fulfilled from national stocks held at NDC Branston. Alongside other Government Departments HMPPS will continue to be supplied with COVID related PPE, funded by the treasury, via NHS Supplies until March 2023. Heads of Business Assurance have been identified as the focal points responsible for overseeing the future ppe process at each prison by PRB. Your COVID PPE SPOCS have all been asked to complete the following tasks for your Groups  by end May 22 , in order for the new process to move ahead as planned:
  1.  Establish links with all Establishment HOBAs and ensure all sites are preparing for the transition to the future COVID PPE Provision Model.
  2. Assure that all establishments have determined their 14 day/minimum contingency stock levels for each ppe item and have the required quantity of ppe in place, in readiness for progression to the next phase of future COVID PPE Provision Model. (Consideration must be taken of the frequency of routine deliveries from NDC Branston.)

Your support in ensuring these actions are completed in readiness for the next phase of the ppe transition model would be appreciated.’

WC 02/05/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays) 03/05: Outbreak closed at Sudbury and Durham, RAG rated Amber, RAG to be determined at the next Heatmap Panel. Deerbolt, Erlestoke, High Down, Highpoint, Hull, Humber, Maidstone, Thorn Cross and Whitemoor removed from the Watchlist. Norwich and Wormwood Scrubs added to the Watchlist. 04/05: Outbreak closed at Channings Wood, Lewes and Doncaster, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Nottingham, goes Red. 05/05: Outbreak closed at Dovegate, Bullingdon, The Mount and Peterborough (M), RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Lowdham Grange, goes Red. Durham, Channings Wood, Whitemoor, Doncaster, Humber, Highpoint, Deerbolt, North Sea Camp and Sudbury added to the Watchlist. Nottingham, Drake Hall, Hindley, Wetherby and Morton Hall removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 06/05: Dove Gate, The Mount, Send, Usk, Peterborough M, Channings Wood, Portland, Isle Of Wight, Woodhill, Preston, Cardiff and Exeter go AMBER. Stocken, Leeds and Wakefield go RED due to outbreak declaration. 06/05: Outbreak closed at Haverigg, Holme House, Wayland and Werrington. Outbreak declared at Leeds, Stocken and Wakefield.
  • 03/05/22: Personal Management Plan Guidance published Guidance published to advise on the completion of Personal Management Plans for the most vulnerable prisoners, including those who were previously designated CEV and those eligible for anti-viral treatment. This guidance has a 4-week implementation period, with PMPs expected in place from the 31st May.  

The guidance includes a Decline form and a Personal Management Plan template. Covid NOMIS alerts will be updated from their current form to the following: 

  • Personal Management Plan in Place 
  • Personal Management Plan Declined 
  • Protective Isolation  
  • Reverse Cohorting  
  • 06/05/22: Version 3 of HMPPS Core guidance – Guidance to provide all HR teams with the core information and policy principles in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

WC 25/04/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 25/04: Outbreaks closed at Cookham Wood, Humber, Leeds and Low Newton. All RAG rated Amber, RAG to be determined at the next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Ashfield and Isis. Isis RAG rated Red, Ashfield go Red. East Sutton Park and Prescoed removed from the Watchlist. Kirklevington Grange added to the Watchlist. 26/04: Outbreak closed at Bedford, Highpoint, Littlehey and Swansea. RAG rating to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Warren Hill, go Red. Bristol, East Sutton Park, Feltham A, Humber, Leeds, Low Newton, Maidstone and Styal added to the Watchlist. Hollesey Bay, North Sea Camp, Onley and Warren Hill removed from the Watchlist. 27/04: Outbreak closed at Manchester, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 28/04: Outbreak closed at Wormwood Scrubs and Norwich, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Heatmap Panel 29/04: Forest Bank, Hull, Wayland, Bedford, Highpoint, Manchester, Bullingdon, Grendon, Swansea, Springhill, Hindley, Wormwood Scrubs, Northumberland and Standford Hill go Amber. Wakefield goes Red. 29/04: Outbreak declared closed at Elmley, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Manchester, Highpoint, Littlehey, Bedford, Swansea and Onley added to the Watchlist.
  • 28/04/22: Gold Brief published for establishments titled Exiting the National Framework – Update for 28 April. Following Ministerial decision, we now expect to exit the National Framework on 9th May. This briefing provides information on timing and guidance to be provided in due course.
  • 29/04/22: Safety Update: Updated guidance on think SAFE following video appearances.
    • Safety briefing and wall charts
    • Letter to governors to review safety and risk assessment processes
    • Updated guidance on Cohort Awareness
  • 29/04/22: Joint Letter published from Michelle Jarman-Howe and Kate Davies on the subject of an update to Covid-19 Reception Testing

WC 18/04/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 19/04: Outbreak closed at Forest Bank, Nottingham and Rochester, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Usk, go Red. 20/04: Outbreak closed at Parc, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 21/04: Outbreak declared at Whatton and Stoke Heath, go Red. Outbreak closed at Bristol, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Parc, Forest Bank, Rochester, Nottingham, Hatfield and Five Wells added to the Watchlist. Stoke Heath, Whatton and Maidstone removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 22/04: Feltham B, Altcourse, Bronzefield, Doncaster, Norwich, Askham Grange, Warren Hill, Nottingham, Rochester, Pentonville, Sudbury, Leeds, Lewes and Bristol go Amber. Preston and Buckley Hall go Red. 22/04: Outbreak closed at Styal, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel.
  • 22/04: Gold brief published with supporting comms to HRLs entitled “Mass Testing delivery: Contingency Planning” to offer guidance in the delivery of mass testing in establishments.

WC 11/04/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 11/04:Outbreak closed at Feltham A and Whitemoor, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Altcourse and Eastwood Park, go Red. 12/04: Outbreak closed at Whatton, Guys Marsh, Dartmoor (24/03) and East Sutton Park, RAG to be reviewed at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Woodhill, goes Red. Full Sutton, Chelmsford, Whitemoor, Foston Hall and Guys Marsh added to the Watchlist. Woodhill, Eastwood Park, Altcourse, Brinsford, Dartmoor, Erlestoke, Downview and Peterborough (Female) removed from the Watchlist. 13/04: Outbreak declared at Garth, Feltham B, Peterborough (Men), Buckley Hall and Werrington, go Red. Outbreak declared closed at Coldingley, RAG to be reviewed at Next Heatmap Panel. Heatmap Panel 14/04: Dartmoor, Bure, The Mount and East Sutton Park go Amber. Feltham B, Belmarsh, Isis, Whatton, Send and Manchester go Red. 14/04: Outbreak declared at Lancaster Farms, Grendon, Manchester and Lewes, go Red. Whatton, Dartmoor, Erlestoke, Askham Grange, Coldingley and East Sutton Park added to the Watchlist. Manchester, Buckley Hall, Peterborough (M), Werrington, Grendon, Lancaster Farms, Lewes, Feltham (B), Five Wells and Standford Hill removed from the Watchlist.

WC 04/04/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 04/04: Outbreak declared over at Frankland, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Channings Wood, Moorland, Birmingham and Leeds, go Red. 05/04: Outbreak declared over at Lowdham Grange, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Portland, goes Red. Frankland, Oakwood, Brinsford, Stoke Heath and Downview added to the Watchlist. Brimingham, Moorland, Leeds, Wandsworth, Garth and Hatfield removed from the Watchlist. 06/04: Outbreak declared at Aylesbury, Bristol, The Mount and Highpoint, go Red. 07/04: Outbreak declared closed at Chelmsford and Full Sutton, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Lowdham Grange added to the Watchlist. Bristol, The Mount, Aylesbury, Highpoint, Portland and Askham grange removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 08/04: Hindley and Askham Grange go Green. Full Sutton, Chelmsford and Feltham A go Amber. Dartmoor, Exeter, Hewell, Peterborough M, Pentonville and Woodhill go Red. 08/04: Outbreak declared over at Foston Hall, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Brinsford, goes Red.
  • 07/04: Annual Leave 2022/23 The change to the Working Time Regulations was published on 27th March 2020. The amendment stated that “The regulations will allow up to 4 weeks of unused leave to be carried into the next 2 leave years.”

The HMPPS leave year is from the beginning of March – end of February. Therefore, at the time of the announcement:

  • The current leave year was March 2020 – Feb 2021
  • The next leave year (1) was March 2021 – Feb 2022
  • The next leave year (2) was March 2022 – Feb 2023

Normal carry over limits will apply from March 2023.

It is recognised that some staff will have had reduced opportunities in taking their leave entitlement, due to the on-going challenges posed by the Coronavirus Virus Pandemic and would encourage staff in that position, to discuss any concerns with their line managers in the first instance.

It is very important that staff continue to take leave, to ensure that there is regular access to periods of rest and respite in terms of supporting Wellbeing and building Resilience.

  • 08/04: Addendum Published to Gold Briefing – Update to Establishments – COVID Testing, Isolation and National Framework from 1st April 2022; to provide clarification on guidance for the use of Rule 45 in COVID isolations

WC 28/03/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 28/03: Outbreak declared at Chelmsford and Stafford, go Red. Outbreak declared over at Pentonville, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 29/03: Outbreak declared at Bedford, goes Red. Stocken, Altcourse, Pentonville, Hatfield and Adel Beck added to the Watchlist. Wayland, Brixton, Swansea and Chelmsford removed from the Watchlist. 30/03: Outbreak declared at Rochester, Full Sutton and Haverigg, go Red. Outbreak declared over at Hollesley Bay, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 31/03: Outbreak declared over at Stoke Heath. Hollesley Bay added to the Watchlist. Full Sutton, Rochester and Haverigg removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 01/04: Portland, Springhill and Standford Hill go Green. Humber, Channings Wood, Featherstone, Highpoint, Moorland, Hollesley Bay, Buckley Hall, Lancaster Farms, Leicester, Lindholme, Swinfen Hall, Brinsford and Wealstun go Amber. Leeds go Red. 01/04: Outbreak declared over at Brinsford, Downview, Channings Wood and Oakwood, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Wandsworth, goes Red.
  • 31/03: Gold Briefing Update to Establishments – COVID Testing, Isolation and National Framework from 1st April 2022.

The purpose of this briefing and supporting materials is to align with the change in regulations and change to testing under living with COVID-19 that comes into effect on Friday at the start of April and to highlight for Governors some on important updates that were issued in Friday’s (25.03.22) Gold Digest, including clarification on the position regarding the isolation of prisoners. This briefing covers:

  1. Guidance on isolation of prisoners now that the legislation on isolation in the community has expired.
  2. Exiting the National Framework
  3. Testing Strategy
  4. Isolation changes in Wales
  • 01/04: Cohorting and Population Management – Further to the Gold Briefing issued on 31/03, template isolation forms issued to support establishments in the isolation of PIU/RCU prisoners under R45. These are to assist colleagues but alternative local documentation can be used instead as long as there is a local process of documenting isolation in line with the guidance.
  • 01/04: Family Liason Officer Updated Guidance
    • Returning to face-to-face visits
    • Reminder for all prisons to keep prisoners Next of Kin records up to date
    • Re-starting of FLO Training
    • Updated remined of Staff Support
    • Health and Safety guidance for attending home visits
    • Reminder of Funeral Attendance protocol

WC 21/03/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 21/03: Outbreak declared over at Bedford, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Wayland, goes Red. Wayland removed from the Watchlist. 22/03: Outbreak declared over at High Down from 17/03 and Aylesbury from 19/03, RAG to be determined at the next Heatmap Panel. Deerbolt, Feltham A, Forest Bank, Low Newton, Peterborough (F), Stafford and Winchester removed from the Watchlist. Outbreaks declared at Forest Bank, Low Newton and Winchester, go Red. Ashfield, Aylesbury, Chelmsford, Garth, High Down, Kirklevington Grange and Morton Hall added to the Watchlist. 23/03: Outbreak declared over at Hindley, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Bullingdon and Northumberland, go Red. Bullingdon and Northumberland removed from the Watchlist. 24/03: Outbreak declared over at Stocken, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Doncaster, Dovegate, Pentonville and Styal, go Red. Doncaster, Dovegate, Pentonville and Styal removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 25/03: Berwyn and Birmingham go up to Amber. Brixton, Swansea and Hull go Red. Styal goes down to Amber. Warren Hill and Leicester go Green. 25/03: Outbreak declared at Brixton and Swansea go red at Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared over at Altcourse. Brixton and Swansea removed from the Watchlist.
  1. Post Covid Syndrome (Long Covid Service) – Referral by the line manager only. Refer to this link for referral details Post-COVID-Syndrome-how-to-refer_.pdf (sscl.com)

2. Covid-19 Digital Assessment Routing Tool (DART) Please refer to DART FAQs and DART poster for more details.

  • 24/03/22: Vaccination Spring Booster Updates: Information for Prisoners has been published on The Spring Vaccination programme. SOP and important advice for staff published on deliveries of vaccines.
  • 25/03: COVID National Framework:
  • We continue to finalise our plans for exiting the National Framework and moving towards a more sustainable approach to managing Covid in custody.   
  • This planning includes easing the current level of Covid control measures while maintaining resilience, protecting the vulnerable, and proportionately responding to local changes in risk.  
  • We are monitoring the national and prison-level data closely before finalising plans and seeking final agreement from ministers on the timing of this transition.
  • In the meantime, it remains important that sites continue to prioritise their progression through the Framework in the coming weeks. 
  • Isolation Guidelines for Prisoners:
  • Coronavirus self-isolation powers have now expired. This means that the legal basis for isolating prisoners in their cells is Prison Rule 45 and PSO 1700.
  • Where a prisoner is removed from association to prevent the spread of coronavirus they should be segregated for good order and discipline (protection of others by preventing the spread of Covid-19). Establishments should communicate clearly to prisoners segregated for these reasons that this is for health protection, rather than security reasons. Where individual prisoners are segregated to prevent the spread of Covid-19 establishments should continue to follow the guidance as set out in v6 of the Compartmentalisation guidance. PSO1700 must be followed for these individuals.
  • Where Covid positive prisoners or prisoners in Reverse Cohorting Units (RCUs) are unlocked in groups for delivery of statutory regime entitlements, then this is able to continue and there is no need to use Rule 45 (PSO1700) in these cases as they are not removed from association and still have some association when unlocked in their small regime group.
  • In all cases, establishments must continue to adhere to all COVID controls and Safe Operating Procedures when delivering Statutory Regime to RCU/Protective Isolation prisoners and prisoners must be clearly informed about why they are being isolated or having their regime delivered in a small regime group during that temporary period.
  • In relation to visits, establishments retain the ability to defer visits where this is necessary and proportionate on public health grounds under Prison Rule 34 (i.e if someone is in protective isolation/reverse cohorting). These individuals should be prioritised for a family video call in the isolation period and their visits orders deferred. If there is an exceptional reason for social visit contact whilst they are in protective isolation/reverse cohorting this may be facilitated with appropriate controls.
  • Testing in Prisons:
  • We have sought Ministerial views on HMPPS’s ongoing testing strategy on the back of the movement away from routine testing in the community. They support scaling back the blanket use of testing but maintaining it as a tool to protect the most vulnerable, and to deploy testing in a reactive way where appropriate.
  • We are currently considering how this can be reasonably delivered within the operational context. We are not looking to make imminent changes and establishments are advised to continue with the current testing models using LFD for staff and prisoners until advised otherwise. Further guidance will be issued as soon as possible on the long-term delivery of testing within establishments.
  • The use of PCR testing will cease on the 31st March and so asymptomatic routine testing of staff will continue using twice weekly LFD only. The PCR tests required under DCT, DTCC and RMT are no longer required
  • All staff in England and Wales who are contacts of a positive case will move to an updated model of DTCC as described in the attached document.
  • We have been notified that some health teams have stated they will not be continuing the delivery of reception testing from 1st April.  We are urgently escalating this at a national level for a quick resolution.
  • From 1st April, community testing will end in England. We are aware that this impacts testing of social visitors. Further, more detailed, guidance will be provided separately but establishments should be aware that will likely mean that routine testing for social visitors will cease from the beginning of April.  
Daily Testing for Contacts of Covid Prisons only 25.03.22Download

WC 14/03/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 14/03: Outbreak declared over at Buckley Hall, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at The Verne, goes Red. 15/03: Outbreak declared at Brinsford, Norwich and Nottingham, go Red. Peterborough (M), Doncaster, Feltham A, Lindholme, The Mount, Wakefield and Five Wells added to the Watchlist. Chelmsford, Deerbolt, Feltham B, Norwich, Nottingham and Brinsford removed from the Watchlist. 16/03: No change. 17/03: Outbreak declared at Sudbury, goes Red. Erlestoke, Isis, Buckley Hall, Wakefield and Deerbolt added to the Watchlist. Ashfield, The Verne and Sudbury removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 18/03: Buckley Hall, Bullingdon, Highpoint, Lindholme and Rochester go Green. Altcourse, Frankland, Send, Chelmsford and Guys Marsh go Amber. Cardiff, Forest Bank and Humber go Red.
  • 18/03/22: Covid-19: Regime Regression Under the National Framework establishments are progressing their regimes. However, in response to a local outbreak or increased risk, it may be sometimes appropriate for regimes to regress to a higher, more closed level.

This may be initially identified at the nationally advised Heatmap through RAG status. Amber or Green sites may be reassessed as Red if there is increased risk or outbreak declared. These sites must then review their regime.

A local management decision may be made to restrict regimes or some activities in parts of an establishment.  Moreover, an OCT / IMT or public health partners may propose that it is appropriate to regress the regime level.  On the advice of public health professionals, such a recommendation can be agreed locally by the governor and reflected in reporting.

If a multi agency OCT is not able to reach a consensus position on a recommendation to, the matter may be referred for national determination as long as the Agency remains in Command Mode.  That referral can be made through the Gold link, attending the OCT or by mailing the Health Liaison Service directly at health@justice.gov.uk

WC 07/03/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 07/03: Outbreak declared over at Woodhill, Gartree, Grendon, Wayland, Dartmoor, Brixton and Moorland, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 08/03: Outbreak declared over at Long Lartin, Brinsford, Berwyn and Feltham B, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Channings Wood and correction to error – Peterborough M outbreak still open. Forest Bank, Wealstun and Peterborough (M) removed from the Watchlist. Cardiff, The Verne, Grendon, Styal, Wayland, Brixton, Eastwood Park, Dartmoor, Gartree, Warren Hill, Woodhill, Swinfen Hall, Wandsworth and Dovegate added to the Watchlist. 09/03: Outbreak declared over at Leyhill and Drake Hall, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at East Sutton Park, RAG goes Red. East Sutton Park removed from the Watchlist. 10/03: Outbreak declared over at Wakefield, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Hollesley Bay, Send and Bronzefield (02/03/22), RAG goes Red. Berwyn, Forest Bank, Feltham B, Long Lartin, Leyhill, Drake Hall, Wealstun, Moorland, Brinsford, Featherstone and Huntercombe added to the Watchlist. Erlestoke, Five Wells, Garth, Kirklevington Grange, Morton Hall, Standford Hill, Hollesley Bay and Bronzefield removed from the Watchlist. 11/03 Heatmap Panel: Belmarsh, Wayland, Humber (except H&I wings), Ashfield, Cookham Wood, Durham, Elmley, Holme House, Norwich, Thameside, Feltham B, Grendon, Wandsworth, Woodhill, Usk, Doncaster, Lindholme and Peterborough (M) go Amber. Berwyn, Birmingham, Moorland, Northumberland and Featherstone go Green. 11/03: Outbreak declared closed at The Mount, Peterborough (M), Lindholme and Doncaster.
  • 07/03/22: “Working with Samaritans to refresh Listener schemes” added to the Safety Page. Updated guidance for Governors on how to work with Samaritans to improve the operation of Listener schemes, maximising the opportunities afforded by the relaxation of restrictions to allow increased Listener activity and facilitate visits by volunteers to provide support and training
  • 08/03/22: Stage 1 Readiness Assessment Checklist added. Checklist is not a requirement for progression but may be used as an aide memoir. TU Engagement guidance updated to reflect differences between sites moving to Stage 1 for the first time and returning to this Stage for the second time.
  • 11/03/22: Notifications To Health Protection Teams: Establishments are reminded that it is a statutory requirement advise Health Protection Teams regularly of Covid-19 cases and cases of any other notifiable diseases, in addition to making reports to HMPPS twice weekly.  This usually requires completion of a ‘line list’ form, which varies slightly between regions.  These notifications are essential to support the ongoing management of public health, managing risk through the heatmap, and can assist with resolving outbreaks as well as standing up a response when needed.
  • 11/03/22: Cohorting and Population Management Reminder : Sites are reminded that if a prisoner has refused to test for COVID-19 on transfer, this must be noted on their PER. If they again refuse to test on reception of their transfer prison, they must be reverse cohorted at reception, even if they have been transferred from a site RAG rated Green.

WC 28/02/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 28/02: Outbreak declared closed at Rochester and Norwich, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 01/03: Outbreaks closed at Peterborough and New Hall, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Thameside, Norwich, Oakhill, Exeter, Garth, Bristol, Rochester, East Sutton Park, Belmarsh, Forest Bank, Stafford, Standford Hill, Wealstun, Leicester, Huntercombe, Askham Grange and North Sea Camp added to the Watchlist. Isle Of Wight, Featherstone and Maidstone removed from the Watchlist. 02/03: Outbreak declared over at Dovegate, Sudbury and Liverpool, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 03/03: Outbreak declared over at Eastwood Park, Styal and Cardiff, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Peterborough (M), Liverpool, New Hall, Sudbury and Maidstone added to the Watchlist. Huntercombe removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 04/03: Leeds, Lancaster Farms, Usk, Swinfen Hall and Wealstun go Green. Foston Hall, Styal, Aylesbury, Coldingley, Drake Hall, Dovegate, Oakwood, Ranby, Liverpool, New Hall, Rochester, Pentonville, Wymott, Eastwood Park, Doncaster, Swaleside and The Verne go Amber. 04/03: Outbreak declared closed at The Verne and Wandsworth, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel.
  • 01/03/22: HR Core Guidance Published – Guidance to provide HR teams with the core information and policy principles in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please note this is Core Guidance across HMPPS, further available guidance will be specifically relevant to prisons, approved premises and probation
  • 02/03/22: Ordering of test kits The last date to order testing kits in the current model from UKHSA will be the 22 March 2022.  By this date site must have ordered sufficient kits to supply at least the next 30 days.  If sites are unable to do so they must contact the testing team so an emergency order can be placed on their behalf to cover this period.  We are working with UKHSA to establish the ordering process moving forward and will communicate this to you all as soon as possible.
  • 04/03/22: Corporate risk assessment updated – Review of mandatory testing control measure following the reduction in prevalence in Prisons and Approved Premises and the reduced risk from omicron variant. Mandatory testing at all sites is no longer considered proportionate and therefore frequency of testing will be on a risk based approach.
  • 04/03/22: Update on Withdrawal of Regime Mitigations: Further detail outlining the approach for withdrawing mitigations and process for reintroducing them if required past the 31st March deadline. Includes a grid breaking down the process and conditions for each individual mitigation and FAQs to support staff with communicating these changes.

WC 21/02/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 21/02: Outbreak closed at Hewell, Stafford and Hull, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 22/02: Outbreak closed at Portland, Lincoln, Standford Hill, East Sutton Park and Kirklevington Grange, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Full Sutton, Hull, Hewell, Northumberland, Swansea, Winchester, Bronzefield, Lancaster Farms, Stafford and Huntercombe added to the Watchlist. Askham Grange and North Sea Camp removed from the Watchlist. 23/02: Outbreak closed at Manchester, Highpoint and Pentonville, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 24/02: Outbreak closed at Bristol, Swinfen Hall and Forest Bank, RAG to be determined at next weeks Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Brinsford, goes Red. Manchester, Lincoln, Highpoint, Pentonville and Kirklevington Grange added to the Watchlist. Brinsford, Huntercombe, Stafford, Thorn Cross and Warren Hill removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 25/02: Bedford, Berwyn, Bristol, Brixton, Bronzefield, Channings Wood, Downview, East Sutton Park, Exeter, Forest Bank, Garth, Gartree, High Down, Hull, Kirklevington Grange, Lancaster Farm, Leicester, Lincoln, Long Lartin, Lowdham Grange, Manchester, Moorland, Northumberland, Peterborough (Women’s), Risley, Wakefield, Whatton, Whitemoor and Winchester go Amber. 25/02: Outbreak closed at Leicester, Isis, Thameside, Belmarsh, Exeter, Oakhill and Send, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Isle of Wight, goes Red.

WC 14/02/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: (Due to the reduction in frequency of case reporting from establishments, the COVID-19 watchlist will now be produced on Tuesdays and Thursdays). 14/02: Outbreak closed at Featherstone, Low Newton and Bullingdon, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 15/02: Outbreak closed at Wetherby, Onley and Usk, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Haverigg and Wealstun removed from the Watchlist. Bullingdon, Featherstone, Low Newton and Thorn Cross added to the Watchlist. 16/02: Outbreak declared at Feltham A, goes Red. Outbreaks closed at Birmingham, Chelmsfod, Isle of Wight, Lewwes, Swaleside and Hollesley Bay, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Feltham A removed from the Watchlist. 17/02: Outbreak declared at Drake Hall goes Red. Outbreak closed at Lancaster Farms, Winchester and Swansea, RAG to be determined at next weeks Heatmap Panel. Isle of Wight, Lewes, Birmingham, Wetherby, Onley, Chelmsford, Swaleside, Usk, Prescoed, Hollesley Bay, Haverigg and Vinney Green added to the Watchlist. Drake Hall removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 18/02: Birmingham, Kirkham, Low Newton, Hindley, Isis, Littlehey, Preston, Stoke Heath, Usk, Cardiff, Erlestoke, Oakhill, Rye Hill, Send, Deerbolt, Onley, Thorn Cross, Wetherby, Portland, Sudbury, Full Sutton, Lewes, The Mount, Stocken, Swansea and Wealstun go Amber. 18/02: Outbreak closed at Bronzefield, Northumberland, Full Sutton, Garth and Huntercombe, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel.
  • 18/02: Contact Tracing Version 7 published. The purpose of version 7 is to update the guidance following updates to numerous other pieces of guidance. 

The key updates to version 7 are:

·         Inclusion of and references to the Handbook of Seasonal Management of Communicable Diseases, published December 2021

·         Updated guidance around the timeframes surrounding protective isolation following updated testing guidance. Updated guidance reflects contact testing programs available for unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals.

·         Updated guidance around isolation following contact with a positive case for unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals to bring it in line with previously published testing documents. 

·         Link added for functional mailbox of the Health Team

·         NOMIS and DPS alerts added to bring in line with previously published guidance and for clarification. Explanation of term Refusing to Shield added

WC 07/02/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 07/02: Outbreak closed at Leeds and Kirkham, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Brinsford, Werrington and Wealstun added to the Watchlist. 08/02: Outbreak closed at Ford, Channings Wood and Nottingham, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Leeds, Kirkham and Five Wells added to the Watchlist. 09/02: Outbreak declared over at Erlestoke and Warren Hill, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Channings Wood, Ford and Nottingham added to the Watchlist. 10/02: Outbreak declared at New Hall, goes Red. Warren Hill and Erlestoke added to the Watchlist. New Hall removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel: Brinsford, Buckley Hall, Bullingdon, Drake Hall, Featherstone, Ford, Hatfield, Hewell, Highpoint, Hollesley Bay, Huntercombe, Leeds, Nottingham, Parc, Spring Hill, Standford Hill. Maidstone and Werrington go Amber. 11/02: Outbreak closed at Drake Hall, Deerbolt, Thorn Cross and Preston, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel.
  • 09/02: Safe Operating Procedures Corporate risk assessment reviewed to acknowledge the National Review Board  review of current public health considerations, current outbreak and case rate in prisons.
  • 09/02: Updated guidance published on Staff and Prisoner Testing: Updated Workplace Asymptomatic Test Site and DCT SOP V5.3 including, 13.4 face coverings at ATS sites, 14.21 positive results, 14.22 confirmation testing and 14.25 repeat testing. Updated Asymptomatic Test Sites for Daily Contact Testing 1.8.
  • 10/02: Covid-19 Reporting: In line with the reduction of community infection rates and a positive correlation in HMPPS Covid-19 metrics, the reporting frequency will reduce to twice-weekly as of next week – w/c 14 February 2022. Reporting days for all prison Covid-19 returns will revert back to Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Regional returns must be submitted to the Covid-19 Reporting Team by 11am. Individual sites must therefore ensure that returns are submitted to Regional SPOCs swiftly in order to meet the 11am deadline. We will continue to monitor the infection rate and Government announcements, and will update you if there are any further changes. Thank you for your continued support. If you have any queries of concerns please contact: HMPPSCOVID19@justice.gov.uk

  • 10/02: Contact Tracing: A note has been published to HRLs to align the weekly testing reporting rhythm with the working week, with key dates provided in the document.
  • 11/02: Compartmentalisation – V6.2 of the HMPPS Compartmentalisation guidance published. Further to the recent publication of V6.1 of the HMPPS Compartmentalisation Guidance, UKHSA have further amended their guidance regarding Reverse Cohorting. This change to advice means that the standard Reverse Cohorting period for prisoners who do not take part in reception testing has now been reduced from 14 days to 10 days. This is because the risk of emergent infection beyond 10 days is very limited. For prisoners who partake in reception testing in line with the agreed testing protocol, progression from Reverse Cohorting can continue to take place after 7+ days and once two negative PCR tests have been returned. This change comes into force immediately.

WC 31/01/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 31/01: Outbreak declared at Grendon (from 28/01) and East Sutton Park, go Red. Outbreak closed at Springhill, RAG to be reviewed at next Heatmap Panel. East Sutton Park removed from Watchlist. 01/02: Outbreak declared at Dartmoor and The Verne, go Red. Outbreak declared closed at Feltham A, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. The Verne and Dartmoor removed from the Watchlist. 02/02: Outbreak closed at North Sea Camp, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. 03/02: North Sea Camp and Feltham A added to the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel: New Hall, High Point North Side, North Sea Camp and Swinfen Hall go Amber. 04/02: Outbreak closed at Werrington, Brinsford and Wealstun, RAG rating to be determined at next Heatmap Panel.
  • 03/02: Update to Environmental Surveillance Hub: As previously shared, ( https://environ-surveillance-hub.apps.alpha.mojanalytics.xyz ) the Environmental surveillance hub aims to provide decision-makers with relevant and timely information to inform local risk assessments whilst managing COVID.   Access to the hub is restricted and there is a cap on the those that can have user access.  Prison establishment users are 3 per site and Governors can determine which 3 people have this access to the hub.  Currently the Governor and HRLs have access, leaving access available for one more local decision-maker.  

Please note that Heads of healthcare are not within this quota and are additional to the 3 allocated to each prison. PGDs have also been given access and may identify up to 2 further individuals within their group to have access.

Requests for access to the surveillance hub are to be submitted to functional mailbox via:  Environsurveillance@justice.gov.uk

  • 04/02: Gold briefing which sets out the change to UKHSA guidance around the management of prison outbreaks – specifically this change means that OCT chairs will now be able to consider standing prison outbreaks down after 14 days – this is a change on the current position of 28 days. This guidance change will be reflected in published UKHSA guidance in due course but will come into place with immediate effect.

WC 24/01/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 24/01: Outbreak declared at Leyhill, goes Red. Leyhill removed from the Watchlist. 25/01: No Changes. 26/01: Ashfield added to the Watchlist. 27/01: Outbreak declared at Lincoln, Guys Marsh and Kirklevington, go Red. Lincoln, Guys Marsh and Kirklevington removed from the Watchlist. 28/01 Heatmap Panel: Morton Hall and Warren Hill go Amber.
  • 25/01: UoF Refresher Training: Colleagues at NTRG have provided a PowerPoint and manual for the revised theory only UOF refresher which will utilised by local instructors for delivery. This has been sent to PGDs. Theory only PAVA training will only be delivered as a refresher to those staff who have previously completed the full PAVA training course. It is not replacing the initial PAVA training and is intended to be an interim measure during current restrictions, and in line with exceptional delivery models.

Any queries relating to the subject should be forwarded to uofqueries@justice.gov.uk , in the first instance.

  • 25/01: Staff and Prisoner Testing updates – Update to Workplace Asymptomatic Test Site and DCT SOP v5.2 and update to Workplace testing: standard operating procedure for England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
  • 25/01: Gold brief note published on specific infection controls for NHS staff and the impact on testing protocols in prisons. Note details that all entrants to site should be encouraged to daily test, even if this is not a requirement of entry.
  • 27/01: The Defensible Decision Making Guide for people on an ACCT has been updated and can be found on the Safety Page of the platform
  • 28/01: Compartmentalisation: Version 6.1 of HMPSS Cohorting and Compartmentalisation guidance published. The purpose of version 6.1 is bring the guidance in line with other recent policy changes. This includes for example recent updates to isolation timeframes and testing requirements for ROTL.
  • 28/01: HR guidance reminder issued to support completion of mandatory staff testing. This note removes the specificity of regularity of testing and testing rhythm, previously set out in policy lines published on 23.12.21
  • 28/01: Managerial Discretion: Briefing note to provide additional information for managers to support the use of managerial discretion in managing employee attendance as outlined in the Attendance Management Policy.
  • 28/01: Long Covid: An update on the management and support offered to staff with long covid (Post Covid Syndrome).

Staff Testing Manual v0.9 : Update to Annex H3 & H4 – DCT, Changes to isolation rules in Wales and Annex B16 Updated.

Prisoner Testing Manual v0.8: Changes to isolation rules for positive cases in Wales and clarification of Isolation rules for unvaccinated contacts of positive cases.

  • 28/01: Self-Isolation Guidance in Wales– The isolation guidance in Wales will be reduced to 5 full days on the 28th January 2021 and are now aligned to the guidance provided for England.

WC 17/01/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 17/01: No changes. 18/01: Outbreak declared at Leicester, stays Red. Leicester removed from the Watchlist. 19/01: Outbreak declared at Usk, goes Red. Outbreak closed at Maidstone, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Usk and Prescoed removed from the Watchlist. 20/01: Maidstone added to the Watchlist. Ashfield removed from the Watchlist. 21/01 Heatmap Panel: Hatfield and Rye Hill go Red. Askham Grange goes Amber. 21/01: Outbreak declared at Rye Hill, RAG stays Red. Rye Hill removed from the Watchlist.
  • 17/01: Testing – Updated guidance in relation to the recent changes in testing and isolation periods, for staff and prisoners in England and wales.
  • 19/01: Staff and Prisoner Testing: Pillar 2 Covid Test Results Auto File Solutions published for use. Staff Covid Testing Manual updated to Version 8 to reflect changes in isolation rules for Covid Positive cases (England and Wales), Accepted evidence for mandatory testing, an Update to Repeat Testing guidance and and Update to outline mandatory testing and application to Non-directly Employed Staff. Prisoner Covid Testing Manual updated to Version 7 to reflect changes to isolation rules for Covid Positive cases and Update to Repeat Testing Guidance. Annex B16, B17 and G10 updated to reflect changes
  • 20/01: Staff and Prisoner testing – DCT testing documents have been updated. Annex H4 Information letter, annex H3 DCT Participation letter and Workplace Asymptomatic Test Site DCT SOP V5.
  • 20/01: Updates to Staff and Prisoner Testing:

Test Kit deliveries

We are aware of issues with emergency orders not being delivered and the problems this is causing across the estate. We have been reassured that our allocation is protected and the problems are arising due to challenging DHSC logistics rather than an issue with test kit capacity. These issues have all been escalated and we are hopeful that this will be resolved shortly.

Daily Testing

Test kits: 300k home LFD tests will be delivered to Branston on 22nd Jan. From here, they will be distributed onto regional hubs and then to individual prisons who will be allocated enough tests to deliver 4 weeks of daily testing for all staff entering prisons. Please implement daily testing once you have the test kits – all sites are expected to be live no later than 2nd Feb.

Waiting for results: It is best practice that staff test and await a negative result before entering the prison and beginning their working day, however this will not be achievable in all sites or for all staffing groups. Wherever possible staff will await a negative result but the ability to achieve this should be managed locally, balanced with other considerations such as waiting areas and the regime.

Registration: HMPPS have made an operational decision to temporarily suspend the requirement to register negative home LFD tests for daily staff testing.

The suspension is

  • Temporary
  • Only applies to routine staff testing with home LFD kits (at home, on site or at an ATS)
  • All positive results must still be registered.
  • Sites must record the total number negative tests each day and these totals may be requested nationally in the future.
  • All results for DCT, DTCC, RMT and prisoner testing must continue to be registered.

Assurance: Following feedback regarding the administrative burden assurance is placing on prisons, we have decided to remove the requirement to check 10% of home tests and instead, ask Governors to gain assurance locally at a level they are comfortable with. This must be carried out in line with data protection arrangements set out previously e.g. that evidence of results is checked visually and not sent on to any mailbox other than the staff member’s own. The accepted evidence has also been expanded from photographs of tests to also allow prisons to accept the result email/text from NHS Test and Trace. These checks are the same for directly employed, non-directly employed, and partner staff.

Delivery Drivers: The requirement for anyone entering a prison for work is to test each day. Additionally, it is preferable that those who are entering the prison for a limited time (to carry out deliveries) are asked to show proof of a negative test. We appreciate that drivers may not have access to tests in the community and would not be expected to test upon arrival to the prison given their tight schedules and so admission may be granted with the usual Covid safeguards. Please note a visual check of this evidence is sufficient.

WC 10/01/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 10/01: Morton Hall added to the Watchlist. 11/01: Outbreak declared at Aylesbury and Ranby, go Red. Outbreak declared over at Ashfield RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Ranby and Aylesbury removed from the Watchlist. 12/01: Outbreak declared at Lindholme, goes Red. Lindholme removed from the Watchlist. 13/01: Outbreak declared at Wakefield and Standford Hill, go Red. Wakefield and Standford Hill removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Update 14/01: New Hall, Askham Grange and Lincoln go Red. 14/01: Outbreak at Rye Hill declared over, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel.

Staff Testing Manual- Now version 0.7

Update to advise of suspension of confirmatory PCR tests outlined under- actions to be taken on results

Further update for England and Wales advising of changes to Isolation rules for Covid 19 Positive cases- testing on days 8, 9 and 10

Update to repeat testing guidance  (testing within 90 days of a PCR)

Annex B16 reissued to outline routes for returning staff to work.

The following annexes have been updated to capture the above changes: B16, B17, G1, G2, G3, G7, G10

Prisoner testing Manual- Now version 0.6

Update to advise of suspension of confirmatory PCR tests outlined under- actions to be taken on results 

Update to repeat testing guidance(testing within 90 days of a PCR)

The following annexes have been updated to capture the above changes: A1, A2, A3, A4, A6, A8, A9, A11, A12

  • 13/01: Industries and Workshops – Further to the briefing on operation of Workshops in Stage 3 published 07/01/22, establishments are asked to be aware that basic grounds maintenance are hard FM services that due to external nature are low risk and can be maintained where staffing allows.  It is accepted that these activities can also be supportive of higher risk prisoner groups impacted by restricted regimes where formal training is not required. Compartmentalisation should be maintained throughout and discussions with relevant trade unions should take place when re-introducing activities.
  • 14/01: Regime Mitigations for the Women’s Estate: Last year specific regime mitigations were put in place for women due to the disproportionately negative impact COVID regimes were having upon them. Due to a move back to stage three, regime mitigations for the women’s estate have been reassessed and updated.
  • 14/01: Updated Interim Arrangements for Basic Use of Force Refresher Training has been published on Control & Restraint / UoF Training Page Updated version details the continuation of an extended in-date period, contains Version 8 of the UoF training SOP and an updated Exemption Form for use
  • 14/01: Gold Brief sent to PGD and published on the Staff and Prisoner Testing Page entitled – Updates to Staff Testing: Introduction of Daily Staff Testing and Mandatory Staff Testing implications for Non- Directly Employed Staff

WC 03/01/22

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 04/01: Outbreak declared at Hewell and Whitemoor, go Red. East Sutton Park added to the Watchlist. Whitemoor and Hewell removed from the Watchlist. 05/01: Outbreak declared at Frankland, Kirkham, Highpoint, Low Newton, Thameside and Full Sutton (confirmed from 31/12), go Red. Kirklevington Grange added to the Watchlist. Thameside, Highpoint, Full Sutton, Frankland, Kirkham, Low Newton and Dartmoor removed from the Watchlist. 06/01: Outbreak declared at Warren Hill (confirmed from 24/12). Dartmoor added to the Watchlist. Warren Hill removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 07/01: Lincoln, Lindholme, Ranby, Wakefield, Stoke Heath, Askham Grange go Red. Stage 2 sites: North Sea Camp remains at stage 2. 07/01: Outbreak declared as Hindley and Stoke Heath. Outbreak declared over at Morton Hall. Hindley and Stoke Heath removed from the Watchlist.
  • 05/01: PSPI Laundry Reminder PSPI would like to remind all prisons on the continued use of alginate (water soluble) bags for COVID isolating prisoners. Details on the ordering of bags and the COVID laundry arrangements are provided in the two supporting documents on section 7 of our Standard Operating Procedures page.
  • 07/01: Changes to Staff Testing update: Following the Government announcement on 04.01.22 outlining new critical workforce testing measures, we are working to understand what this means for HMPPS Staff and will provide an update in due course. This is not yet live, and sites should not be making changes until a briefing has been provided.

However, there are some current changes to be aware of. Please thoroughly read the updates contained in the latest testing briefing as this highlights some important changes which all sites will need to be sighted on. All documents issued today can be found here.

This update includes:

  • Changes to Confirmatory PCR testing– From 07.01.22 in Wales and 11.01.2022 in England there will be a national temporary suspension on confirmatory PCR testing for positive LFD results.
  • Repeat Testing and Exemptions–  An updated summary of where testing exemptions no longer apply.
  • Returning to work Following a Positive Test for Covid 19- This update outlines a change to self-isolation rules for those who are isolating due to testing positive for Covid 19. In line with the most recent update to Government guidelines; self-isolation rules changed for those who are positive for COVID-19 (This has applied in England from 22.12.21 and Wales from 31.12.21). There are some additional mitigations for HMPPS staff which all sites should action.
  • Actions to be taken on results: A reminder of what action staff should take on test results i.e. All Positive cases remain under a legal duty to self-isolate regardless of vaccination status or age
  • Flowcharts: Flowcharts have been provided to support sites in understanding which testing and isolation rules apply and routes back to work following isolation.

All changes will be reflected in the next iteration of the testing manual early next week. Please direct any questions to HMPPSTesting@justice.gov.uk

WC 27/12/21

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 26/12 and 27/12: Outbreak declared at Elmley, North Sea Camp, Woodhill and Werrington, go Red. Lancaster Farms, Low Newton and Hindley added to the Watchlist. North Sea Camp, Werrington, Elmley and Woodhill removed from the Watchlist. 29/12: Outbreak declared at Thorn Cross, Preston and Hollesley Bay, go Red. Leyhill and The Verne added to the Watchlist. Thorn Cross, Preston and Hollesley Bay removed from the Watchlist. 30/12: Outbreak declared at Cardiff, Channings Wood, Humber and Moorland, go Red. Humber, Moorland, Cardiff and Channings Wood removed from the Watchlist. 31/12: Outbreak declared at Huntercombe, Lancaster Farms, Leeds and Wealstun, go Red. Stoke Heath added to the Watchlist. Leeds, Wealstun, Lancaster Farm and Huntercombe removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 31/12: Buckley Hall, Hindley, Huntercombe, Kirkham, Lancaster Farms, Leeds and Wealstun go Red. Stage 2 sites: North Sea Camp and Haverigg remain at stage 2.

Staff Testing Manual v0.6:Under Communications and Engagement: An updated Privacy Notice has been provided as G11 and will replace annex G9 for directly employed staff under mandated testing. See Communications and Engagement: Annex G10 has been provided as a temporary document. Updated guidance for Wales under Changes to Isolation rules for COVID-19 positive cases. Section added outlining additional considerations for mandatory testing.

Prisoner Testing Manual v0.5: Section added on isolation exemption covering actions to take for positive cases and contacts of positive cases.

The pressure of mandatory testing and the increasing demand for outbreak testing has caused some sites to run very low on stock of test kits. Our thanks go to our partners in NHS Test and Trace who have been very supportive providing emergency orders to those of you in need. However, this is only a temporary measure. As we enter the New Year, the testing regimes in place will continue to impact on levels of stock. The ordering portal remains open and we ask that you start placing orders now to replenish your stocks. Emergency orders will not be widely available in the New Year.  

We recommend that all prisons order enough stock for 4 weeks of routine testing and one round of outbreak testing. This should allow you to be able to replenish your test kits before you run out. Orders can be placed via the portal every 21 days.

WC 20/12/21

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 20/12: Outbreak declared at Chelmsford, Forest Bank, Spring Hill, Swansea and Bristol, go Red. Leicester, Dartmoor and Whitemoor added to the Watchlist. Chelmsford, Forest Bank, Grendon, Springhill, Brinsford, Ranby and Bristol removed from the Watchlist. 21/12: Outbreak declared at Whetherby, Brinsford, Norwich and Downview, go Red. Deerbolt, Hatfield, Ranby and Askham Grange added to the Watchlist. Wetherby, Downview, Dartmoor, Stoke Heath and Grendon removed from the Watchlist. 22/12: Outbreak declared at Liverpool, Drake Hall and Deerbolt, go Red. Lancaster Farms, Dartmoor, Hindley and Thorn Cross added to the Watchlist. Liverpool and Deerbolt removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 23/12: Exemptions Panel. Haverigg and North Sea Camp move to Stage 2. Wetherby move to Stage 3. 23/12: Outbreak declared at Bure, Lowdham Grange, Manchester and Oakwood, go Red. Bure, Lancaster Farms, Leyhill, Lowdham Grange, Manchester and Oakwood removed from the Watchlist.
  • 20/12: Updates to Plan B and Winter Guidance: Further to the Gold Briefing issued on 14/12/21 instructing prisons to return to Stage 2 regimes, and in addition to further controls and restrictions required to counter the risk of the Omicron variant of COVID-19,  a Gold Briefing has been published today which extends this requirement to direct all prisons to move back to a new baseline of Stage 3, with an exceptions process in place. This briefing captures how Stage 3 will look in your prisons, prioritising current controls of testing and vaccinations. Prisons should transition as soon as is practicable and safe to do so. This Gold Briefing will apply to all prisons in England and Wales.
  • 20/12: Guidance on Prison Workshops in Stage 3 published on the Plan B and Winter Guidance page. All establishments are asked to note and follow the briefing in relation to running Workshops at Stage 3.Only essential Workshops can stay open- as identified through the attached Annex A. Cat D prisons can keep other workshops open, where safe to do so. Other sites must apply for GOLD’s permission to open a workshop that is not on the list. Please see the briefing for more information, including on prisoner pay.
    • Please note the addition from 21/12/21: Update at the end of the document providing further details on some general key areas of priority for workshops/Industries delivery.
  • 20/12: The Guidance on National Detached Duty has been updated to take account of Operational Stability Payments and reflect changes in both language and thinking since last shared.
  • 20/12 – Regime mitigations: As per the Gold Brief that went out today and the communications from last week – regime mitigations will be introduced nationally as a result of the national move to Stage 3.  As part of this announcement, the £5 weekly PIN Credit will be reinstated (whilst continuing to retain the cap). Credits will be applied nationally from the center with the first credits actioned on Thursday 23 December and will continue to be applied on Thursday’s going forward.
    • If your establishment had previously introduced PIN credits in response to local circumstances using local budget it is important that this is no longer implemented at a local level in order to avoid duplication or overpayment once it is introduced centrally (from Thursday 23 December). This national credit supersedes any prisons that have requested the implementation of credit in the last few days as this national introduction will apply across all prisons (including those privately managed).
  • HR Update 20/12  – The Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Regulations have been temporarily changed, allowing employees to self-certificate for up to 28 days (previously 7 days) when they are sick, starting from 10 December 2021 through to 26 January 2022. This is to help quickly maximise GP capacity to support the coronavirus booster campaign.
    • This is a temporary change limited to the extension of the self-certification period, and employees must still notify their manager if they are unwell and will be absent from work, in the usual way.
    • So for any sickness absence which began on or after 10 December 2021, employees are able to self-certify for the first 28 days, and no medical evidence, such as a fit note, is required until after 28 days of absence.
    • This is a strictly time-limited change and will end on 26 January 2022. The self-certification period will revert to 7 days for any sickness absences which begin on or after 27 January 2022.
    • FAQs are available via the above link.
  • 21/12: Gold Brief published relating to Understanding Staff Vaccination Rates in Prisons which gives guidance in how to and reiterates the importance of registering a vaccination on SOP. This guidance has now been rescinded, please see update below.
  • 21/12: Compartmentalisation: Addendum to the V6 cohorting and compartmentalisation guidance published. The purpose of this addendum is to provide some additional guidance to support sites in the delivering of v6. Early evidence suggests there may be a risk that Omicron may spread more easily over longer distances by aerosol transmission leading to rapid transmission and outbreaks in prisons – this briefing provides guidance on applying key principles whilst continuing to fulfil our requirement to utilise capacity and serve the courts.
  • 21/12: Safety: 1. Listener Schemes: The latest guidance has been published on working with Samaritans to continue the operation of Listener schemes to provide support for prisoners.
  • 2. Wellbeing and distraction materials:  During this festive period you may wish to provide prisoners with Distraction Packs, Wellbeing activities and materials that can support their general wellbeing. Many sites may have some materials already and we have compiled a list for you – but we hope that the information provided can be used alongside existing materials to help you support all of those in our care.  There are a number of translated Distraction Packs available – if you require a pack please email @Poynton, Sarah with your request.
  • 22/12: Changes to self-isolation in England: A notice has been published to advise prisons on changes to self-isolation periods for COVID-19 positive cases. The notice can be read here and found on the Contact Tracing Leads Page.
  • 22/12: Christmas Catering Contingencies. Information on Catering and Breakfast Contingency provisions are available here
  • 22/12: Functional Mail Box: COVID19.ORegimesOpsGuidance1@justice.gov.uk will not be monitored over the Christmas period from 25-28 December. However, should you need anything urgent, a telephone number will be included in the Out of Office message.
  • 23/12: Mandatory COVID-19 Staff Testing: Policy introducing and explaining mandatory COIVD-19 staff testing has been published which must be enacted as soon as possible in all prisons and approved premises.
  • 23/12: Clarity on repeat testing

For routine testing, individuals who have had a positive PCR in the last 90 days are exempt from PCR and LFD testing

For contacts of a positive Covid19 case (i.e. those who are undertaking DCT, DTCC or RMT for Wales) who have tested positive in the last 90 days- there is a need to find out if they are positive and currently infectious so the 90 day exemption does not apply- they can test using LFDs but should not test using PCR tests within the 90 day period. However, if any LFD is positive, they should confirm this with a PCR test. If new symptoms develop during this 90-day period; the individual is to isolate and medical advice is to be sought.

The 90-day exemption does not apply for those who have tested positive and want to test with LFD on day 6 and day 7 in order to leave isolation.

If someone cannot take a test for medical reasons they will need to provide written evidence from a medical professional.

Testing can continue even when a COVID19 vaccine or booster has recently been administered.

  • 23.12: Staff and Prisoner Testing. Staff testing manual and annexes (G10 and Workplace Asymptomatic Test Site + DCT SOP) updated to reflect introduction of mandatory staff testing.
  • Vaccinations Update & Testing Survey Christmas Live Dates:

On 20th December we issued guidance entitled Understanding Staff Vaccination Rates in Prisons. This instructed establishments to ask staff on entry into the establishment to disclose their vaccination status.

This instruction has been rescinded today following feedback from Governors/PGDs and recognised Trade Unions. We will take the opportunity to consult further and build on the learning from this feedback before taking next steps in this regard. In the meantime, please encourage all to engage in the testing regimes and to access vaccines/boosters to keep themselves, their colleagues, and our prisons safe.

Also, a decision has been made to keep the testing survey live over the festive period. We encourage for this to be completed, so that we have an accurate picture of mitigations at sites, to assist informing decisions at Heat Map Panel next week. The survey guidance distributed to HRLs and Governors can be found here.

  • 23/12: Note published on Reception requirements in prisons due to Court opening times over the Christmas and New Year’s period.

WC 13/12/21

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 13/12: Outbreak declared over at Forest Bank, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Long Lartin, Holme House, Send and Garth, go Red. Warren Hill, Lindeholme and Ranby added to the Watchlist. Long Lartin, Usk, Prescoed, Wealstun and Garth removed from the Watchlist. 14/12: Forest Bank, Stanford Hill, Usk, Prescoed, Guys Marsh, Stoke Heath, Wakefield, Haverigg, Hollesley Bay, Thameside and Wealstun added to the Watchlist. Leicester and Wormwood Scrubs removed from the Watchlist. 15/12: Oubreak declared at Durham, Wormwood Scrubs and Coldingley go Red. North Sea Camp added to the Watchlist. Durham and Wakefield removed from the Watchlist. 16/12: Outbreak declared closed at Leeds and Werrington, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap panel. Outbreak declared at Feltham B, stays Red. Morton Hall, Aylesbury, Woodhill, Downview, Hatfield and Brinsford added to the Watchlist. Swansea removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 17/12: Forest Bank, Rochester, Leeds and Werrington go Amber. Aylesbury, Grendon, Leicester, Liverpool, Springhill, Thameside, Risley and Low Newton go Red. 17/12: Outbreak declared at Cookham Wood, Risley and Rochester go Red. Leeds, Werrington and Liverpool added to the Watchlist. Rochester, Kirkham and Hatfield removed from the Watchlist.
  • 13/12: Updated Covid-19 Corporate Risk Assessment. The purpose of this RA is to record COVID-19 as a new hazard and to acknowledge the associated risks and control measures required to keep people as safe as reasonably practicable in the workplace.
  • 14/12: Updates to Plan B and Winter Guidance: Gold Briefing on Return of Stage 2 and Social distancing due to Omicron Risk published on Plan B and Winter guidance page, in addition to Guidance on use of oximeters in prisons, and Version 4 of Ventilation Guidance in Prisons and Approved Premises during COVID-19. This Operating Conditions Guidance has been updated to consider where CO2 monitoring and use of air cleaning devices may be appropriate.

  • 15/12: Staff and Prisoner testing – Staff testing manual and annexes (G1, G2, G3, G5, G7, G8, H1, H3, H4, H9, B16, B17 and SOP) updated to reflect changes to guidance on the omicron variant, bringing testing in line with other COVID variant testing requirements.
  • 15/12: FRSM facemask supplies: Five million additional facemasks have been ordered and will be received on the w/c 20 December. There will be a contingent reserve of twelve million masks (this being more than enough for all staff, prisoners, visitors and probation until the next order on 17 January). If deliveries of additional FRSMs are required for the Christmas period, Branston (providing) have advised that they must be informed by 17th December. After that, if matters escalate over the Christmas period and a further delivery is needed, please contact COVID-19PPEQueries [HMPS] covid.19ppequeries@justice.gov.uk
  • 16/12: Updates to Plan B and Winter Guidance: Gold Guidance Package issued through Gold and via global email. Guidance package consists of; Testing and Isolation Communications v8, Prison Leavers COVID Release Planning and Discharge to the Community v5, with checklist, Gold Brief on COVID positive treatments for CEV prisoners and an Update on Regime Mitigations.
  • 17/12: Document retention advice: Please find attached advice on the retention of COVID related documentation for HQ staff, PGD offices and Governors.
  • 17/12: Wellbeing Fund: As referenced in the updated regime mitigations notice, we are reintroducing the £10 wellbeing fund per prisoner for Governors to put towards resources and materials for prisoners’ mental health and wellbeing over the festive and new year period, which can be a particularly difficult time in prison.  The attached letter and supporting documents provide more information and examples of items that were purchased earlier in the year.  Please note, the wellbeing fund is only available for the rest of this financial year.  Also, there is no approvals process, instead prisons should purchase the items as an approved overspend.
  • 17/12: Plan B and Winter Guidance: Updates to Plan B and Winter Guidance Page. Further to the update on testing requirements for ROR which went live on 09/12/21, a Gold Briefing has been published which extends this requirement for mandatory testing of those on ROTL to all types of ROTL releases.  This change goes live from 20th December and all establishments delivering ROTL are asked to familiarise themselves with the contents of the guidance. This briefing also captures the guidance around the delivery of ROTL over the festive period, including guidance on licence requirements. 

  • Gold Briefing published which communicates the change to testing guidance for Social Visitors to require that ALL social visitors must now be required to provide evidence of a negative LFD test as a condition of entry. This applies to all visitors with the exceptions of children under 12 and those who can provide evidence of medical reasons why they cannot take a test.  Establishments are asked to implement this change as soon as possible, communicating locally the cut-off point where visitors will not be admitted without a negative test and this must be no later than 27th December 2021. This briefing provides an update to the testing guidance to support this change alongside a range of communications materials to support the publication of this change to staff, prisoners and their families.  Please don’t post on social media about this yet, we will send an updated global with social media assets and messaging. This is because we want to make sure GOV.UK pages and call centres are updated to avoid confusion for families and friends as much as possible. Notices to Staff, Prisoners and Letter to Families published.
  • 17/12: Staff and Prisoner Testing: Updates to Staff and Prisoner Testing Manuals to cover ROTL updates and Social Visits Testing Guidance. Annexes A1, B13, and G1 updated.

WC 06/12/21

  • Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 06/12: Outbreak declared at Maidston goes Red. Lowdham Grange, Cardiff and Onley added to the Watchlist. Maidstone, Pentonville, Garth, Liverpool, Ranby, Askham Grange, North Sea Camp and Hollesley Bay removed from the Watchlist. 07/12: Outbreak declared at East Wood Park and Onley, goes Red. Stoke Heath and Rochester added to the Watchlist. East Wood Park and Onley removed from the Watchlist. 08/12: Outbreak declared over at Hindley and Brinsford, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Bullingdon and Birmingham both go Red. Pentonville, Hewell and Oakwood added to the Watchlist. Bullingdon, Chelmsford, Humber and Birmingham removed from the Watchlist. 09/12: Outbreak declared at Erlestoke, Norwich and Pentonville, go Red. Full Sutton, Chelmsford, Long Lartin, Humber and Grendon added to the Watchlist. Pentonville, Norwich, Erlestoke, Woodhill and Drake Hall removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 10/12: Chelmsford, Coldingley, Durham, Forest Bank, Guys Marsh and Manchester go Red. Askham Grange, Buckley Hall, Bure, Cookham Wood, Hatfield, Haverigg, Hollesley Bay, Huntercombe, Leyhill, Lindholme, Morton Hall, North Sea Camp, Prescoed, Send, Standford Hill, Stoke Heath, Usk, Verne, Warren Hill and Wetherby go Amber. 10/12: Outbreak declared over at Whitemoor, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Berwyn, Swinfen Hall and Morton Hall, go Red. Huntercombe, Preston and Leicester added to the Watchlist. Berwyn, Morton Hall, Swinfen Hall, Stoke Heath and Thameside removed from the Watchlist.

The decisions made at today’s panel mean that the whole estate is now RAG rated as a minimum of AMBER which means that reverse cohorting MUST occur following ALL transfers. Reverse Cohorting Periods can continue to be reduced from 14 days where a prisoner consents to take part in testing, and the importance of taking part in testing both pre and post transfer must be reinforced to all prisoners given the increased risk picture.

  • 07/12: Christmas and New Year Covid-19 reporting requirements: This note provides guidance on the requirement for Prisons, The Probation Service and Directorates / Business Units to submit COVID19 reporting data over the Christmas and New Year period. The note sets out when returns are due and provides advice on local spreadsheet maintenance through the extended breaks.
  • 09/12: Plan B and Winter Guidance page published: Version 8 of all SOPs have been published, in edition to Plan B and Winter Guidance page linked above, which has within it a Gold Briefing on new variant (Omicron), Plan B and the National Framework, Seasonal Management of Communicable Diseases handbook, and a new ROTL briefing for December 2021.
  • 09/12: Joint letter on omicron variant testing vaccination:  Joint letter from HMPPS, NHS England and UKHSA published which focuses on COVID-19 this winter and the Omicron variant. A previous version of this letter was published with the incorrect date earlier in the week, so please note that this has been corrected.
  • 09/12: Use of Disposable Gloves Within The Prison & Probation Environment: Within prison and probation there are a number of general operational tasks (close contact activities) that require the use of disposable gloves for example;
  • Staff visits tasks such as searching, patrolling
  • Routine and targeted searching
  • AFCS which involve staff handling and touching hard surfaces within the room
  • General cleaning (refer to cleaning guidelines, Covid 19 Infection Control Measures)
  • Escort duties
  • Hospital bed watch or dental treatment escort
  • 1st aid treatment
  • Unplanned interventions, for example, assaults, fights, self-harm where close contact with others is unavoidable.

As a result of the Global pandemic we would like to remind colleagues at this current time  should gloves be needed for tasks such as above, should be ordered from the COVID stock supplied via the COVID 19 PPE Hubs and not through Business as Usual routes.

If you have any further queries please contact the COVID PPE FMB;

covid.19ppequeries@justice.gov.uk

  • 09/12: HR COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice for staff – HMPPS Intranet (gsi.gov.uk) – Summary update of the changes to HR guidance confirmed in regards to the Omicron variant being active. Please note that this guidance does not reflect the Plan B restrictions which commence implementation with effect from the 10th December 2021, this page also provides the latest Operational guidance from HMPPS, for each area of our services.
  • 10/12: Staff and Prisoner testing – Testing manuals and annexes (H11,H4, H3, B16, B17 and SOP) updated to reflect changes to guidance in light of the omicron variant.

The most recent update to Government guidelines state that anyone notified by NHS Test and Trace (or HMPPS Contact Tracing) that they are a contact of a suspected or confirmed Omicron case must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of their age, vaccination status or any negative test results or whether they are a household or non-household contact. The entire household of a suspected or confirmed Omicron positive case must isolate.

Governors should work to ensure understanding of and compliance with the testing programs to limit unnecessary isolation periods. RMT (England and Wales) and DCT (England only) in prisons will continue for non-Omicron contacts, to allow staff to continue to work following identification of a contact with a positive case. However, all contacts of suspected or confirmed Omicron cases must self-isolate as soon as they become aware, regardless of their age or vaccination status and so DCT or RMT cannot be used. Individuals will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace or HMPPS Contact Tracing if they are linked to a suspected or confirmed Omicron case.

WC 29/11/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 29/11: Outbreak declared over at Hewell and Leicester, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Oakhill, Usk, Prescoed, Portland, Eastwood Park, Hollesley Bay and Drake Hall added to the Watchlist. Low Newton, Wetherby, Woodhill, Oakwood, Manchester, Preston, Rochester, Thorn Cross, Wakefield and Sudbury removed from the Watchlist. 30/11: Outbreak declared over at Lincoln, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Outbreak declared at Ashfield and Isis goes Red. Manchester, Wetherby, Highpoint and New Hall added to the Watchlist. Ashfield, Isis, Eastwood Park, Holme House and Drake Hall removed from the Watchlist. 01/12 and 02/12: Outbreak declared at Exeter, Sudbury and Portland goes Red. Lincoln, Woodhill, Liverpool, Morton Hall (IRC), Eastwood Park, Drake Hall and Leicester added to the Watchlist. Oakhill, Exeter and Portland removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 03/12: Hindley, Cardiff, Hewell, Lincoln, Rochester, Whitemoor and Rye Hill go Amber. Wayland goes Red. 03/12: Outbreak declared at Featherstone, goes RED. Outbreak declared over at Cardiff, RAG determined as Amber at Heatmap Panel. Swinfen Hall, Garth, Leyhill and Erlestoke added to the Watchlist. Featherstone and Leicester removed from the Watchlist.

  • 26/11 Staff and Prisoner testing update – The platform where you would normally access the Staff and Prisoner Testing guidance has been updated. The HMPPS Testing Team have undertaken a consolidation exercise to bring together the majority of the current testing documents and are pleased to be able to share with you two consolidated Testing Manuals for Staff and Prisoners (and children) for immediate use. Having all the information you need in one place will help you to navigate around the sections with ease. 

Most of this information is not new and will be familiar and already part of the testing routine but SPOCs should now review the version control pages on both documents to pick up the latest updates which cover new ROTL process , Recording transfer tests on PERs and  updated advice for registration of DCT results. Any updates that are released will be clearly marked in the relevant sections. You should use these manuals going forwards and changes will be highlighted through weekly comms.

All annexes have been reviewed/updated and duplicates have been removed. Because of this, you may find that annexes that you use frequently have been renamed. A spreadsheet of the changes has been provided to help you to identify the correct annex.

Please note two sets of testing guidance sit outside of these manuals- Test for Contact (Visits Testing) and Outbreak Mass Testing guidance documents- these remain live on this site.

If you have any difficulty, please contact HMPPSTesting@justice.gov.uk for advice.

  • 03/12 Learning Briefings – Learning Briefing published which shares learning from recent outbreaks across the estate including at HMP Wymott. This briefing has been developed based on learning captured by the Outbreak Control team, PGD and the establishment and is shared to support other establishments ahead of the winter period.

WC 22/11/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 22/11: Outbreak declared at HMP Lewes goes Red. Outbreak declared over at HMP Thameside, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Littlehey, Exeter, Bure, Ford, Isis, Low Newton, Deerbolt, Pentonville, Leyhill and Preston added to the Watchlist. North Sea Camp removed from the Watchlist. 23/11: Outbreak declared at Bronzefield, Littlehey, Swaleside, Wandsworth, Winchester and Ford, all go Red. Berwyn, Brimingham, Woodhill, Thorn Cross, Thameside and Hollesley Bay added to the Watchlist. Wandsworth, Leyhill, Bronzefield, Swaleside, Bure, Deerbolt and Gartree removed from the Watchlist. 24/11: Outbreak declared at Werrington goes Red. Outbreak declared over at Swansea, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. North Sea Camp, Chelmsford and Askham Grange added to the Watchlist. Werrington, Aylesbury, Low Newton, Woodhill and Huntercombe removed from the Watchlist. 25/11: Outbreak declared at Bedford and Altcourse both go Red. Bure and Featherstone added to the Watchlist. Altcourse, Full Sutton, Hollseley Bay, Leyhill, Lindholme and Moorland removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 26/11: Thameside, Ashfield, Brinsford and Leicester go Amber. Lindholme goes Green. 26/11: Woodhill, Low Newton, Moorland, Swansea and Bristol added to the Watchlist. Eastwood park, Lowdham Grange, New Hall, Usk and Prescoed removed from the Watchlist.

  • ROTL Update 26/11– Briefing published which updates the guidance around Resettlement Overnight Release (ROR). This briefing includes the introduction of the requirement for mandatory testing of prisoners following ROR and amendment to the guidance around self-isolation during ROR to require that positive prisoners return to the establishment. All establishments facilitating ROTL are requested to read this guidance. The changes published come into action on 09.12.21.

WC 15/11/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 15/11: Outbreak declared at Stafford, goes Red. Lewes and Lowdham Grange added to the Watchlist. Ashfield, Bure, Channings Wood, Kirkham, Manchester, Pentonville and Portland removed from the Watchlist. 16/11: Outbreak declared at Isle of Wight and Gartree, goes Red. Werrington, Channings Wood, Holme House, Kirkham, Manchester, Full Sutton, Ashfield and Rochester added to the Watchlist. Bristol, Elmley and Exeter removed from the Watchlist. 17/11: Elmley added to the Watchlist. Ashfield and Featherstone removed from the Watchlist. 18/11: Highpoint added to the Watchlist. Aylesbury removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 19/11: Outbreak declared at Northumberland goes Red. Wayland, Oakhill and Manchester go Amber. Hatfield goes Green. 19/11: Outbreak declared at Whatton goes Red. Ashfield, Wormwood Scrubs, Aylesbury, Wetherby and North Sea Camp added to the Watchlist. Whatton and Northumberland removed from the Watchlist.

  • Testing Update 19/11 – Following feedback and learning from the recent outbreak at HMP Wymott, we are reviewing our documents and guides for delivering Outbreak Testing, either using local resources or an External Workforce. These will be shared next week and will provide more clarity on the steps that need to be taken and the implications of each testing method.

In the meantime, please contact the Testing Team @ HMPPSTesting@justice.gov.uk for advice and support if you need to complete Outbreak Testing in your establishment.

  • Engagement with Health Protection Teams Update 19/11 –

Engagement with Health Protection Teams:  We continue to receive reports from UKHSA of strong engagement and good joint working with public health partners.  However it is important that establishments seek advice from Health Protection if they are considering responsive interventions, such as large scale testing.  UKHSA welcome a pro-active approach by prisons to emerging issues, and are keen to continue to provide advice and support. 

New Guidance:  Telephone reporting of Illness / Injury.  From today we are asking establishments to make reports through the Single Incident Line for new incidents of some communicable diseases where the incident appears to meet the definition of an outbreak.

Ordinarily individual cases of notifiable diseases detected in prisons should not normally be reported to headquarters through the single incident line unless they meet the criteria below:   

Illness/Injury – if threat to security/control, likely to attract publicity or need immediate reporting to Ministers. 

Exceptionally, however, during winter 21/22 notifiable disease incidents should be telephone reported through the single incident line if: 

  • Prison staff are aware through local surveillance & reporting of any instances of respiratory disease (including Covid-19, influenza and tuberculosis); diarrhoea / vomiting; or skin rashes, affecting people who live or work in the prison, where the incident appears to meet the definition of an outbreak of communicable disease.

And 

  • The incident is a new development not already being managed.   

If several new cases of Covid-19 are detected following a period where none have been detected, or following the closure of an outbreak, a report should be made to HMPPS.  

New cases which appear to be part of an existing outbreak should not be telephone reported to HMPPS.  

Outbreak Definitions 

An outbreak is defined as:  

  • an incident in which two or more people experiencing a similar infectious illness are linked in time/place 
  • a greater than expected rate of infection compared with the usual background rate for the place and time where the outbreak has occurred 
  • a single case for certain rare diseases such as diphtheria, botulism, rabies, viral haemorrhagic fever (such as Ebola Virus) or polio 

A Covid-19 Outbreak is defined as:   

  • 2 or more prisoners or detainees or staff in the Prison or Place of Detention who meet the case definition for COVID-19 or have a positive test result and among whom transmission was likely to have occurred within a 14-day period. 

WC 08/11/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 08/11 and 09/11: Outbreak declared at Brixton goes Red. Outbreak declared over at Drake Hall, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. New Hall, Manchester, Swaleside and Whatton added to the Watchlist. Coldingley, Long Lartin and Swinfen Hall removed from the Watchlist. 10/11: Outbreak declared at Buckley Hall goes Red. Drake Hall, Littlehey and Werrington added to the Watchlist. The Verne, Deerbolt, Bedford and Buckley Hall removed from the Watchlist. 11/11: Outbreak declared at Foston Hall and The Mount, goes Red. Gartree, Isle of Wight, Bronzefield, Ashfield and Northumberland added to the Watchlist. Highpoint, Lewes, Littlehey and Haverigg removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 12/11: Grendon, Drake Hall, Forest Hall, Bedford, Lindholme and Moorland go Amber. 12/11: Outbreak declared at Hull. Outbreak declared over at Grendon, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Aylesbury added to the Watchlist. Hull, Werrington, Chelmsford and Drake Hall removed from the Watchlist.

• Gold Briefings – 05/11: Letter outlining the recording of Regime Data in Adult Prisons.

• Covid-19 HMPPS HR Updated Guidance (v20) and FAQ – 10/11: Please see updated HR guidance and FAQ from HMPPS.

• Adjudications Guidance – 11/11: Update on preparing for virtual IA hearings, FAQs on IA Laptop Hearings and an updated Flow Chart. These documents have been updated to reflect that every prison now has their own laptop for the purpose of virtual Independent Adjudications.

• Transfer testing – 12/11: Recent outbreak analysis has highlighted that there is some evidence of transmission of COVID-19 between establishments. It is therefore critical that establishments continue to encourage prisoners to partake in pre-transfer testing. The guidance (COVID-19 Reception/RCU, Court, ROTL, Transfer& Release LFD Testing) on facilitating this can be found by following the link. Establishments are also reminded that Prisoner Self Collect Testing may be used for planned transfers where it is risk assessed as suitable. Previously, on transfer, prisons were only required to record any positive transfer tests on the prisoner’s PER for transfer. Prisons are now being asked to include full information on the prisoner’s PER to communicate the result of the test taken ahead of transfer i.e. positive, negative, declined.

This will be updated in the next version of the operational guidance

WC 01/11/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 01/11: Lewes and Hatfield added to the Watchlist. Hollesley Bay, Stafford, Rochester, Low Newton, Highpoint and The Mount removed from the Watchlist. 02/11: Outbreak declared at Dovegate, Drake Hall and Hindley goes red. Portland, Norwich, Long Lartin, Leyhill, Littlehey, Wandsworth, New Hall, Werrington, Holme House, Deerbolt, Highpoint, The Mount and Kirklevington Grange added to the Watchlist. Berwyn, Hatfield, Northumberland, Oakhill, Oakwood, The Verne and Dovegate removed from the Watchlist. 03/11: Outbreak declared at Nottingham. Berwyn, Liverpool, Styal and Preston added to the Watchlist. Nottingham, Birmingham, Holme House, Leyhill, Littlehey, Manchester and The Mount removed from the Watchlist. 04/11: Outbreak declared at Leeds and Styal goes red. Outbreak closed at Bullingdon, RAG rating to be determined at next Heatmap panel. The Verne, Oakwood, Hatfield, Maidstone and Coldingley added to the Watchlist. New Hall, Wetherby, Deerbolt, Woodhill, Buckley Hall, Preston and Styal removed from the Watchlist. Heatmap Panel 05/11: Outbreak declared at Doncaster and Rye Hill, both go Red. Cookham Wood, Portland and Northumberland go Green. Ranby and Bullingdon go Amber. Hull and Peterborough go Red. 05/11: Outbreak declared over at IOW, RAG to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Stafford, Deerbolt, Bullingdon, Chelmsford, Buckley Hall, Holme House and Huntercombe added to the watchlist. Doncaster, Rye Hill, Styal, Eastwood Park, Morton Hall, Whatton and Kirklevington Grange removed from the Watchlist.

• Safety – 01/11: Guidance on use of emergency codes removed as the position on this has now reverted to the policy.

• Travel Abroad Guidance for Staff – 02/11: Updated travel abroad guidance and FAQs for staff.

• Stage 1 – 02/11: Regime FAQ updated to remove incorrect infromation around RCU following Inter-Prison Transfer. Please be aware that currently the guidance remains in place that prisoners must be isolated in line with the transfer risk assessment (heatmap) process following transfer.

• HR – 04/11: Please see republished guidance  around annual leave carry over and the working time directive.

Staff should apply for leave in the normal way but if their manager is unable to approve this due to the coronavirus pandemic, they will be allowed under the Working Time (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 to carry forward into their next leave year and if necessary their leave year after that (i.e. their leave year containing 31 March 2022), part or all of the 4 weeks statutory annual leave to which they are entitled but were not reasonably able to take as a consequence of the pandemic.

It remains the responsibility of employees to seek to take their annual leave entitlement during this period and employees should continue to be encouraged to do so to help make sure they take appropriate rest from work (in line with the Working Time Directive, ACAS guidance and the MoJ Annual Leave Policy – links below), and the department has a duty of care to support the physical and mental wellbeing of staff in this way.   

Business areas may however on a case by case basis, allow employees to cancel pre-booked annual leave where it is not reasonably practicable to take this, further to discussion with their line manager and taking account of the individual’s personal circumstances and wellbeing, to be used later in the year or carried forward if necessary.

It will be for staff and line managers to agree where the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the reason for leave not being taken or pre-booked leave being cancelled and how that can be addressed during the remaining portion of their annual leave year or carried over, up to the maximum 4 weeks allowed under the terms of the Working Time Directive’s temporary provision. 

The usual factors for considering future annual leave requests continue to apply e.g. business needs, requests from others etc, and where staff leave has not been impacted by the pandemic the normal MoJ Annual Leave policy carry over arrangements continue. Staff on paid special leave should continue to take annual leave during this period.

• Government Guidance

• ACAS Guidance

• Annual Leave Intranet Page

• Social Visits 05/11: V2 of social visits briefing covering service delivery and controls in social visits at each regime stage published. This revised version has been updated to include information queried by establishments including policy on the number of social visitors allowed, property and the length of visits. Prior to the publication of this briefing, social visitor numbers were limited as per the EDM to maximum of 2 adults and a child. This was due to the limitations on household mixing and social distancing. At stages 3 and 2, visitor numbers will still be limited to 3, however establishments will now be able to permit 3 adult visitors. At Stage 1, establishments can refer to the pre-existing policy guidance when planning their delivery.

The most significant change is the change in the isolation requirement for fully vaccinated contacts of positive household cases in Wales from 29 October 2021

Following the most recent Covid rules review in Wales, changes are being made to self-isolation rules. Until now, any fully vaccinated person in a household with someone who tests positive or has symptoms, did not need to self-isolate unless they had symptoms or a positive test themselves. Now, the new Welsh Government guidance states that those who are fully vaccinated must self-isolate until they have received a negative PCR test if someone in their household has symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19.

W/C 25/10/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 25/10: Outbreak declared at Wymott, goes red. Featherstone, Usk/Prescoed, Channings Wood, Bure and Low Newton added to the Watchlist. Moorland, Brinsford, Wealstun, Wakefield, Bristol and Wymott removed from the Watchlist.  26/10: Outbreak declared at Leeds. Wealstun, Rye Hill, Brinsford and Humber added to the Watchlist. Buckley Hall, Lindholme, Norwich, Oakhill and Wormwood Scrubs removed from the Watchlist. 27/10: Outbreak declared at Stocken, goes red. Outbreak declared closed at Preston, RAG status to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Exeter added to the Watchlist. Brinsford, The Verne and Feltham A&B removed from the Watchlist. 28/10: Outbreak declared at Brinsford, goes red. Outbreak declared closed at Cookham Wood, RAG status to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Brixton, Oakhill, Rochester, The Verne, Kirkham, Feltham A&B, Werrington, Bristol, Ford and Woodhill added to the Watchlist. Holme House, Low Newton and Full Sutton removed from the Watchlist. 29/10 Heatmap Panel: Dovegate goes red. Norwich goes amber. 29/10: Outbreak declared at Feltham A, goes red. Moorland, Drake Hall, Haverigg, Buckley Hall, Stafford and Low Newton added to the Watchlist. Feltham, Leyhill, Garth and Werrington removed from the Watchlist.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing: Two changes made to Gold Brief PRMT and Prisoner Self Collect Testing (27/08/21); 1. New fact sheet for MP Bio test kits as annex L (In HMPPS Prisoner Self Collect LFD Operational Guidance). 2. Update in Annex M- Prisoner Risk Mitigation (PRMT) testing guidance (V0.4) to clarify who may be subject to isolation rules.

• Gold Briefing – Capacity Contingency Options and the Lock-Out Process – 25/10

W/C 18/10/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 18/10: Dovegate, Highpoint, Bedford, Rye Hill, Swinfen Hall and Leyhill added to the Watchlist. Long Lartin, Feltham, Weeington, Wealstun and Whatton removed from the Watchlist. 19/10: Outbreaks declared at Belmarsh and Lincoln, both already Red. Outbreak closed at Pentonville, RAG status to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Eastwood Park,Wakefield, Feltham, Hollesley Bay, The Mount, Askham Grange and Whatton added to the Watchlist. Lincoln, Belmarsh, Rye Hill, Featherstone, Swinfen Hall, The Verne and Kirklevington Grange removed from the Watchlist. 20/10: Outbreak closed at Lowdham Grange, RAG status to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Pentonville, Garth, Rye Hill, Wormwood Scrubs and Doncaster added to the Watchlist. Leyhill, Littlehey and Stocken removed from the Watchlist. 21/10: Outbreaks closed at Aylesbury and Northumberland, RAG ratings to be determined at next Heatmap panel. Outbreak opened at Cardiff, goes Red. Stocken, Wealstun, Leyhill, Oakhill, Lowdham Grange, Hull, The Verne and Buckley Hall added to the Watchlist. Cardiff, Rye Hill, New Hall and Askham Grange removed from the Watchlist. 22/10 Heatmap Panel:Aylesbury, Lowdham Grange, Northumberland, Pentonville, Swaleside and Elmley go Amber. Leeds and Nottingham go Red. 22/10: Outbreak declared at Whitemoor, goes Red. Northumberland, Onley, Holme House and Brinsford added to the Watchlist. Whitemoor, Winchester and Lowdham Grange removed from the Watchlist.

• Stage 1 – 22/10 – Stage 1 Regime FAQ document published. The purpose of this is to give clarification on points raised during PGD/Governor workshops. Contained in the document is a list of the most common questions which have been asked during regular engagements/workshops with PGD’s & Governors. Answers/guidance to address the questions and provide clarity. If there are any additional questions you think should be added to this document then please email:paul.archer1@justice.gov.uk 

• Vaccinations – 22/10 – The HMPPS Vaccination Team recently completed a piece of work which looked into how establishments could improve the number of staff completing their vaccination status on SOP. They have now produced a best practice document with the help of HMP Nottingham to assist establishments going forward. As a result of their work HMP Nottingham have been very successful in engaging staff and have seen results which are well above the overall establishment averages. The linked document sets out the steps taken and can be used as a guide for other establishments.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 22/10 – Further to information about an incident a testing laboratory in Wolverhampton that has resulted in people recieveing incorrect test results, we have been informed that 53 sites have been affected by 4186 tests. All affected sites have been contacted and are advised to contact the testing team for any further information.

• PPE – 22/10 – Prison PPE supply and ordering of disposable gloves and aprons for business as usual tasks.

There are large central stocks of nitrile gloves and disposable aprons for BAU use held at NDC Branston, sourced in bulk earlier in the pandemic to cover for supplier shortages.

Establishments are advised these items should be ordered on SOP from Branston via the Branston i-proc catalogue and not ordered via the Arco portal until further notice.

When placing the order search the i-proc catalogue for the codes listed below:

Product codes;

Disposable Nitrile Gloves – EN374:5:2016

Unit price £10:50 per box of 100

  • Medium – item 7065
  • Large –     item 7066
  • X Large – item 7067

Disposable Aprons  – Overhead loop apron with back waist ties, suitable for use in i.e. food production areas / healthcare to shield clothing from stains caused by splashing and dirt in the workplace.

Unit price zero,  per pack of 1000

  • White Disposable  – item 7061
  • Red Disposable    – item 7062

It is worth noting there are no caps on these products, please order as required.

Reminder

  • The COVID PPE hub will continue to supply gloves and aprons to meet the appropriate requirements for use in-line with COVID SOP’s .

Please direct any queries related to the above to the following email;  Health-Safety.national@justice.gov.uk

W/C 11/10/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:11/10: Littlehey, Exeter, Bristol and Winchester added to the watchlist. Dovegate and Swinfen Hall removed from the Watchlist. 12/10: Moorland, Wymott, Norwich, Swinfen Hall, Leyhill, Wealstun and Kirklevington Grange added to the Watchlist. Drake Hall and Hull removed from the Watchlist. 13/10: Outbreaks closed at Highpoint, Maidstone and The Mount close, RAG statuses to be reviewed at next Heatmap Panel. Exeter Feltham and The Verne removed from the Watchlist. 14/10:Outbreak at Altcourse closed RAG status to be reviewed at next Heatmap Panel. The Verne and Whatton added to the Watchlist. Leyhill removed from the Watchlist. 15/10 Heatmap Panel: Spinghill moves to Amber following confirmation that the outbreak is contained to Grendon. Altcourse goes Amber. Leyhill and Askham Grange go green. Hull and Isis go Amber. Lincoln, Long Lartin, Belmarsh and Feltham go Red. 15/10:Altcourse, Manchester, Feltham and Werrington added to the Watchlist. Swinfen Hall removed from the Watchlist.

• Gold Briefings – 12/10: Gold briefing published which provides guidance around return to work options for HMPPS staff following close contact with a positive Covid case, and shares an expectation that staff who have been notified by NHS Test and Trace will return to their workplaces if they are eligible to do so and if they cannot work from home

• Offending Behaviour Programmes – 13/10:COVID Guidance has been designed to assist colleagues in the delivery of OBP programmes. This was developed to specify the differing arrangements at the stage positions in prisons.

• Safety – 15/10: Following a death in custody in March, Phil Copple, Director General of Prisons wrote to all prison group directors and governors, asking for local reviews of safety and risk assessment processes. Given the potential for staff moves, this guidance has been re-shared with supporting comms materials for staff (posters, briefngs and infromation notices). Establishments are asked to share these with staff in areas such as reception, visits, video and offender management units.

• Cross Site Working – 15/10: Version 4 of the Cross Site Working Guidance published. This version updates the language away away from the previous position that cross site working should only occur in exceptional circumstances, and towards a position that is accepting that as prisons progress through the National Framework, cross site working will become more normalised and the focus must be on staff doing this safely and engaging with all available controls. The guidance has also been refreshed in line with developments around staff testing since the last version was issued. This includes the rollout of DCT and RMT allowing staff to return to work following contact with a  positive case.

• CEV staff – 15/10: Further to the update published last week regarding shielding in prisons, establishments are kindly reminded that the carrying out and review of risk assessments, continues to be an important part of supporting our staff in returning to their roles after periods of absence and also providing on-going assessment of the roles and areas that they work in after return. Managers and staff are reminded that as per the linked guidance, risk assessments must be reviewed at regular intervals (every 4 weeks and sooner if circumstances change). Additional advice is available from Health and Safety and HR colleagues, who will be happy to assist if needed. Occupational Health can also assist with reviews where appropriate and their help-line can provide guidance on the referral process. Additional guidance is also available on My HUB.

• Deployment of Non-Operational Staff – Please note that the NTS 04/2020 regarding the deployment of Non-Operational Staff during COVID-19 has now been rescinded

W/C 04/10/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:04/10: Outbreaks closed at Oakwood and Ranby, RAG statuses to be discussed at Friday panel. Liverpool and New Hall added to the watchlist. Wormwood Scrubs, Parc, Werrington, Exeter, Bedford, Wandsworth, Nottingham, Berwyn and Birmingham removed from the Watchlist. 05/10: Whitemoor, Featherstone, Long Lartin, Werrington, Oakwood , Ranby , Swinfen Hall and Parc added to the Watchlist. Wymott removed from the Watchlist. 06/10: Usk added to the Watchlist. Doncaster and Hull removed fromt the Watchlist. 07/10: Outbreak closed at Lewes, RAG statuses to be discussed at Friday panel. Outbreak opened at Parc, goes Red. Stocken, Birmingham and Nottingham added to the Watchlist. Parc removed from the Watchlist. 08/10 Heatmap Panel: Cookham Wood, Maidstone, Leyhill, Preston and Full Sutton move to Amber. 08/10: Outbreaks closed at Leyhill and Norwich, RAG ratings to be determined at next heatmap panel. Outbreak closed at Woodhill, moves to Amber following panel agreement in correspondance. Wetherby, Berwyn and Hull added to the Watchlist. Werrington, Liverpool and Usk/Prescoed removed from the Watchlist.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 08/10: The HMPPS Testing team have reported that an increased number of void PCR tests are being reported across the estate. This largely appears to be caused by establishments using out of date PCR tests. Please could establishments ensure that their stocks of PCR tests remain in date. Please contact the team for any support required with this.

• COVID-19 Reporting – 08/10: FOR ACTION:

Analytical Services and the COVID-19 Reporting Team regularly provide feedback to sites to address any missing or incomplete information in the COVID-19 returns – these data QA exercises have proved helpful in terms of closing data gaps.

The most recent communication to regional and local prison COVID-19 Reporting SPOCs relating to staff returns was on the 8 September. These updates include feedback on specific data for each site to review and update. However, there remain a number of data omissions on some site returns, for example employee number and reason for absence.

The data errors should be worked on and corrected in the next submitted COVID-19 returns.

It is essential that the COVID-19 returns are as comprehensive and complete as possible in order to support our continued understanding and analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on HMPPS.

Please ensure that returns are reviewed and if necessary updated by the local Reporting SPOC (as per the individual site feedback provided to them) by close of play on Friday 29 October at the latest.

Guidance on completing the data entries can be obtained from: Andrew.McCowie@justice.gov.uk

If you require a further copy of the latest site data status report, please contact HMPPSCOVID19@justice.gov.uk

A guidance document has been included on the linked page which provides further information on data returns/quality.

W/C 27/09/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 27/09: Outbreak declared at Cookham Wood, goes Red. Frankland, Full Sutton and Wayland added to the Watchlist. Rye Hill, Birmingham, Werrington, Wetherby, Stoke Heath, Bronzefield and Cookham Wood removed from the Watchlist. 28/09: Werrington, Wandsworth, Wealstun and The Verne added to the Watchlist. 29/09: Outbreak closed at Parc, RAG rating to be determined at next heatmap panel. Drake Hall added to the Watchlist. Lindholme, New Hall, Rochester and Wealstun removed from the Watchlist. 30/09: Outbreak declared at Wayland, goes Red. Outbreaks closed at Bedford and Wormwood Scrubs, RAG ratings to be determined at next heatmap panel. Lindholme, Parc, Feltham, Grendon and Springhill and Doncaster added to the Watchlist. Wayland removed from the Watchlist. 01/10 Heatmap Panel: The Mount, Parc, Highpoint, Wakefield,Stafford and Lincoln go Amber. Elmley, Standford Hill and Swaleside go Green. 01/10: Outbreak declared at Grendon and Springhill, move to Red. Wymott, Wormwood Scrubs, Bedford and Birmingham added to the Watchlist. Grendon and Springhill removed from the Watchlist.

• Shielding in Prisons – 30/09: DHSC have announced the end of the shielding programme for people in the community in England. For the moment, HMPPS policy on shielding in prisons remains unchanged and individuals may still continue to shield in prisons. However,  HMPPS is working with clinical partners, PHE and DHSC in an expert group to discuss how the wider decision to end shielding should be applied to prisons. We expect to issue updated policy and communications for prisoners shortly.

Prisoners may receive a letter from the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care advising of the changed position in England.  That letter should be considered as ‘for information only’ at this time. 

Civil Service HR have confirmed that for staff the existing guidance that considers the assessment of workplace and individual risks together is still appropriate and there is no current change to those staff formally classified as clinically extremely vulnerable and the plans put in place to support them.

Covid-19 vaccinations continue to be available, and all people who live and work in prisons are strongly encouraged to take up the offer of vaccination.

• Regime Mitigations 30/09: Please note that the last centrally applied PIN credit (£1.50) for the adult male estate has now been actioned. There will be no more credits for them unless we are contacted by individual sites as per the agreed process recently communicated.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 30/09: Updated communications published related to making a request for workforce to support outbreak testing. This communication contains the correct email address for submissions, which had previously been entered erroneously.

• Safe Operating Procedures – 01/10: The Dental response SOP has been updated to reflect the use of local capacity LFD tests for prisoners requiring AGP treatments. Where used , the PPE specifications have changed providing a decrease in the burden to provide FFP/BP-RPE responding staff to negative tested prisoners (this now being FRSM). A number of minor unrelated changes have also been made and details of these are included in the update box of the SOP (page 1).

• Secure Video Calls– 01/10: Briefing published which provides information about the return to the interim policy for secure video calls for sites in Stages 2 and 1. This allows the offer of one free call per prisoner per month with discretion to provide more under specific circumstances. These changes will go live from 01/11/21 in Stage 2 and 1 sites. For sites still at stage 3, these changes will go live from the date of Stage 2 progression.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 01/10: Testing newsletters and new SOP for workplace asymptomatic test sites and DCT published. New Annex H for DCT published.

W/C 20/09/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 20/09:Rochester, Lincoln, Isle of Wight and Leicester added to the Watchlist. Moorland, Lancaster Farms, Whatton, Drake Hall and Doncaster removed from the Watchlist. 21/09: Outbreak declared at Isle of Wight, goes Red. Outbreak closed at Deerbolt, RAG status to be decided at Friday panel. Lancaster Farms and Eastwood Park added to the Watchlist. Ashfield, Buckley Hall, Rochester, Usk and Wayland removed from the Watchlist. 22/09: Risley and Full Sutton added to the Watchlist. Lancaster Farms and Wealstun removed from the Watchlist. 23/09: Outbreaks closed at Rye Hill and Portland, RAG status to be decided at Friday panel. Rochester, Hull and The Verne added to the Watchlist. Foston Hall, Full Sutton, Littlehey and Wandsworth removed from the Watchlist. 24/09 Heatmap Panel: Rochester goes Green. Deerbolt, Portland, Rye Hill, Kirkham and Doncaster go Amber. Leicester, Aylesbury and Hewell go Red. 24/09: Outbreak declared at Lecister, already Red. Outbreak closed at Frankland, RAG rating to be determined at next heatmap panel. Rye HIll, Lindholme and Cookham Wood added to the Watchlist. Leicester, Risley, Whitemoor, The Verne and Eastwood Park removed from the Watchlist.

• Education – 22/09: Page updated to reflect recent changes to the guidance surrounding the delivery of prison education, particularly in regard to mixing in activity areas.

• Safe Operating Procedures – 22/09: In consultation with PHE colleagues a new SOP (SOP 22) has been developed to reflect the UK restriction lifting measures and align HMP more closer to the education sector (whilst still making considerations to the high risk setting in prisons). The SOP was designed primarily to assist in the capacity increases for L&D courses, it may however be applied where prisons use outside prison training buildings only. Whilst baseline measures may be difficult in some circumstances to achieve, the increased measures provide a 1m+ application for prisons at Stage 2 & 3 (improving capacity for local operational training delivery in areas such as RPE, First Aid, ACCT, UoF etc). Stage 1 prisons do not need to apply this SOP and will design training requirements under the Stage 1 SOP application measures.

•  Stage 1– 22/09: Regime Summary Form v2.0 published. The form has been updated to include the “Stage 1 Day 1” narrative as well as the requirement for setting up regime milestones and their quarterly review (Part 2 of the document). Establishments should use this form when submitting their Stage 1 documentation.

•  Stage 1– 24/09: Document published to remind establishments of the requirements for Stage 1 consultation with the NTUS unions. It’s purpose is to set out the process and channels for consultation where there is not a local representative in place, and to guard against failure to consult as per the mechanics set out in the Stage 1 Gold Briefing. It provides a list of contact details for regional NTUS representatives and also a reminder of the processes in place. In particular:

  • Trade Unions should be given a minimum of 5 days to formally consult
  • Establishments must consult with Trade Union representatives as early in planning as possible
  • There should be continued engagement on local risk assessments and safe systems of work and representatives will be engaged throughout the planning process
  • 5 days is the formal final sign off period.

The briefing also includes further guidance on the documentation that establishments should be sharing with NTUS representatives to inform the consultation. Anecdotal feedback has highlighted that in some circumstances establishments have shared Stage 2 and 3 documents such as EDMs rather than those required for Stage 1 and so establishments are asked to refresh their understanding prior to beginning consultation.

•  Stage 1– 24/09: Following requests from colleagues on more clarity on how to fill out the Stage 1 Regime Summary Document, a document (accessible via the above link) has been produced that offers additional guidance on this. Whilst the sign off of this takes place between a governor and PGD and that’s how the information included will be assessed , the suggestions in the attached should be considered as good practice when completing the form.

• Cohorting and Population Management – 24/09: Version 4.1 of the ‘Prison Leavers -COVID Release Planning and Discharge to the Community’ guidance published. The guidance has been updated to reflect the changes since the reunification of the Probation Service and the changes in accommodation funding and through the gate responsibilities.  It also covers the implementation of prisoners testing within establishments and the changes to the testing provision with Approved Premises.  It has also been updated to reflect the impact of the vaccination roll out.  

W/C 13/09/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 13/09: Coldingley, Lancaster Farms, Northumberland, Swansea and Werrington added to the watchlist. Aylesbury, Featherstone, Full Sutton, Lewes, Low Newton and Usk/Prescoed removed from the watchlist. 14/09: High Down and Swansea declared outbreaks and go Red. Gartree, Stocken, Usk/Prescoed and Featherstone added to the Watchlist. Hull, Dartmoor, Isle of Wight, Stafford, Coldingley, Haverigg, Bristol, Styal, High Down and Swansea removed from the Watchlist. 15/09 Outbreak at Kirkham closed, RAG rating to be determined at Friday Heatmap. Drake hall added to the Watchlist. Brinsford, Eastwood Park, Wandsworth, Werrington, Whatton and Swansea removed from the Watchlist. 16/09: Werrington, Swaleside, New Hall, Wetherby, Whatton, Wandsworth, Foston Hall and Stoke Heath added to the Watchlist. Gartree, Stocken and Featherstone removed from the Watchlist. 17/09 Heatmap Panel: Oakwood and Hewell move from Red to Amber. Bronzefield move from Green to Amber.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 17/09: Refreshed testing posters, latest testing newsletters and new SOPs for workplace asymptomatic test sites, DCT and Self Collect published.

• Regime Mitigations – 17/09: Update published to summarise the recent changes to regime mitigations and to re-share the recently published supporting materials and briefings.

•  Stage 1–17/09: Gold Brief published on Stage 1 progression and regime requirements. This is accompanied by an updated Regime Summary document needed for progression and a guidance document sharing examples of Structured on Wing Activity(SOWA) based on ideas drawn from around the estate.

W/C 06/09/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 06/09: Outbreak declared at Maidstone, goes Red. Lewes and Bullingdon added to the Watchlist. Brinsford, Channings Wood, Cookham Wood, Drake Hall, Gartree, Highdown, Leeds, Leicester, Lincoln, Manchester, The Verne and Woodhill removed from the Watchlist. 07/09: Outbreak closed at Birmingham, RAG rating to be determined at Friday panel. Isle of Wight, Buckley Hall, Highdown, Whitemoor, Usk, Whatton, Woodhill, Hindley and Wealstun added to the Watchlist. Aylesbury and Stocken removed from the Watchlist. 08/09: Outbreaks delcared at Thameside and Lowdham Grange, both already Red. New Hall, Birmingham and Wayland added to the Watchlist. Thameside and Brixton removed from the Watchlist. 09/09: Outbreak declared at Aylesbury, goes Red. Haverigg and Brinsford added to the Watchlist. Aylesbury, Ashfield, Highdown, Lancaster Farms, New Hall, Swaleside, Swansea, Wayland and Lowdham Grange removed from the Watchlist. 10/09: Heatmap Panel – Aylesbury, Birmingham, Bristol, Holme House, Northumberland, Peterborough (M), Rochester and Standford Hill go Amber. North Sea Camp goes Green. 10/09: Outbreaks declared at Lewes and Woodhill and closed at Northumberland and Holme House.

•COVID-19 Reporting – 09/09: As we learn to live with COVID-19, we are seeing some increase of COVID-19 prevalence rates in the community. Whilst at present this does not appear to be having the same impact on the number of people falling seriously ill, being admitted to hospital or deaths as in previous waves, it is important that we continue to focus our attention on information that will assist with supporting and managing any operational challenges.

It is essential that we continue to receive timely and accurate COVID-19 returns, specifically:

  • Submission of the standard COVID-19 data returns – currently daily (Mon – Fri). Regional returns must be submitted to the central COVID-19 Reporting Team by 11am each week day. Individual sites must, therefore, ensure that returns are submitted to Regional SPOCs swiftly each day to ensure the 11am deadline is met.
  • Completion of the weekly Testing Data Smart Survey – deadline 1pm each Wednesday.  Every site is required to complete this survey with their weekly testing data: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/WeeklyReturn/

Reminder:

Seriously ill individuals and hospitalisations

All cases of serious illness or hospitalisation must be notified without delay to the COVID-19 Reporting Team FMB: HMPPSCOVID19@justice.gov.uk and these cases must be recorded on the daily COVID-19 returns.

COVID-19 related deaths

The process of reporting of COVID-19 related deaths remains the same. All COVID-19 related deaths (confirmed or suspected) must be reported without delay to the National Incident Management Unit (NIMU) NIMU@justice.gov.uk (0207 147 4021) using the relevant notification forms, and copied to the Reporting Team FMB.

Early detection

If you have additional information e.g. the likely source of infection resulting in a number of new cases, please email the COVID-19 Reporting Team FMB. Any information along these lines is valuable in terms of assisting with the early identification and subsequent effective management of future outbreaks.

The COVID-19 Reporting Team continue to operate out of hours and weekend support, contact can be made via COVID-19 Reporting Team FMB, or contact as listed on the weekly NIMU Gold rota.

For further advice or guidance please email the COVID-19 Reporting Team FMB.

• Adjudications – 09/09– Briefing and updated IA prep flow chart published. (Also published via the SLB).

W/C 31/08/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 30/08: No changes. 31/08: No changes. 01/09: Outbreak declared at Altcourse, goes Red. Dartmoor, Whatton, Isle of Wight, Styal, Leicester, Bullingdon added to the Watchlist. Aylesbury, Brinsford and Northumberland removed from the Watchlist. 02/08: Outbreaks closed at Winchester and Swinfen Hall, RAG rating to be considered at Friday panel. Brixton, Full Sutton, Manchester, Aylesbury and Cookham Wood added to the Watchlist. Exeter, Whatton, Styal, Stoke Heath and Bullingdon removed from the Watchlist. 03/09 Heatmap Panel: Lincoln, Bullingdon and Stoke Heath go Green. Swinfen Hall, Foston Hall, Eastwood Park, Cardiff, Drake Hall and Durham go Amber. 03/09: Outbreak at Foston Hall closed. Exeter, Stafford, Brinsford, Featherstone, Sytal and Bronzefield added to the Watchlist. Usk, Prescoed, Wymott, Isle of Wight and New Hall removed from the Watchlist.

• Regime Mitigations – 31/08: Supporting communications materials for the easing of COVID-19 mitigations in both adult and YCS establishments published. Please note these were published via central comms on 24/08.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing 02/09: Prisoner LFD testing guidance for Reception/RCU, Court, ROTL, Transfer and Release updated to v1.1. This updated the guidance for prisoners going on ROTL who are not already subject to twice weekly LFD testing, or will be tested upon reception to state that we recommend twice weekly LFD for the 14 days following their return from ROTL. This is in addition to the LFD test taken on the morning of the ROTL release.

• Gold Briefing 03/09: Gold Briefing published which provides further guidance on reaching Stage 1 and clarifies the progression expectations and regime requirements. As stated in the Brief, progression to Stage 1 is driven by the live COVID risk and prevalence. Whilst prisons remain high risk environments, we need to get prisons to Stage 1 wherever the COVID risk levels enable us to safely reduce controls. The Gold Brief clarifies expectations on the regime at Stage 1 day 1 which is a ‘best effort regime’ model that the PGD is satisfied delivers safety and sufficiency of regime at the point it is safe to reduce COVID controls. The briefing also introduces workshops which we will host for Governors and Directors during w/c 13 September. These are an opportunity to discuss the national Stage 1 model and this Gold Brief guidance and for groups of Governors and Directors in each functional or specialist cohort of prisons to discuss common regime challenges and how they will approach them at Stage 1. The first prisons are also now reaching Stage 1 and a case study based on their Stage 1 progression will be issued in the near future.

• Social Visits 03/09: The Gold briefing published last week focusing on Social Visits entitled ‘Gold Briefing  Social Visits Controls and Service Delivery (FINAL 26.08.21)’ stated that at Stages 2 and 1 of the National Framework, property could be handed in and sent out at Social Visits. Please note that this does not change the national policy position on ‘handing and sending in’, as set out in the Incentives Policy Framework (IPF), which states the general presumption will be that items for prisoners other than books will not be handed in or sent in by their friends or families unless there are exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Governor. Governors also have discretion to allow a one-off parcel of clothing to be handed in or sent in following conviction. Paragraph 5.55 of the IPF explains how unconvicted prisoners are not subject to the same “one-off” parcel restriction nor the “exceptional circumstances” test.”.

W/C 23/08/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 23/08: Outbreaks closed at Birmingham and Haverigg, RAG ratings to be determined at Friday panel. Outbreak declared at Peterborough (M), goes Red. Drake Hall, Leeds, Usk/Prescoed, Lincoln and Leicester added to the Watchlist. Peterborough, Elmley, Styal and Hatfield removed from the Watchlist. 24/08: Outbreaks declared at Leyhill and Pentonville, both go Red. We were informed that the outbreak at HMP Birmingham was closed at the weekend; however, at the OCT today, it was clarified that the outbreak is, in fact, still open, so this outbreak has now been re-opened in our records, remains Red. Swaleside, Eastwood Park, Ashfield, Featherstone and Brinsford added to the Watchlist. Pentonville, Leyhill, Usk/Prescoed and Cookham Wood removed from the Watchlist. 25/08: Outbreaks closed at Full Sutton and Lowdham Grange, RAG ratings to be determined at Friday panel. New outbreak declared HMP The Mount (previous outbreak closed 31/07/21 but not communicated to prison or health team). Bure, Brixton and Moorland added to the Watchlist. Ashfield, Humber, Lindholme, Lincoln and Guys Marsh removed from the Watchlist. 26/08:Lowdham Grange, Full Sutton, Gartree, Ashfield, Littlehey, Lincoln, Styal, Stoke Heath, Peterborough (F). Isle of Wight, Bure, Brixton, Feltham and Leicester removed from the Watchlist. 27//08 Heatmap Panel: Hatfield, Styal, Oakwood, Thorn Cross and Swansea go Amber. Haverigg, East Sutton Park, Isis, Lindholme, Moorland , Wetherby and Warren Hill go Green. 27/08: Outbreak declared at Oakwood, goes Red. Usk, Prescoed and Leicester added to the Watchlist. Hindley, Bristol and Featherstone removed from the Watchlist.

• Gold Briefing : 20/08: (Published following publication of weekly digest) Gold Briefing published to Welsh establishments updating theposition on self-isolation for staff in Wales. This briefing introduces RMT as a route back to work for Welsh staff.

• COVID-19 Reporting: 25/08: August Bank Holiday COVID-19 Reporting Requirements:

Prisons:   A daily COVID-19 return is required (as per usual frequency) on Friday 27 August.   There is no requirement for a COVID-19 return on Monday 30 August (Bank Holiday Monday).   Routine weekday COVID-19 reporting will resume as per normal on Tuesday 31 August.  

Probation Service:   There is no impact on the current frequency of Probation Service COVID-19 returns, which are due (in advance of the Bank Holiday) on Thursday 26 August and then Tuesday 31 August.    

NB. Please ensure that all COVID-19 related deaths continue to be reported without delay to the COVID-19 Reporting Team FMB: HMPPSCOVID19@justice.gov.uk and the National Incident Management Unit FMB: NIMU@justice.gov.uk – this includes the upcoming bank holiday weekend / Monday.  

Please also ensure that all COVID-19 hospitalisations are also reported without delay to the COVID-19 Reporting Team FMB.

• Use of Force 25/08: Update published on dispensation arrangements and HMPPS expectations in relation to use of force (UoF).

• Social Visits 26/08: Briefing published to clarify the elements able to be delivered in Social Visits at each regime stage and the controls required at each stage. The briefing also communicates the move back to pre-covid approved visitor lists.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 27/08: Gold Briefing published which introduces Prisoner Self-Collect LFD testing for adult establishments in England and Wales. The introduction of Self-Collect testing for prisoners also allows us to implement a model of Risk Mitigation Testing whereby fully vaccinated prisoners who take part in Prisoner Risk Mitigation testing will no longer be required to isolate and can engage with the regime following contact with a positive case. This is similar to the RMT testing model recently published for staff. Please see the attached briefing for full operational guidance on both testing models.

• Social Visits 27/08: Test to Contact Update:Please be aware that it has come to our attention that the previously published notice on physical contact in social visits incorrectly stated that physical contact in Welsh social visits following a negative test is limited to hand-holding. All prisons (both England and Wales) running test to contact are able to determine the level of physical contact (e.g. hugging) locally, in line with wider Government guidance and pre-covid policies around social visits.

It is expected that local establishments will use their discretion to determine local policies to contact, and will clearly communicate this with their staff, prisoners and their families such that they know what to expect prior to their visit. Where applicable, establishments must engage with their local family provider when determining local policies. Please note that testing does not remove the requirement for face coverings to be worn by both prisoners and visitors.

W/C 16/08/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 16/08: Outbreaks closed at Dovegate and Hatfield, RAG ratings to be determined at Heatmap panel. Wymott, Chelmsford, Nottingham, North Sea Camp and Bristol added to the Watchlist. Wealstun, Humber and Eastwood Park removed from the Watchlist. 17/08: Dovegate, Wealstun, High Down, Humber, Onley, Lindholme, Guys Marsh and Swansea added to the watchlist. Wakefield, Low Newton, North Sea Camp, Chelmsford, Bristol and Risley removed from the Watchlist. 18/07: New Hall, Rochester and Woodhill added to the Watchlist. Onley and Wealstun removed from the Watchlist. 19/08: Outbreaks at Garth and Isis closed, RAG ratings to be determined at Heatmap panel. Cookham Wood, Swaleside, Featherstone, Leyhill and Hatfield added to the Watchlist. Lindholme, Littlehey, Moorland and Swansea removed from the Watchlist. 20/08 Heatmap Panel: Standford Hill, Bronzefield, Buckley Hall and Leicester go Green. Dovegate, Channings Wood, Isis, Leyhill, Nottingham and Lewes go Amber. Outbreak at Lewes closed during the meeting. Berwyn goers red. 20/08: Outbreaks closed at Thorn Cross, Drake Hall and Lewes. Whatton, Hindley, Lindholme, Bristol and Lancaster Farms added to the Watchlist. Featherstone, Leeds and Swaleside removed from the Watchlist.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 16/08: Updated testing newsletters published. Workplace asymptomatic test site and self-collect SOP published (v3.7).

• Gold Briefing/Staff and Prisoner Testing – 17/08: Gold Briefing published which outlines the updated PHE guidance around return to work following contact with a positive case for staff, and the self-isolation requirements for prisoners. This briefing only applies to England and updates the position communicated on Friday 13th. 20/08 Update: Please note that the RMT guidance hosted within this briefing has now been updated to streamline the language around RMT. The guidance has not been changed in any other ways since published.

• Social Visits Testing – Translated Documents – 17/08:Testing documents and annexes have been translated into multiple languages to help with prisoner and visitor accessibility to visits testing.

• Gold Briefing – 18/08: A joint letter and accompanying annex have been shared on behalf of COVID-19 Gold Command, PHE Health & Justice and NHSE/I which sets out how to request a workforce in the event of an outbreak in prisons or youth custody settings. Please note this letter only refers to sites in England and that further communications are intended on Friday 20th August to confirm when the workforce shall be operational. 20/08: Briefing updated to include a change of date from when when they can be activated, as 31st August due to the Bank Holiday.

• Vaccinations – 20/08: We understand that staff vaccination reporting on SOP is not currently giving us an accurate picture of staff vaccination coverage across the estate. With this in mind we have worked with HR services to develop a report that Hub Mangers can access for their establishment which identifies if any information has been entered onto SOP regarding vaccination status.  A list can then be produced of all staff with no information entered which can be passed to line mangers and may assist in prompting conversations with these staff members and improving reporting. In-line with data privacy this report will only provide an overview of all directly employed PSP staff and whether each member of staff has reported their vaccination on SOP. The new report is called: HR WF87 – Local Staff Covid-19 Vaccination. We are hopeful that this report will enable prisons to bridge the gap between the number of staff vaccinated and those registration on SOP.

• Regime Mitigations – 20/08: Briefing published to provide an update on the agreed timescales for winding down regime mitigations, including the process involved and how to extend or re-introduce them, where necessary. Communications to support staff in conversations with prisoners and children in custody will be sent to establishments next week. Please note this briefing was published on 19/08 via central HMPPS communications.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 20/08: Daily Contact Testing – Updated operational guidance underpinning SOP published. Changes within include the following and are marked within the document with a ‘!!’:

  • Updated SOP provided (4.0)
  • Updated to reflect change in isolation rules for fully vaccinated staff
  • Updated collated reporting requirement (now weekly)
  • Annex D removed and replaced with Smart Survey requirement
  • Amended DPH engagement process
  • NEW DPH engagement template (See Annex K)
  • Updated Informed Consent and Exemption Letters provided (See Annexes)
  • Clarification on Part Time/Shift staff
  • PCR requirement outlined

To ease any confusion, the Gold Briefing published on 04.08.21 has been re-publsihed to include the revised versions of the documents.

W/C 09/08/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 09/08: Outbreak declared at Haverigg, moves to Red. Portland, Belmarsh and New Hall added to the Watchlist. Littlehey, Moorland, Lindholme, Chelmsford, Wormwood Scrubs, Bullingdon, Channings Wood, Leicester, Exeter and Swansea removed from the Watchlist. 10/08: Outbreaks declared at Bedford and Drake Hall. Bedford moves to Red, Drake Hall already Red. Moorland, Lindholme, Littlehey, Brinsford, Wormwood Scrubs, Exeter and Lincoln added to the Watchlist. Belmarsh, Wymott, Bedford, Drake Hall removed from the Watchlist. 11/08: Outbreak declared at Portland, moves to Red. Pentonville, Chelmsford, Wymott, Channings Wood and Stocken added to the Watchlist. Portland removed from the Watchlist. 12/08: Outbreak at Gartree closed, RAG status to be determined at next Heatmap Panel. Aylesbury, Belmarsh, Whitemoor, Elmley and Ford added to the Watchlist. Brinsford and Wymott removed from the Watchlist. 13/08 Heatmap Panel: Werrington moves to Amber. Ashfield, Aylesbury, Cookham Wood Ford, Hindley, Rochester and Send move to Green. Styal moves to Red. 13/08: Outbreaks closed at Leyhill and Nottingham – RAG rating to be decided at next Heatmap Panel. Aylesbury outbreak declared closed today without any OCT/IMTs & not previously counted as an outbreak Outbreak declared in HMP Wormwood Scrubs, goes Red.

• Cohorting and Population Management – 09/08: Updated National Allocation Protocol published.

• Safe Operating Procedures – 09/08: Version 3 of the Ventilation guidance for prisons and approved premises published. In version 3, Annex 2 COVID 19 Transmission Routes has been updated to reflect latest guidance.

• Safety – 09/08: Updated Family Liaison Officer Guidance published, and a summary of the key updates has been provided.

• Gold Briefing – 10/08: Gold Briefing published in relation to Compartmentalisation and Population Management. The briefing includes a summary of the Population and Capacity meeting held with Prison Group Directors on 10/08 together with the resultant actions.

• Stage 1– 13/08: The Stage 1 model was published via a Gold briefing at the end of July. We were very conscious of the number of notices and documents leading up to the publication and therefore felt it necessary to give you some breathing space to enable you to concentrate on issues within your establishments.

We continue to work on Covid scenarios and risks associated with its prevalence and the impact on safely progressing through the stages, ultimately to a point where we are able to live with Covid on a daily basis, with regular updates on any necessary changes.

With regard to the above we would like to offer support and guidance as you progress towards Stage 1. Where there are any questions or concerns relating to Stage 1 and progression please contact the team where we will try to facilitate resolving any issues including the associated documentation.

The FRD team contact details are as follows:

• Exceptional Delivery Models 13/08: Updated MDT EDM published.

W/C 02/08/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 02/08: Outbreak declared at Norwich, moves to Red. Outbreak closed at Wymott, RAG rating to be determined at next panel. Wakefield, Bure, Whitemoor, Cookham Wood and Grendon added to the watchlist. Channings Wood, Chelmsford, Elmley, Feltham, Haverigg, Pentonville, Portland, Stafford and Norwich removed from the Watchlist. 03/08: Outbreak declared at Forest Bank,remains Red. Outbreak closed at Altcourse, RAG rating to be determined at next panel. Wymott, Aylesbury, Swaleside, Channings Wood, Bronzefield, Peterborough (female), Chelmsford and Low Newton added to the Watchlist. Forest Bank, Bedford, Whitemoor, Werrington, Bure, Cookham Wood and Wetherby removed from the Watchlist. 04/08: Outbreak declared at Preston, already Red. Altcourse added to the Watchlist. Aylesbury, Exeter and Preston removed from the Watchlist. 05/08: Wetherby added to the Watchlist. Swalesdie and Peterborough (F) removed from the Watchlist. 06/08 Heatmap Panel: Exeter, Altcourse, Wayland and Wymott move to Amber. Drake Hall and Thameside move to Red. Hollesley Bay moves to Green. 06/08: Littlehey, risley, Lindholme, Bedford and Exeter added to the Watchlist. Grendon and Manchester removed from the Watchlist.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 03/08: Updated version control table, newsletters, privacy notices, LFD guidebook and clinical SOP published. Updated documents are highlighted with today’s date for ease. 04/08: Gold Briefing published which formally publishes the Daily Contact Testing (DCT) guidance and provides clarification on the the required considerations and engagement with local public health partners.

• Stage 1 – 05/08: Gold briefing published which formally opens the Stage 1 Gateway.

• Gold Briefings – 06/08:Gold Briefing published on Structured on Wing Activity (SOWA) which asks prisons to share useful learning on SOWA that may be useful to other sites as part a plan to produce a national document on SOWA.

W/C 26/07

• Funeral Escorts – 26/07 – Updated guidance on funeral escorts and visits to dying relatives during COVID published.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 26/07: Outbreak declared at Full Sutton, already Red. Berwyn added to the watchlist. Bronzefield, Buckley Hall, Coldingly, Cookham Wood, Downview, Elmley, Lincoln, Lindholme, Low Newton, Styal, Wormwood Scrubs and Full Sutton removed from the Watchlist. 27/07: Outbreak declared at Swinfen Hall, moves to Red. Wormwood Scrubs, Feltham, Erlestoke, Risley, High Down, Cookham Wood, Lindholme, Elmley, Barton Moss and Buckley Hall added to the watchlist. Rainsbrook, Cardiff and Swifen Hall removed from the Watchlist. 28/07: Outbreak closed at Werrington, RAG status to be discussed at the Friday Heatmap Panel. Cardiff and Peterborough (F). Bedford, Belmarsh, Cookham Wood, Lindholme and Swinfen Hall removed from the Watchlist. 29/07: Outbreak closed at Wetherby, RAG status to be discussed at the Friday Heatmap Panel. Peterborough (M), Littlehey, Rainsbrook, Werrington and Portland added to the Watchlist. Wakefield, Ashfield, Onley, Erelstoke, Buckley Hall, Peterborough (F) removed from the Watchlist. 30/07: Heatmap Panel: Wetherby and Whitemoor move to Amber. Wandsworth moves to Red. 30/07: Outbreak declared at Parc, moves to red. Outbreak closed at Bristol, RAG rating to be determined at next panel. Norwich, Styal, Wetherby and Bedford added to the Watchlist. Cardiff, High Down, Littlehey, Rainsbrook and Risley removed from the Watchlist.

• Cohorting and Population Management – 27/07-The Reconfiguration Project has revised its National Allocation Protocol and New Offender Flows. The links to these documents have now been updated.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing/Resourcing – 28/07: Briefing Published on the roll out of Daily Contact Testing within Prisons for all staff members who have been required to self-isolate due to close contact with a positive case. The purpose of this briefing is to explain what this means for establishments, and to share the relevant operational guidance and supporting materials.

• Stage 1 – 29/07:Briefing shared which publishes the finalised Stage 1 model, progression mechanics and SOP. Supporting documents including comms materials also published.

• Social Visits – 30/07: Test to Contact – Revised notice to prisoners published. This revised notice corrects a previous error that stated physical contact in social visits following a negative test is limited to hand-holding. Whilst contact in Welsh prisons is currently limited to hand-holding due to a difference in public health guidance, English prisons running test to contact are able to determine the level of physical contact (e.g. hugging) locally, in line with pre-covid policies around social visits. It is expected that local establishments will use their discretion to determine local policies to contact, and will clearly communicate this with their staff, prisoners and their families such that they know what to expect prior to their visit. Where applicable, establishments must engage with their local family provider when determining local policies. Please note that testing does not remove the requirement for face coverings to be worn by both prisoners and visitors.

• Social Visits – 30/07: Operational Guidance published to guide the resumption of refreshments halls during social visits for Stage 2 establishments who have testing protocols in place in social visits.

• Exceptional Delivery Models – 30/07: EDM 13 – Chaplaincy, Faith and Pastoral Care EDM to include updated lines on singing and musical performances in places of worship. Changes have been highlighted in red for ease.

W/C 19/07

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 19/07:Outbreak declared at Gartree, moves to Red. Full Sutton, Rye Hill, Parc and Swansea added to the Watchlist. Pentonville, Swaleside, Wakefield , Berwyn , Bronzefield and Gartree removed from the Watchlist. 20/07: Highpoint, Lindholme, Ashfield, Cookham Wood, Pentonville, Rainsbrook STC, Risley, Featherstone, Onley, Bronzefield, Buckley Hall, Lincoln, Lancaster Farms, Chelmsford and Hindley added to the Watchlist. Aylesburym, Guys Marsh, Styal, Wandsworth and Gartree removed from the Watchlist. 21/07: Outbreaks declared at Lowdham Grange and Ranby. Lowdham Grange goes Red, Ranby already Red. Cardiff and Styal added to the Watchlist. Hindley, New Hall, Ranby and Lowdham Grange removed from the Watchlist. 22/07:Outbreak declared at Highpoint, moves to Red. Haverigg,Wandsworth, Leicester and Stafford added to Watchlist. Highpoint, Risley, Featherstone and Lancaster Farms removed from Watchlist. 23/07 Heatmap Panel: Exeter, Full Sutton, Hull and Oakwood move to Red. Rochester, Ashfield, Grendon, Springhill, Isle of Wight, Send , Standford Hill and Rochester move to Amber. 23/07: Outbreak declared at Rye Hill, moves to red. Belmarsh added to the Watchlist.

• HR– 21/07- Updated guidance for Staff and Managers published.

• Gold Briefings – 22/07– Gold Briefing which details the decision to revert to the standard reporting process from Wednesday 28 July. This includes the process of:

  • Submission of daily (Mon- Fri) establishment COVID-19 returns to the Regional Reporting SPOC
  • Regional assured returns are to then be submitted to the COVID-19 FMB by 11am at the latest HMPPSCOVID19@justice.gov.uk

• Cross Site Working/Resourcing – 23/07- Resource Support Guidance published. This sets out what resource support is available and how it can be accessed from July 2021 and describes the circumstances in which payment plus (PP) can be approved, the reporting and assurance requirements, and the point at which additional help can be sought from the Operational Resourcing and Stability Panel.

23/07 – Briefing published expands the existing emergency response to critical staffing guidance to include the option for establishments suffering acute staffing shortages to apply to use the exceptional contact isolation reasonable excuse for critical workers.

• Regime Mitigations– 23/07-Briefing and supporting annex to Governors and Directors published which provides an update on the anticiapted ‘winding down’ of COVID regime mitigations. This includes board agreed details about which mitigations will be wound down and when sites can expect this to occur.

• COVID-19 Communications – 23/07-Please see attached an FAQ which has been shared with family providers and which you might find useful when you are speaking to families or prisoners. We’ll be sharing some of these on the national HMPPS Twitter account in coming weeks.

• Gold Briefings – 23/07- Briefing issued which clarifies the position on mixing in activities – both to inform prisons designing stage 1 models and to inform the approach being taken currently at stages 3 and 2.

W/C 12/07

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 12/07 – Outbreaks declared at Winchester and Oakhill- both move to Red. Leyhill, Winchester,Gartree, Moorland, Rochester, Bullingdon and Channings Wood added to the watchlist. Berwyn,Wakefield, Styal and Brinsford removed from the watchlist. 13/07 – Outbreaks declared at Frankland, Isis and Leyhill – all go Red. Lowdham Grange, Lancaster Farms, Coldingly, Elmley, Berwyn, Bronzefield, Preston , Birmingham, Full Sutton  and Thorn Cross added to the Watchlist. Winchester removed from the Watchlist. 14/07 – Outbreak declared at Thorn Cross, moves to Red. Leicester, Guys Marsh and Swinfen Hall added to the watchlist. Channings Wood, Leyhill and Thorn Cross removed from Watchlist. 15/07 – Dovegate, Wealstun, Bedford, Pentonville, Swaleside, Humber, Wormwood Scrubs, Channings Wood and Stafford added to the Watchlist. Lancaster Farms,Wakefield, Full Sutton, Rochester, Leicester and Rainsbrook removed from the Watchlist. 16/07 Heatmap Panel: Doncaster and Ranby moves to Red. Bullingdon, Coldingley, Dovegate, Elmley, Lowdham Grange, Swaleside, North Sea Camp, Onley, Rye Hill, Stocken, Sudbury, Hollesley Bay, Littlehey, Norwich, Peterborough (M), Peterborough (F), Warren Hill, East Sutton Park, Ford, Standford Hill, Parc, Featherstone, Long Lartin and Stoke Heath move to Amber. 16/07: Outbreaks declared at Birmingham and Dovegate, both move to Red. Styal, Wakefield, Wandsworth and Manchester added to the Watchlist. Birmingham, Dovegate and Stafford removed from Watchlist.

• Gold Briefings– 13/07 – Gold Briefing from EC published following the PM’s announcement about the easing of restrictions in the community from 19th July.

• Video Calls – 13/07 -Note published which covers the need to consider the resourcing of prisoner video calls in their regime recovery plans.

•COVID-19 Public Inquiry – 13/07 -The Government has confirmed it will be holding an independent public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic.  Governors and Directors are encouraged to refer to the linked article on the HMPPS Intranet to ensure they are aware of local responsibilities around record keeping.

• HR Supporting Attendance Guidance – 14/07 -HR Guidance published which provides HR teams with information on supporting attendance during the outbreak of COVID-19. It provides recommended approaches, guidance on policy and sources of advice. It should be read alongside the departmental Supporting Attendance/Attendance Management Policy, Coronavirus (COVID-19) HR Policy Guidance and FAQs and Looking After Your Wellbeing and Mental Health products.

• Safety – 14/07 – Refreshed guidance and documents uploaded in the following sections: ACCT, CSIP and SIM, OMiC and Key Work, Body Worn Video Cameras, Early Days, Staff Wellbeing and Safety Recovery Guidance. Updated documents and content have been marked with the date of 14.07.21 for ease.

• Gold Briefings – 16/07 – Gold Briefing published announcing the national rollout of Testing for Contact on Social Visits, and the resumption of refreshments in Visits Halls for some eligible sites.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 16/07 – Document published which provides operational guidance on the national rollout of Testing for Contact on Social Visits.

• Social Visits – 16/07 – Communications materials published to support establishments in the rollout of Testing For Contact.

W/C 05/07

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 05/07: Outbreaks declared at Hewell, Kirkham, Lewes, Rochester and The Mount and all moved to Red rating. Aylesbury, Doncaster, Low Newton and Rainsbrook added to watchlist. 06/07: Durham, Frankland, Holme House, Lancaster Farms, Berwyn, Foston Hall, Brinsford, Belmarsh, Thameside, Hull and Northumberland added to the watchlist. Low Newton removed from watchlist. 07/07: Outbreaks declared at Foston Hall, Werrington and a previously declared outbreak at Hatfield confirmed – those sites moved to Red. Low Newton, New Hall and Oakwood added to the watchlist. Berwyn removed from watchlist. 08/07: No new outbreaks. Deerbolt, Leeds, Moorland and Wakefield added to the watchlist. Belmarsh, Channings Wood and Lancaster Farms removed from watchlist.09/07: Heatmap panel – Deerbolt, Durham, Frankland and Northumberland  move to RED. Aylesbury, Brinsford, Erlestoke, Guys March, Kirklevington, Low Newton, Maidstone, Moorland, Oakwood and Winchester move to Amber. Outbreaks declared at Deerbolt, Holme House and Nothumberland – all move to Red (where not already red). PHE confirm Rochester not an outbreak. Ranby and Berwyn added to watchlist. Frankland and Moorland removed from watchlist.

Exceptional Delivery Models – 05/07: Updated version of the Offender Behaviour Programme EDM. No changes to the main body of the EDM but changes to 2 of the Annexes – Annex D- Treatment manager guidance and Annex F – prioritisation guidance. These reflect the prioritisation principles agreed by the Prisons Recovery Board.

• Gold Briefings– 06/07: Note isued via Gold from Phil Copple, relating to the Prime Ministers announcement on 5th July, regarding the easing of COVID restrictions in England, on July 19th. Also includes comms materials for Governors to use with prisoners and their families.09/07: Updated reporting guidance issued explaining that while twice weekly reporting continues, given the current prevalence all new positive cases (and particularly seriously ill people and hospitalisations) are reported immediately to Covid Gold team. The need to clarify the exact location of the case within the establishment (eg RCU) is also highlighted.

W/C 28/06

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 28/06: No Changes. 29/06: Outbreak declared at Nottingam, moves to Red. 30/06: Outbreak declared at Bristol, moves to Red. 01/07: No Changes. 02/07 Heatmap Panel: Outbreaks declared at Wymott and Wetherby, both move to Red. Manchester, Wakefield, Werrington also moved to Red. Holme House, Low Newton, Full Sutton, Humber, Foston Hall, Lincoln, Ranby, Drake Hall, Swinfen Hall and The Mount moved to amber. Hatfield and Channings Wood added to watchlist.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 29/06: Latest newletter, updated LFD Self-test guidebook and Information for Use documents published. Version Control table published to assist establishments in ensuring they are accessign the most up to date guidance.

• Adjudications – 01/07: COVID-19 update published refreshing guidance around adjudications. This includes revised guidance around virtual independent adjudicator hearings, refined seriousness test, withdrawing cases, refusal to attend forms,legislative timeframes and new referal,transfer and outcome forms.

• Exceptional Delivery Models – 01/07: V1.3 of the Chaplaincy, Faith and Pastoral Care EDM published which, in line with recent changes in community regulations, updates the guidance around singing to allow this in the prison setting.

W/C 21/06

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 21/06: Outbreak declared at Garth, moves to Red. 22/06 – Outbreak declared at Altcourse moves to Red. 23/06 – No Changes. 24/06 – No Changes. 25/06 Heatmap Panel – Bedford, Leeds, Askham Grange, Eastwood Park, Gartree, Leyhill, Morton Hall and Whatton move to Amber. Stoke Heath moves to Green.

• Travel Abroad Guidance for Staff – 22/06:Guidance and FAQs about overseas travel for HMPPS staff and managers published.

• Gold Briefings– 25/06– Gold briefing published which provides an update to prisons on the resurgence of new infections in the community and the consequential risk of a third wave of infections in the custodial estate.  This briefing provides an update on the position to date and the key COVID-19 controls in place to protect our staff and those in custody.

• Cross Site Working -Version 3 of the HMPPS Cross Site Working Guidance and Summer 21 National Detached Duty guidance published. These documents supersede previous iterations of guidance.

W/C 14/06

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:14/06: No changes. 15/06: No changes. 16/06: No Changes. 17/06: No changes. 18/06 Heatmap Panel: Stoke Heath, Deerbolt, Durham, Frankland, Northumberland, Bronzefield, Cookham Wood, Bristol and Exeter move to Amber. 18/06: Outbreak closed at Preston. RAG status to be considered at next Friday panel.

• Gold Briefings– 15/06 – Briefing published provide an update on the implications for prisons of the Prime Ministers announcement on Monday 14 June.

•PPE, IPC and Hygiene Provision – 17/06 – Hot Weather and Heat Control Guidance published which provides narrative on the risks, early identification of heat exhaustion and the general measures to adopt during this period.

• Recovery – 17/06 -Page updated with updated National Framework table which includes more specific regime detail.

• Learning Briefing – 18/06 -June Learning Briefing published on the topic of Infection Control Procedures. The purpose of this learning briefing is to present the key learning points of a recent review into IPCs in prisons in an accessible way to the frontline.

• Safety – 18/06 -Briefing and guidance published which covers the key safety focuses during Recovery including a reminder that Peer support organisations such as the Samaritans and Listeners schemes continue to operate in prisons, and advice about recruitment of peer support workers where numbers may have fallen due to COVID-19. 18/06 – Updated guidance for Governors and Directors about sharing the news of the death of a prisoner.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – 18/06 -Briefing published which provides a re-cap to establishments about the purpose, methods of operation and impacts of the Heatmap and generated RAG ratings. This briefing does not change any of the methods or impacts of the panel but is intended to increase transparency with the frontline about the heatmap’s purpose, how it operates and the data that is considered as part of the panel process. It also provides a simple table which clearly outlines the regime and cohorting impacts of RAG ratings determined by the panel.

• Stage 2 – Public Health England have issued guidance to regional Health & Justice Leads on considerations for transition to Stage 2 regimes. PHE are requesting a minimum of 5 days to respond to requests which is in line with expectations for other stakeholder / partner engagements. The guidance promotes consideration of matters similar to HMPPS considerations for progression from Stage 4 to Stage 3, including:

  • Outbreak status & assurance of case reporting systems
  • Compartmentalisation
  • Testing
  • Management of Regime Groups
  • Vaccination rates
  • Infection Prevention & Control measures
  • Local context including community prevalence
  • Use of ROTL
  • Contact Tracing arrangements

Joint working arrangements with health sector partners in Wales including PHW are unchanged.

• Use of Force – 18/06 – Guidance published which updates HMPPS Governors, Directors of Privately Managed Prisons and those responsible for contracted service delivery, on dispensation arrangements and HMPPS expectations in relation to use of force training.

W/C 07/06

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 07/06– Latest testing newsletter, LFD guidebook and poster uploaded.

• Gold Briefings – 08/06 – Briefing published on Future Regimes Live Testing Strategy and Benefits mapping exercise. 09/06– Update on the Delta Variant and Enhanced Response Areas in the Community

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 07/06– No Changes. 08/06– No Changes. 09/06– No Changes. 10/06- No Changes. Heatmap Panel 11/06 – Lancaster Farms, Risley, New Hall, Wealstun, Wetherby, Brixton and Pentonville move to Amber. Dovegate, Highpoint, Lincoln and Send move to Green.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – 11/06 – As the Delta variant continues to circulate across the country, staff testing remains extremely important to identify the virus and prevent onward transmission and potential outbreaks.

Recent efforts to increase staff testing have been noted and appreciated and we are seeing some excellent examples across the estate.

However, the latest data from DHSC shows that just 8% of the staff home tests are being registered. To support our ongoing testing regime and understanding of covid prevalence, we ask Governors to promote the importance of registering home tests and the ongoing need to engage in the available testing regimes.

Further, the ability to LFD test occasional visitors is critical and we ask that you maintain a team to supervise and process LFDs for these individuals wherever possible.

• Safe Operating Procedures – A revised SOP has been published providing POELT course centres with the opportunity to increase capacity via the application of 1m+ social distancing during the course. The SOP provides increased control measures where the 1m+ is being applied, including LFD testing and mandatory of use of face masks. Where POELT course centres are positioned in/near Prisons with local COVID-19 hotspots, Governors will continue to apply the 2m provision until such time the COVID-19 risk is lower. The heatmap assessment for prisons will guide local assessment in the 1m+/2m POELT SOP application. The revised POELT SOP (1m+) can be accessed via the link ( see 15. SOP – V7.1 POELT Delivery.

• Safe Operating Procedures – The National COVID-19 Risk Assessment has been updated to include reference to the latest updates to HMPPS Covid-19 Guidance as we move to Recovery.

W/C 31/05

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 31/05: No changes. 01/06: Outbreak closed at Garth. RAG status to be considered at Friday panel. 02/06: No changes. 03/06:Outbreak closed at Wakefield. 04/06 Heatmap Panel: Garth and Wakefield move from Red to Amber. Forest Bank moves to Red. Belmarsh, Downview, Highdown, Thameside and Kirkham move to Amber. 04/06: Outbreak declared at Leeds – goes Red.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing –02/06 Further iterations of the Prison Testing Newsletter published. Home testing poster uploaded. New LFD SOP (v3.2) uploaded).

• Parole Board – Letter from the Parole Board to HMPPS shared which provides an overview of progress to date, and the way ahead in Parole Board Recovery.

W/C 24/05

• Gold Briefings – 28/05 Information pack issued to support surveillance and Local Management of Covid-19 Risk in Prisons & YOIs

• Gold Briefings – 28/05 Briefing issued providing an update on the Future Regime Design (FRD) work.

• Gold Briefings – 27/05 Briefing issued on Physical Contact during Social Visits.

• Safe Operating Procedures – 27/05: Updated SOP published for Social Visits to reflect changes made to Physical Contact on Social Visits as per Gold Brief of 27/05

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 24/05: No changes. 25/05: Leeds and Doncaster added to the watchlist. 26/05: No changes. 27/05: No changes. 28/05: Hindley, Lincoln, Birmingham, Dovegate, Woodhill and Wormwood Scrubs all move from Green to Amber; Bedford moves from Amber to Red

• Gold Briefings –25/05 Briefing published to provide information on Variants of Concern and implications for ROTL and Social Visits.

• Vaccinations – some comms materials have been sent to PGDs and Vaccine SPOCs emphasising the importance of capturing data about staff vaccination levels so that we can have a clear picture across the Estate. The materials provided are designed to help with that data capture and are available via the link.

• Stage 2 – A guidance note to clarify the process for consultation with NTUS colleagues on Stage 2 progression has been added to the link – establishments are asked to take note of the letter which can be accessed via the link. Arrangements for consulting with our other recognised trade unions remain as per Phil Copple’s letters to the respective Unions which can also be found via the link.

•Adjudications – A note from Tim Allen has been uploaded on access to laptops for virtual Adjudications.

•Local Management of Covid-19 Risk in prisons and YOIs – with increasing identification of Variants of Concern cases in various areas and increases in contact between people, there is a risk that the Covid-19 outbreak will now escalate. Therefore,  continued vigilance in surveillance and monitoring the situation locally and nationally is needed, so that we can respond quickly to changes in the local situation. Outbreak responses in the community are now also subject to more localised management.  The pack that can be found via this link provides a guide to support PGDs, governors and leadership teams in undertaking that surveillance, interpreting the data, who else they should engage with and work with, and other sources of useful information.  It will be helpful to identify people in who are well placed to undertake and report on surveillance work.  HMPPS Public Health Team are able to support you in, if you have any questions please contact health@justice.gov.uk

W/C 17/05

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 17/05: No changes. 18/05: In light of increasing community cases of the India lineage variant of COVID-19, an interim review of RAG ratings has been undertaken for geographical areas of concern and the following precautionary RAG increases have been actioned. Altcourse, Wymott, Bedford, Leicester and Nottingham go Amber. Liverpool, Garth and Preston are also located in areas of concern and retain their exisiting RAG ratings. 19/05: No Changes. 20/05: No Changes. 21/05 Heatmap Panel: Wandsworth goes Amber following outbreak closure. Forest Bank and Buckley Hall go Amber. All sites are to regularly refer to the heatmap to confirm their RAG rating and the compartmentalisation strategy to determine the impacts on cohorting as a result of this.

• Gold Briefings -Briefing published to provide guidance following the latest community changes in the community in England and Wales from 17 May.

• Stage 2 – Briefing published which signals the opening of the Stage 2 Gateway along with checklist required for progression and template local recovery plan.

• Exceptional Delivery Models – To reflect the content of Gold Brief from 17th May (regime delivery from 17th May) the Physical Education EDM has been updated. This update brings the guidance up to date with significant developments to government guidance in relation to sport and physical activity during national restrictions and consolidates and supercedes all previous advice. Updates have been highlighted in yellow for ease of access.

• HMIP – Briefing letter to Governors and Directors regarding the recommencement of HMIP Inspections during COVID conditions.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – This week, we have seen a continued rise in cases of the Indian variant in certain locations, including parts of London, Blackburn, Bolton and Worcestershire.  In these areas, additional ‘surge’ testing is being made available.  HMPPS are strongly encouraging everybody who lives in areas subject to surge testing to participate, whether or not they have symptoms or have had a first or second vaccination.

The UK will continue to see variants emerge as the virus evolves and so we should expect to live with them for some time. It is vital that we adapt and respond to the changing nature of the virus in a way that works for our region and our diverse communities. The more cases of the variant we find, the better chance we have at suppressing it. Staff can help to keep their community safe by getting tested.

Some promotional documentation (accessible via the link) has been produced to inform all the reasoning behind the testing.  Sites are encouraged to display this information.

• Stage 2 -Francis Stuart has this week written to NTUS colleagues agreeing the best practice to be followed when consulting NTUS representatives on Stage 2 progression – establishments are asked to take note of the letter which can be accessed via the link. Arrangements for consulting with our other recognised trade unions remain as per Phil Copple’s letters to the respective Unions which can also be found via the link.

• Reception Procedures – Information published on the Discharge Grant in PSI 72/2011 Discharge that is planned to come into effect this summer.

• COVID-19 Reporting – Information published about the change to COVID-19 Reporting requirements. Following recent approval at the Recovery Board, submission of the current daily COVID-19 returns can decrease to two days per week as standard  – Tuesday and Thursday. This decision reflects the current reduced number of COVID-19 cases and in support of regime progression activity. This change will take effect from w/c 24 May.

W/C 10/05

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:10/05: No Changes.11/05: No Changes.12/05: No Changes.13/05: No changes. 14/05 Heatmap Panel: Ashfield, Channings Wood, Hatfield, Hindley, Humber, Moorland, Morton Hall, North Sea Camp, Portland, Usk & Prescoed, Wealstun and Wetherby go Green. Chelmsford, Highpoint, Liverpool, and Thorn Cross go Amber. Send remains amber (previouisly reported as Red due to reporting error). All sites are to refer to the heatmap to confirm their RAG rating and the Compartmentalisation strategy to determine the impacts on Cohorting as a result of this.14/05: Outbreak at Wandsworth closed.

W.C 03/05

• Stage 2 – Recovery Guidance’ document published that provides Governors / Directors with a framework to help guide planning and prioritisation of local recovery activity as establishments begin to give consideration to moving to Stage 2. It provides further details on the national priorities for recovery, and how establishments should use their stage 3 regime as a baseline that can be built upon to develop a Stage 2 regime that is appropriate to the particular circumstances of their establishment and local needs. Further guidance will be provided in the coming weeks on the process for progression and the approvals process for Stage 2.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 04/05: Outbreaks closed at Swaleside and Lewes. 05/05: No Changes. 06/05: Outbreak closed at Lincoln. 07/05 Heatmap Panel: RAG ratings for all sites updated. All establishments are asked to refer to the heatmap to confirm their RAG rating and the Compartmentalisation strategy to determine the impacts on Cohorting as a result of this.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Version 6 of the Cohorting and Compartmentalisation guidance published which replaces any previous iterations of the guidance. Transfers from Green rated prisons will again, based on risk assessment, not  have to be reverse cohorted.  This will recommence from Friday 7th May once the Heatmap panel has determined the RAG ratings for all establishments. The Heatmap panel is a multi-disciplinary group informed by a holistic overview of all available COVID-19 data, community data and operational information.  The RAG status for each prison will be published via the following link each Friday: Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements.

• Parole Board Hearings– Updated guidance published on the facilitation of face to face parole board hearings. The guidance has been updated to reflect current GOV.UK guidance and reference to UK roadmap progression aspects.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated SOP published for POELT delivery. This update includes specific exceptional narrative throughout the SOP to include the provision of a 1+ metre option for POELT delivery amongst other revisions.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Update published regarding Operational Capacity Reductions which asks establishments to think about recovery plans for their previously agreed operational capacity reductions that were provided to create the space for compartmentalisation. Establishments are asked to develop a plan (including return rate and date by which all places will be returned to operational capacity to be returned to Executive Director Offices by noon on Friday 21st May. Executive Directors will review individual returns before submitting final recommendations to Custodial Capacity.  

W.C 26/04

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:26/04: Outbreak closed at Long Lartin. 27/04: Outbreaks closed at Northumberland and Whatton. 28/04: Outbreak closed at Erlestoke. 29/04: Outbreaks closed at Highdown, Hull and Wayland. 30/04: Progression List Updated.

• Vaccinations– Joint letter published from Phil Copple and Kate Davies relating to vaccination roll out in English Prisons.

• Gold Briefings – Gold briefing published on Prisoner Marriage and Civil Partnership Registration.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – LFD Testing Update published about the introduction of new LFD test kits.

• Social Visits – Note to Governors published with information on social visits accrual and reminder note published on the operation of social visits, the need to operate within the framework of the EDM and liaise with family service providers.

• Exceptional Delivery Models – EDM 27 ROTL v1.2 published which replaces v1.1 of EDM 27 and replaces EDM 6 to update the guidance in line with the community roadmap and updates the ROTL guidance for closed establishments.

• Re-categorisation – Gentle reminder that there is guidance available about progressive re-categorisation during COVID-19.

• Stage 2 – You will all be aware that we are expecting further announcements from the Government over the coming weeks that may further relax COVID-19 restrictions in the community. We want to assure you that we are working to plan what this will mean for the progression of regimes in prisons. As a part of this work the framework which will guide the delivery of Stage 2 regimes will be published early next week and the mechanics for the progression from stage 3 to 2, which are currently being developed, will be shared in due course.

Until further guidance is released from the centre, establishments are reminded of the need to continue to deliver Stage 3 regime elements in line with existing guidance (including EDMs, SOPs and Risk assessments). We understand that any announcements of changes to restrictions in the community raises expectations within the prisoner population, but the risk picture within our establishments remains complex and therefore it is critical that we are able to assess the impact of these forthcoming announcements on our regime delivery as a whole, and to outline any impacts from the centre.  

Stephen O’Connoll recently spoke to governors about the prisons recovery plan. Please see attached a powerpoint for staff and local stakeholders and a recovery narrative for prisoners to help support any conversations you may be having around the four priorities and the recovery work in your prisons.

W.C 19/04

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:19/04: No changes. 20/04: Outbreaks closed at Littlehey, Holme House, Peterborough and Sudbury. 21/04: Outbreaks closed at Parc, Exeter, Wealstun and Lindholme. 22/04: Outbreak closed at Humber. 23/04: Progression List Updated. Outbreak closed at The Verne. Outbreak opened at Preston.

• Safe Operating Procedures – The National COVID-19 Risk Assessment has been updated to include reference to the latest updates to HMPPS Covid-19 Guidance following the latest community changes and signpost Probation Covid-19 Guidance.

• Prison Technology Transformation Programme (PTTP) – The Prison Technology Transformation Programme (PTTP), which is rolling out a new technology service across HMPSS to replace the Quantum Service with MoJ Official, is starting to look at Phase 3 planning. Members of the programme will be in touch with each of the Prison Group Directors over the next week to review the national site order for roll out. Please see the linked presentation for more information.

• PPE, IPC and Hygiene Provision – Briefing published on the delivery of PPE and IPC Training and the impact of progression through the national framework.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Operational Guidance and supporting annexes published on Testing Support Workers.

• Staff Survey– Staff are invited to take part in the linked survey and share their views to contribute to the Future Regime Design project. The survey closes on 3 May and is open to staff in all roles and grades. The survey is easy to fill out and can be accessed remotely.

• Visits – Guidance published on the update to ID requirements for social and official visitors.

W.C 12/04

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 12/04: Outbreaks closed at Durham and Kirkham. 13/04: Outbreaks closed at Berwyn, Chelmsford, Forest Bank and Stocken. 14/04: Outbreaks closed at Foston Hall and Hindley. 15/04: Outbreaks closed at Downview and Swinfen Hall. 16/04: Progression List Updated. 16/04: Outbreaks closed Altcourse, Birmingham and Stoke Heath.

• Gold Briefings -Briefings published to provide guidance following the latest community changes in the community in England and Wales from 12 April; recovery and future regime design.

• Exceptional Delivery Models – Chaplaincy, Faith and Pastoral care EDM updated to include guidance the on the reintroduction of Parshad.

• Stage 2 – Please be aware that the process for future progression to Stage 2 is currently being revised in light of changes in the national position. Therefore please aware that the documents hosted on this page, and the progression process are subject to change. The Gateway for progression to Stage 2 is not currently open and will not be opened until Ministerial approval is granted.

• Safety – Guidance published in response to queries on the continuing need for well being checks to take place in the open estate.

W.C 05/04

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 06/04: Outbreak closed at Cardiff. 07/04: Outbreaks closed at Bronzefield, Leeds and Ranby. 08/04: Outbreaks closed at Aylesbury, Guys Marsh, Liverpool, New Hall and Manchester. 09/04: Progression List Updated. 09/04: No changes.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Hairdressing and Barbering Guidance updated in line with community guidelines (not live in England until 12 April) and Risk Controls Guidance updated.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Self Collect Testing Operational Guidance and Annexes A, E,F and H updated. Prisoner and Staff LFD SOP updated. Prison Testing Newsletters published.

W.C 29/03

• Gold Briefings -Briefing published to provide guidance following the latest community changes in the community in England and Wales from 29 March.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 29/03: Outbreak closed at Brinsford. 30/03: Outbreak closed at Dovegate. 31/03: No changes. 01/04: Progression List Updated. 01/04: Outbreak closed at Moorland.

• Learning Briefing – March learning briefing published on the topic of increasing testing uptake.

• Exceptional Delivery Models – To reflect the content of Gold Brief from 29th of March the Chaplaincy, Faith and Pastoral care EDM has been updated to mark the reintroduction of Holy Communion in the custodial setting where it is assessed as appropriate and the necessary risk assessments have been completed. Whilst the celebration and sharing of Holy Communion is permitted the Government guidance for places of worship, specific guidance for the relevant Christian denomination must be followed. This can be found at Annex 1.

• Rehabilitative Culture – Rehabilitative Leadership toolkit published. The toolkit incorporates a Self-Assesment tool to identify areas of good practice and those that would benefit from further development and the toolkit provides a range of resources which can be used to meet any areas or personal development needs.

• COVID-19 Reporting – Reminder – Guidance published on the COVID-19 reporting arrangements over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

• From the 6 April 2021, the COVID-19 Regime Management Team email address will be changing. From this date, please direct any COVID-19 regime queries to COVID19.RegimesOpsGuidance1@justice.gov.uk.

W.C 22/03

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 22/03: Outbreaks closed at Winchester and Elmley. 23/03: Outbreak closed at Buckley Hall. 24/03: Outbreaks closed at Risley and Usk/Prescoed. 25/03: Outbreaks closed at Oakwood and Rainsbrook STC. 26/03 Heatmap Panel: Progression List updated. 26/03: Outbreaks closed at Bedford, Gartree,Onley and Wymott.

• Safe Operating Procedures – National Corporate Risk Assessment for the Management of Operations during COVID-19 updated. (Previously entitled Live Corporate Risk Assessment).

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Annex G under Prisoner LFD updated to rectify previous upload of an incorrect document.

• COVID-19 Reporting – Guidance published on the COVID-19 reporting arrangements over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

• Staff Shielding – Revised guidance published for the clinically extremely vulnerable who may be able to return to the workplace with effect from 1st April. This is a revision of the guidance we provided last summer when shielding was paused.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Operational Guidance, FAQ document and relevant annexes uploaded about Staff Home LFD Testing.

W.C 15/03

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 15/03: No changes. 16/03: Outbreaks closed at Thameside, The Mount and Thorn Cross. 17/03: No changes. 18/03: Outbreaks closed at Doncaster and Feltham. 19/03: Heatmap Panel: Progression List Updated. 19/03: Outbreaks closed at Wormwood Scrubs and Standford Hill.

• Gold Briefings – Briefings published on: Stage 3 Progression Process Recap.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Version 2 of the Ventilation in Prisons and Approved Premises during COVID-19 Operating Conditions guidance published.

• PPE – Version 2 of the PPE table published. This provides a clear visual guide to the PPE guidance for different tasks and situations within HMPPS settings.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Updated note to Governors on Increasing the Participation of Staff Testing published with a request for information from establishments on confirming the levels of eligible staff and the actions being undertaken to promote testing. Please note that the date for returns has been updated from the version issued via Gold to the 24th March.

W.C 08/03

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 08/03: Outbreaks closed at Bullingdon, Warren Hill, Isle of Wight, Highpoint and Oakhill STC. 09/03: Outbreaks closed at Swansea, Brixton, Frankland, Isis and Pentonville. 10/03: Outbreak closed at Rochester. 11/03: Outbreaks closed at Bristol, Featherstone, Nottingham, Portland and Send. 12/03 Heatmap Panel: Progression List Updated. 12/03: Outbreaks closed at Huntercombe, Maidstone and Rye Hill.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – FAQ document on LFD testing at home uploaded.

• Vaccinations – Update from JCVI published regarding Prison staff use of excess vaccinations.

• Safety – Following a recommendation from a PPO investigation and a recent death in custody, Governors are asked to conduct a review of their local safety and risk assessment processes following video court appearances.  Please find linked a letter to Governors from Phil Copple, and supporting documents to help relay this important messaging to prison staff.

W.C 01/03

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 01/03: No Changes. 02/03: Outbreaks closed at Bure and Norwich. 03/03: Outbreak closed at Drake Hall. Outbreak declared at Garth. 04/03: Outbreaks closed Coldingley and Lancaster Farms. 05/03 Heatmap Panel: No Changes. 05/03: Outbreaks closed at Deerbolt, Kirklevington Grange and Springhill. Outbreak closed and re-opened at Swinfen Hall.

• Gold Briefings – Briefings published on: Regime Stage 3 Progression. Please note a slight update to the Trade Union information in this version – now includes Lead SPOC detail for PCS.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Guidance published on Bulk Uploading LFD and PCR Test Results’. Workplace Asymptomatic Test Site SOP updated to version 2.4 for Staff and Prisoner LFD Testing.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – PGD Prisoner& Staff Testing Return Updated to v5.

In an effort to increase the quality and accuracy of Covid testing data the Testing Team have organised a conference call for all establishments to dial into.  Available each day next week these calls will talk through the importance of the data, how to accurately calculate the required data and deal with any issues raised by establishments. It is expected that all establishments will attend one of these calls.  Details are available through the above link.

• Safe Operating Procedures – March SOP list Updated.

• Learning Briefing – Gold Learning Briefing published on the topic of compliance and co-operation with COVID-19 controls. This focuses on evidence based approaches to achieving co-operation and is supported by ‘good practice’ examples from establishments.

• Future Regimes – Briefing published on Structured on Wing Activity. This includes information for Governors and Directors on the Structured on Wing Activity project as part of “future regimes”. This intends to recognise a wealth of positive work before COVID and harness any COVID learning to be able to work with governors/directors and other groups to make sure we build back “better” regimes through Recovery towards Stage 1 and Beyond(Reform).

• COVID-19 Reporting – Reminder briefing published on the completion of COVID death notifications via NIMU, including updates to the relevant forms and publication of flow charts of the required processes.

W.C 22/02

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 22/02: Outbreak declared at Wealstun. 23/02: Outbreak declared Leeds. 24/02: Outbreaks closed at East Sutton Park and Cookham Wood. 25/02: No changes. 26/02 Heatmap Panel: No changes. 26/02: Outbreak declared at Sudbury.

• Cross Site Working – v2.1 updated to rectify publishing inconsistency with other documents on the topic of deployment of staff from outbreak sites.

• PPE and Hygiene – v3 uploaded to update platform links and guidance on document sharing.

• Gold Briefings – Briefings published regarding: PM announcement, additional regime mitigations and use of RCU spaces.

• Face Masks and Coverings – Outcome of HMPPS Face Protection review published along with briefing to staff on face protection.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Advice for governors on increasing staff uptake of COVID-19 testing and Expansion of Prisoner LFD Testing/Updates to Staff LFD Testing published along with annexes.

• Cohorting and Population Management – V2 of guidance on transportation of COVID-19 positive prisoners on release uploaded. This is a revised version(v.2) that specifies that privately managed prisons vehicles can also be used  for the purposes described in this document.

• Safe Operating Procedures – New SOP published – 21 – Residents Essential Work FRSMs.

• Vaccinations – Re-issue of letter from LC to POA re. excess vaccines.

• Offender Management – Briefing and desktop guidance published on Acquisitive Crime – Prisons roll-out next steps.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Guidance published on the new ‘cell allocation’ feature on Digital Prison Services (New NOMIS).

W.C 15/02/21

• Safe Operating Procedures – All SOPs refreshed to V6.2 to include the new link to the Operational Guidance platform and a PPE Quick view section. Please note that SOP 11- AFCs which was previously under review, has now been uploaded.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 15/02: Outbreaks declared at Peterborough and Wymott. Outbreak closed at Hewell. 16/02: No changes. 17/02: Outbreak declared at Moorland. Outbreaks closed at Hollesley Bay and Stafford. 18/02: Outbreaks closed at Haverigg and Lowdham Grange. 19/02 Heatmap Panel: No changes. 19/02: Outbreak closed at Eastwood Park.

• Cleaning – Cleaning Guidelines updated with new platform link and guidelines on data sharing.

• Contact Tracing – Joint statement by HMPPS and The POA published on Contact Tracing.

• PPE – Updated PPE guidance for hospital escorts including letter template for Governors to enagage with Hospitals on PPE.

W.C 08/02/21

• Gold Briefings – Briefings published on: Access to Regime for those in Isolation; the carry forward of additional annual leave;Staff resourcing for LFD testing and vaccination rollout and C&R training.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – FAQ document on LFD testing published.

• Safe Operating Procedures – SOP published on kitchens and serveries.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 08/02: No Changes. 09/02: Outbreaks and Preston and Low Newton closed. Outbreak declared at New Hall. 10/02: Outbreak declared at Humber. 11/02: Outbreak closed at Belmarsh. 12/02 Heatmap Panel: No Changes. 12/02: Outbreak declared at Kirkham. Outbreak closed at North Sea Camp.

• Cross Site Working – Cross Site Working and DD guidance documents updated. Cross Site Wokring updated to include guidance on group/local level re-deployment and DD document updated to include guidance on deployment from an outbreak site.

W.C 01/02/21

• Learning Briefing– COVID Gold Learning Briefing published on HMPPS Intranet to share learning on staff cohorting and physical zoning in prisons.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Live COVID Corporate Risk Assessment Updated.

• Gold Briefings – Briefing published on Negotiator Training; Reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission during prisoner transfer and Hospitals and PPE.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 01/02: Outbreak closed at Morton Hall. 02/02: Outbreaks declared at Bristol, Feltham, Manchester ,Stocken and The Verne. Outbreak closed at Styal. 03/02: Outbreak declared at Wakefield. 04/02: Outbreaks declared at Erlestoke, Bedford and Gartree. 05/02 Heatmap Panel: No changes. 05/02: Outbreak declared at Rye Hill.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated transportation guidance for a COVID positive/symptomatic prisoner.This is a refreshed version of a previous document to ensure language used is consistent with the main release guidance.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing – Guidance on LFD testing re-published.

W.C 25/01/21

• Gold Briefings -Briefing published on the introduction of Lateral Flow Device Testing (LFD) for staff in the prison estate in England and Wales from 25th Jan. Please not that the email address for queries on this topic has been updated since the orginal briefing was shared. Briefings published on: link updates to the operational guidance platform and LFD comms.

• Staff-Family shielding – Guidance and risk assessment process for clinically vulnerable groups updated with revised flow chart.

• Dress Uniform for Staff Funerals – Guidance published on accessing ceremonial dress uniforms for staff funerals during COVID-19.

• Vaccinations – Prisoner FAQ updated to final version.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 25/01: No changes. 26/01: Outbreak closed at Bristol. 27/01: Outbreak closed at Dartmoor. Outbreak declared at Littlehey. 28/01: Outbreak declared at Thorn Cross. 29/01 Heatmap Panel: No changes. 29/01:Outbreaks declared at Altcourse, Birmingham and Haverigg.

W.C 18/01/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements:18/01: Outbreak declared at Isle of Wight. Outbreak at Downview declared by correspondence. 19/01: Outbreaks declared at Foston Hall, Guys Marsh, Huntercombe and Lowdham Grange. Outbreak at Frankland closed and immediately re-opened. 20/01: Outbreaks declared at Drake Hall and Winchester. Outbreaks closed at Rye Hill (19/01) and Bedford. 21/01: Outbreak declared at Warren Hill. 22/01 Heatmap Panel: No changes. 22/01: Outbreaks closed at Birmingham; Full Sutton; Humber;Moorland and Wealstun. Outbreaks declared at Wandsworth and Forest Bank (20/01).

• Gold Briefings – Briefings published on: The facilitation of First Aid Training during national restrictions; Re-issue of briefing on Email Exchange of Legal Documents/Correspondence; Video Visits (purple visits); Use of FRSMs by prisoners; SIPPS authorisation and Decontamination of a cell after a COVID-19+ occupancy.

• Safety – Guidance issued on working with the Samaritans during Stage 4 Regimes.

• Rehabilitative Culture – Guidance published on the contribution of rehabilitative leadership to safety.

• Safe Operating Procedures – V6.1 of Escorts and Bedwatch SOP uploaded including updates on staff breaks and the cleaning of equipment.

• Vaccinations – Intial guidance published on the roll out of prisoner vaccinations.

W.C 11/01/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 11/01: Outbreaks declared at Brinsford, Chelmsford, Nottingham and Send. 12/01: Outbreaks closed at Garth and Wymott. Outbreak opened at Lancaster Farms.13/01: Outbreaks declared at Lewes, Dovegate, Stokeheath and Thameside. 14/01: Outbreak closed at Huntercombe. 15/01 Heatmap Panel: No changes.

• Gold Briefings– 12/01- Addendum to Gold brief from 05.01 updated to include information about cross site working and TTG staff. 15/01- Addednum to Gold Brief from 05.01 updated to clarify position around Mandatory Drug Tesing and allow on-suspicion voluntary and mandatory testing.

• Safe Operating Procedures – The National COVID-19 Risk Assessment has been reviewed to acknowledge the new COVID-19 variant and increased transmission risks and include reference to the latest updates to HMPPS Covid-19 Guidance.

• Signage – A range of printable COVID-19 signs have been made available covering social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing/sanitising.

• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Version 2.9 of of the Interim PPE and Hygiene Provision updated. Annexes renamed, updated and in some cases removed as all SOPS and guidance is located on the intranet (link included in document). Significant updates to all sections.

• Safe Operating Procedures – v3 of the COVID-19 Workplace Risk Assessment uploaded. Wording on p1  requires users to use current CEV and at risk staff HMPPS guidelines during assessment. A final additional question relating to cultural/behavioural changes that may be needed in the area. AFC SOP updated – Clarification within the exceptional arrangements in undertaking AFCs and the requirement to liaise with OCTs where needed.

• Cleaning – Cleaning guidelines updated with specific guidelines around the cleaning of offices and showers.

• Offending Behaviour Programmes – Template uploaded for Applications for OBP work to be considered on a ‘by exception’ basis.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Document uploaded to support guidance around release of a positive prisoner including a table with transport options and how establishments can access them.

• Reception and Court Procedures – HMCTS guidance to assist establishments in decision making around who is ‘fit’ for court.

•Safety – Additional guidance provided on the maintenance of wellbeing and safety during Stage 4 regimes including key information on the facilitation of keywork activities and wellbeing checks.

W.C 04/01/21

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 04/01: No changes. 05/01: Outbreak at Feltham closed. 06/01: Outbreak declared at Wayland declared open. 1st outbreak at Durham closed. 2nd outbreak at Durham opened. Outbreak closed at Leeds. 07/01: Outbreak declared at Hollesley Bay. 08/01 Heatmap Panel: No changes.

• Gold Briefings – Briefing issued to update establishments on the prison regime impacts of the National Restrictions. Addendum to briefing issued.

• Staff Shielding – Updated guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable staff.

• Staff Suspension, Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures – Guidance updated.

• Security – Update:V5.1 of the Escorts and Bedwatch Guidance; New document: Staff briefing on bedwatches-to be found at the bottom of the page. Please note that the Escorts and Bedwatch Guidance has been reviewed in light of the Public Health guidance, especially around breaks arrangments/consuming meals. However, staff and establishments are asked to look first at the new document (“Briefing to Staff”) that reflects those changes and provides all the essential information on safe escorts-and bedwatches in particular. In particular, please note an update to break arrangments and establishments response

W.C 28/12

• PE and gymnasiums– This page has been updated to reflect current practice.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 28/12: No changes. 29/12: Outbreak at Foston Hall closed. 30/12: Outbreak declared at Lindholme. Heatmap has been updated to reflect new community tiers following today’s Government announcement. All prisons are now located in either Tier 3 or 4 regions, meaning that all sites are currently RED. 31/12: Outbreaks declared at Highdown, Pentonville and Wormwood Scrubs.

• Gold Briefings: Briefing published on Prison Regimes in response to rising infection levels.

W.C 21/12

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 21/12: Following the most recent Government announcement and the introduction of Tier 4, the heatmap has been reflected to identify all prisons in tier 4 areas. In Wales, Alert Level 4 restrictions due to be introduced on 28 December have been brought forward to align with Tier 4 restrictions in England. All Welsh prisons have therefore been marked as Tier 4. All Tier 3 and 4 prisons will revert to RED status. 21/12: Outbreaks declared at Bure, Bronzefield and Isis. Outbreaks closed at Forest Bank and Altcourse. 22/12: Outbreak at Wandsworth closed. 23/12: Government have announced that additional areas will have their tier increased. As a consequence 64 establishments will sit within in tier 3 and 36 in tier 4 (plus all 5 prisons in Wales remain at Alert Level 4 which they were escalated to on 21 December).   All prisons new to Tier 3 and 4 will  automatically default to red site status. Outbreak closed at Gartree. Outbreaks declared at Liverpool and Swansea. 24/12: No changes.

• Safe Operating Procedures– Live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment Updated.

W.C 14/12

• HDC & ROTL – A new guidance document has been uploaded. This replaces all previous HMPPS guidance relating to ROTL and approves the further expansion of ROTL from all Open prisons, including female Closed dual sites and Youth Custody Services to include ROTL to an approved private address subject to certain requirements.

•Safe Operating Procedures – SOP 6 has been amended to reflect the most up-to-date arrangments around cleaning, including cells occupied previously by COVID cases

•Cleaning – Updated cleaning guidelines to reflect the most up-to-date arrangments around cleaning cells occupied previously by COVID cases

•Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 14/12: Outbreak declared at Brixton, moves from Amber to Red. Outbreak closed at Nottingham. 15/12: Outbreak declared at Eastwood Park(red site). Outbreak closed at Lancaster Farms. All London sites and Chelmsford are moving to Tier 3 so are being granted a Red status- effective from 00.01 GMT on Wednesday 16/12/2020. 16/12– No changes. 17/12 – No changes. 18/12 Heatmap Panel: Following a move to tier 3 in the relevant community area, the following sites have been increased to Red: Aylesbury, Grendon and Springhill, Oakhill, Woodhill, Peterborough and The Mount. Lewes, Littlehey also go Red. Haverigg, Hollesley Bay, Warren Hill, Wayland and Whitemoor go Amber. 18/12: Outbreaks declared at Risley, Spring Hill and The Mount. Outbreak at Wormwood Scrubs closed in correspondance.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Version 5 of the HMPPS Cohorting and Compartmentalsiation Guidance issued to reflect changes to isolation periods in the community.

• Adjudications- Updated Guidance on adjudications during COVID-19.

• Contact Tracing – Refreshed contact tracing strategy to replace pre-existing versions.

• Incentives Status – Updated guidance on basic IEP.

• Cohorting and Population Management -Updated release guidance.

W.C 07/12

• Guidance and Risk Assesment for Clincally vulnerable groups has been updated.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 06/12: Outbreak declared in correspondance at Bullingdon. Moves from Amber to Red. 07/12: Outbreak declared at Onley. Already Red. 08/12: Outbreak declared at Hewell. Already Red. Outbreak closed at Kirkham. 09/12: Outbreak declared at Bedford. RAG rating increased to Red. 10/12: Outbreak declared at Long lartin. RAG status increased to Red. Outbreak closed at Sudbury. 11/12 Heatmap Panel: Huntercombe and Chelmsford go red. Askham Grange & Haverigg go Green. 11/12: Outbreaks declared Huntercombe and Cookham Wood. Outbreak closed at Lowdham Grange.

• Gold Briefings – Latest briefings from COVID-19 Gold Uploaded. Information shared on face covering exemptions in official visits and provision of social visits over christmas.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated ventiliation guidance and COVID-19 Risk Contol document. Version 2 of COVID-19 Risk Assessment.

• Gold Briefings – Briefing regarding the extension of regime mitigation measures until April 2021.

•Access to Phones/iPads/Video Calls – Updated guidance provided on the  use of Additional Pin Credit, free Video Calling, and Mobile Pin Phones during COVID-19.

• Prisoner Monies – Refreshed guidance on prisoner pay during COVID-19.

• Supplementary Food Packs – Guidance on the continuation of prisoner supplementary food packs.

W.C 30/11

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements: 01/12: Extraordinary Heatmap facilitated to reassess all English establishment RAG ratings in line with community tiering system. Outbreak closed at Werrington. Outbreaks declared at Aylesbury, Hindley, Norwich and Kirklevington, RAG rating them Red. 02/12: Outbreak declared at Maidstone, RAG rated Red. 03/12: Outbreak declared Dartmoor, RAG rated Red. Heatmap Panel 04/12: Hollesley Bay, Littlehey, Warren Hill, Wayland and Whitemoor go Green. Leyhill goes Red. 04/12: Outbreaks stood down at Dovegate, Hatfield and Thameside. RAG status to be re-considered at next heatmap panel.

• Safe Operating Procedures – SOP list updated and revised SOPs published.

W.C 23/11

•C&R; use of force training – Please see the update on C&R/MMPR in response to the end of National Restrictions period on 2nd of December

•GOLD Briefing-Addendum to the Gold briefing on National Restrictions has been updated with regime groups clarifications. Please see the document from 23/11/20

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet: (Outbreaks declared at Durham and Rochester, already Red sites – 24/11. Outbreaks declared at Portland and Buckley Hall. Buckley Hall already red, Portland goes red. Wakefield outbreak closed, RAG status to be considered at Friday panel- 25/11. Outbreak declared Humber, already red. Outbreak at Verne closed, RAG status considered at Friday panel- 26/11)(Following Heatmap Panel 27/11- The Verne moved from Red to Amber)(Outbreak at Haverigg stood down – 27/11) All prison RAG statuses to be re-considered at extraordinary heatmap panel on Tuesday 1st December in light of community tiering.

• Face Masks– Staff Face Mask strategy updated for action from 02/11.

• EDMs– Selected EDMs to reflect outcomes of the Winter Regime Review.

• Gold Briefing – Briefing issued from Gold on prison regimes following the cessation of national restrictions.

W.C 16/11

• Cross Site Working – Updated HMPPS Cross Site Working, National Detatched Duty and Emergency Staffing Guidance for COVID-19.

• Court Production – Updated guidance on the procedures surrounding the production of prisoners to court during COVID-19.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet: (Sudbury and Belmarsh declared outbreaks. Sudbury moves from Amber to Red, Belmarsh already Red – 17/11. Leyhill and Manchester closed. Ranby and Wymott declared outbreaks, already Red – 18/11) (Following Heatmap panel: Gartree, Morton Hall, North Sea Camp, Hewell, Chelmsford, Lewes and Send go Red. Isis, Birimgham and Manchester remain Red following outbreak closures, whilst Leyhill reduced to Amber. Kirklevington also reduced to Amber – 20/11) (Outbreak at Risley closed, new outbreaks declared at Birmingham, Doncaster, Gartree, North Sea Camp and Morton Hall – 20/11).

• Safety – Updated guidance for acting as a Family Liaison Officer during COVID-19.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated live Corporate Risk Assessment.

W.C 09/11

• Compartmentalisation and Population Management- Version 4 of the compartmentalisation and cohorting strategy has been published with updates on shielding, testing and RCU requirements.

• Cleaning – Updated cleaning guidelines document.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet: (Swinfen Hall now an outbreak site but already a Red Site- 10/11) Brixton no longer an outbreak but remains red – 11/11. Bristol and Wandsworth now outbreak sites, already red sites- 12/11. Following heat map panel: Maidstone has increased from Amber to Red – 13/11) (Outbreaks at Isis and Birmingham stood down. New outbreaks declared at Highpoint, Lincoln and Wealstun).

• Contact Tracing – Version 6 of the HMPPS Contact Tracing Strategy published.

W.C 02/11

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM)– The Key-work EDM (1) has been published. The EDM 14 has been updated to reflect a new functional inbox all enquires should be send to.

• Offending Behaviour Programmes – Three new documents have been uploaded on Offending Behaviour Programme referrals and delivery – these are for staff and prisoners, and also an easy read version suitable for prisoners with LDC.

• Staff family shielding and vulnerable staff- A new guidance on clinically vulnerable staff have been uploaded which superseeds any equivalent information found in the shileding guidance from August.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing in England – All documents related to the rollout of wider testing in prisons have been uploaded

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – the updated version has been published to reflect Gold briefing from 4/11/20 that requires governors/directors in red sites to mandate face masks for all staff to be worn at all times for the duration of the National Restrictions period.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet: (Exeter moves from Amber to Red, Moorland and Parc already Red and now confirmed outbreak sites – 02/11. Foston Hall, Haverigg and Werrington move from Amber to Red due to outbreaks. Brinsford and Kirkham have also declared outbreaks but were already Red sites- 03/11; Thameside now an Outbreak site, already Red – 04/11; Usk and Cardiff are now Outbreak sites, Wetherby has stood down it’s Outbreak. All 3 sites remain Red – 05/11; Following the Heat Map Panel, Ashfield, Bristol, Channings Wood, Cookham Wood, Dartmoor, Lincoln, Onley, Rainsbrook, Rochester, Rye Hill, Stocken, Swinfen Hall and Winchester have all turned Red. All other sites including those which were previously Green, are now Amber – 06/11 ).

W.C 26/10

• HMPPS Staff Car Sharing Guidance – New guidance published on staff car sharing during COVID-19.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated spreadsheet (Feltham, Featherstone and Northumberland now Outbreak sites – 26/10; Dovegate now an Outbreak Site, moves from Amber to Red; Hull and Wakefield are now Outbreak sites. Hull moves from Amber to Red, Wakefield stays Red – 28/10; Following the Heat Map Panel, Humber has been changed from Amber to Red, Sudbury, Drake Hall and Hewell have been moved from Green to Amber – 30/10)

• Catering – Letter to Governors regarding catering training with return required by 30th October.

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – Version 1.1 issued with updated face mask donning and doffing guidance.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Live COVID-19 Risk assessment updated and moved to sit with Safe Operating Procedures.

W.C 19/10

• Briefing  on social distancing and COVID controls in Stores, including CES.

In the latest of our series of regular meeting, colleagues from the NTUS group of trade unions highlighted an issue in relation to prisons on behalf of their members, including Industries staff. NTUS members have highlighted that social distancing requirements, hand hygiene procedures and other COVID controls( e.g. cleaning) as required by the relevant Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) are not always consistently followed in CES stores and general prison stores.

Governors and Directors are therefore asked to pass on this feedback to their respective leads with responsibility for stores to ensure that all staff and prisoners employed in prison stores are aware of the requirements and that stores parties are not allowed to exceed safe numbers outlined in guidance on regime groups. We are aware that these areas can have poor physical fabric which can inhibit social distancing, however managers with responsibility for all areas need to ensure that the SOP or equivalent risk assessments relating to their workplace are implemented fully. The feedback to NTUS has been escalated nationally therefore we ask all establishments to note this issue and to ensure local procedures adhere to H&S requirements.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet (Whatton and Manchester now Outbreak Sites but already Red sites – 19/10; Birmingham and Swaleside now Outbreak Sites. Birmingham already a Red site, Swaleside moves from Green to Red as a result – 20/10; Preston and Full Sutton now Outbreak sites. Preston already a Red site, Full Sutton moves from Amber to Red – 21/10; Stanford Hill and Leeds now declared Outbreak sites. Leeds already a Red site. Stanford Hill moves from Green to Red. Channings Wood outbreak has been stood down, RAG status to be reviewed on Friday’s Heat Map Panel – 22/10; Rochester, Werrington, Foston Hall, Dovegate, Bedford, Norwich and both Peterborough Male and Female have moved from Green to Amber sites. Channings Wood has moved from Red to Green site status. Altcourse and Berwyn now Outbreak Sites – 23/10 )

• HMPPS Prisoner Face Covering Strategy – New strategy outlining the use of face covering by prisoners in Custodial settings.

W.C 12/10

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated spreadsheet (Frankland and Low Newton now Outbeak Sites – 13/10; Doncaster, Hatfield, Lindholme and Moorland have been moved to Red due to Doncaster being a Tier 2 area – 14/10; Coldingley and The Verne are now Red sites following declared Outbreaks, Hatfield, Lancaster Farms, Oakwood and Styal have also had declared Outbreaks but were already Red sites – 15/10; Following Heat Map Panel, Bristol, Exeter, Gartree, Swinfen Hall and Downview have moved from Geen to Amber status. Hull and Full Sutton have moved from Red to Amber status. Ranby, Whatton and Chelmsfordhave moved from Green to Red status. Bronzefield, Highdown, Belmarsh, Feltham, Pentonville, Thameside and Wandsworth have moved from Amber to Red status. Deerbolt and Leyhil are now Outbreak Sites. Deerbolt was already Red however Leyhill now moves from Green to Red – 16/10 )

• Live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment – Updated documet

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – New strategy outlining the use of Face Masks for HMPPS staff.

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – List detailing the PPE requirment (including Face Masks) of each SOP.

W.C 05/10

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated spreadsheet (Isis now an Outbreak Site – 06/10; Brixton, Garth, Holme House now Outbreak Sites – 07/10; Following Heat Map Panel, Doncaster, Hatfield, Lindholme and Moorland are now Amber sites. Lewes and Winchester are now Green sites; Wandsworth no longer an Outbreak site, moved to Amber – 09/10)

W.C. 28/09

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – New page with up to date RAG Status for reverse cohorting and regime review purposes. To be read in conjunction with Compartmentalisation strategy. Updated shielding disclaimer.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM)– EDM 2 Industries and NFN has been updated and version 1.1 was uploaded with the changes outlined in the version control table.

W.C 21/09

• Safe Operating Procedures – New SOP for use of CPAP in residential rooms.

• Compartmentalisation and Population Management – Version 3.1 of the HMPPS Cohorting and Compartmentalisation guidance to include refined information about the heatmap process. Refined COVID-19 Transfer Protocol Guidance and National Allocations Protocol (NAP) and Adult and YO Estate Flow Spreadsheets.

W.C 14/09

• Rehabilitative Culture – New page to support establishments in incorporating Rehabilitative Culture principles when recovery planning

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM)– a Version Control table has been added to increase the clarity of any changes made to the EDMs

• Social Visits – Supporting Materials – Additional Guidance on restarting Family Support Services in Social Visits.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Version 3 of the Cohorting and Compartmentalistion Strategy has now been released.

• Safety – New guidance on Isolated Individuals

W.C 07/09

• Safety – Updated Guidance and CSIP documentation. 5 new documents to replace exisiting COVID-19 CSIP Guidance

• External Visitor Guidance – Updated guidance to include information about the HMPPS position on third party visitors wearing face coverings in establishments.

• Induction – Updated guidance on use of previously issued Induction Leaflet for prisoners and it’s use at regime stages 3 and 2.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM) – Updates to EDM 3 – Social Visits, 4 – Official Visits, 11 – Physical Education, 15 – YCS Education, PE and Libraries and 27 -ROTL Open/Closed. Additional updated guidance around Governance process for reflecting updates to EDMs in RRMPs.

• RPE – Update on resumption of RPE training along with supporting material

• Fitness Tests – Update on the resumption of mandatory Fitness Tests commencing 19th October 2020.

W.C 31/08

• Stage 2 – New page with Stage 2 recovery Guidance and all related material.

• Recovery – Adjusted to landing page for recovery

• Stage 3 – Seperate Stage 3 page containing Stage3 specific guidance.V1.8 of the Stage 3 readiness assessment. Updated to include all Stage 3 EDM’s and additional information request for TTG services.

• Live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment – New post presenting the live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment which will be updated regularly

W.C 24/08

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – EDM for Dental Services (24) now published alongside AGP Risk Control Process

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated Escorts SOP, New Dentistry Alarm Bell Response SOP

W.C 17/08

• Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) – CPFSI will be recommencing on site inspections in some cases. Guidance around how these will be structured and facilitated is now available.

• Safe Operating Procedures – All SOPs amended to reflect change in Shielding guidance from UK Government as of August 1st.

• Parole Board Hearings – Update to reflect that face to face hearings in some cases wil now be taking place. Supporting guidance has been provided to support their safe delivery.

• Social Visits – Guidance issued on Government Face Covering Exemption cards and their use in social visits.

W.C 10/08

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – EDMs for Official Visits (4), Drug Testing (14) and ROTL (27), have now been published

• 1:1 Interviews – Document updated to reflect where guidance is applicable to Chidren and Young People Mental Health Interviews.

• Staff – Family Shielding and Vulnerable Staff – New guidance has been issued following the pause in shielding. Previous guidance has been replaced.

• Safety – Updated guidance on Reducing Violence and Self Harm during recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak. Updated guidance on ACCT and Constant Supervision.

W.C 03/08

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications

• Safety – Updated lead lines on the Safety guidance page and new guidance on Debt.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – Healthcare EDM’s replaced with Word version (previously PDF) per user feedback.

• 1:1 Interviews – Guidance moved to it’s own page to reflect it’s function for all services conducting 1:1 interviews

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated language around IPT in line with current practice. Version 2.1 of the HMPPS Cohorting Guidance to reflect recent changes to shielding and isolation duration.

• Official Visits – Minor language adjustment to reflect current Social Visits position

• Contact Tracing – Updated guidance (v5)

• Safe Operating Procedures – New SOP on UoF Training

W.C 27/07

• HMIP – Updated guidance on HMIP visits. Changed from Short Scrutiny Visits to Scrutiny Visits. Link to HMIP Website for more details included.

• Reception Procedures – Updated guidance document clarifying language around social distancing

• Recovery – Updated RRMP Guidance and Recommended Templates document to correct a formatting issue with EA Template (Details column is now free text rather than drop down menu)

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – Clarifying note for Education EDM, Healthcare Focussed EDMs 20-26 (excluding 24 – Dentistry) have been released along with a Joint Cover Letter.

W.C 20/07

• Recovery – Updated RRMP Guidance and Recommended Templates document to include updated EA with corrected typo.

• Induction – Updated Induction document for prisoners with ammed lines regarding provision of reception packs.

• Security – Updated regarding change to use of gowns with search dogs.

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications.

W.C 13/07

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – EDM 25 Health Services OPD Pathway loaded.

• PPE & Hygeine Provision – Updated PPE Table

• Safe Operating Procedures – Update to Escort and Bedwatch SOP and Operational Tasks SOP, new SOP for POELT Delivery and 1-1 Interviews, new list of SOPs with SOP owners, relocated Social Visits SOP. Guidance on Barbering and Hairdressing has now been included

• Segregation Procedures – Updated Guidance

• Security – Relocated Security advice on Social Visits

• Offending Behaviour Programmes – Guidance updated to reflect EDM and 1:1 Interviewing guidance

• Social Visits – Supporting Material – Old guidance around Social Visits has been replaced with this supporting documentation to be used as part of recovery.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated guidance on DPS/ P-NOMIS alerts.

• External Visitors – Updated Guidance document

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications.

• Recovery – Updated version of Readiness Assessment

• Funeral Escorts and Visiting Dying Relatives – Updated guidance

W.C 06/07

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – The first set of finalised EDMs have been published and made available to establishments.

• External Visitor Guidance – New guidance on the facilitation of visits to establishments by external parties such as Prison Group Directors and dignitaries who are visitng an establishment rather than a named prisoner in an official context.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – Updated EDM 15 – YCS Education, PE and Libraries.

•Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs)– New security guidance to support the Social Visits EDM and SOP to assist Governors and staff in delivering effective security during social visits

W.C 29/06

• Recovery – Posters Templates for establishments to localise about recovery. Guidance for prisons about how to use Twitter to enagage with prisoners family and friends. Letter from Phil Copple regarding union engagement in Recovery planning.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Operational Tasks SOP updated. New SOP for conducting AFCs during COVID-19.

• Ways of Working– New Guidance on conducting 1 to 1 interviews safely during COVID-19.

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications.

• Independent Monitoring Board – Updated Guidance for boards during Coronavirus.

• COVID-19 Reporting – Updated Guidance on Reporting Requirements.

W.C 22/06

• Funeral Escorts – Updated guidance around funeral escorts

• Contact Tracing – Updated guidance (v3)

• Safe Operating Procedures – Operational Tasks SOP updated to included Servery guidance. New SOP for Use of Force and additional Guidance for Negotiators.

• Recovery-New recovery page in line with National Framework for prison recovery

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications

• Introduction – Updated lines recognising the move to a recovery phase.

W.C 15/06

• PCVL – Refreshed lines on VMR position

Reception Procedures – New Guidance on delivering reception processes during COVID-19

• Safe Operating Procedures – Numerous updates to SOPs, all V5 have been updated.

• Induction – Updated information for prisoners

• Cohorting and Population Management – New information on HPT funding for HDC releases. Additional Cohorting guidance on Cat D specific scenarios.

• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Updated Guidance (V2.7) on PPE and Hygeine, Additional advice on PPE Expectations of Health Delivery Partners

• Cleaning – Updated Cleaning Guidelines

• Contact Tracing – Updated guidance (v2)

• Education – Provision of Books and Approved Retailers Scheme advice

W.C 08/06

• Safety – New Guidance on Listener scheme during COVID-19 period

• Contact Tracing – New guidance document on Contact Tracing

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications

W.C 01/06

• Cohorting and Population Management – New guidance on using COVID Unit alerts on DPS and NOMIS to support cohorting.

• Safety – New guidance on improving communications between staff and residents during the COVID-19 outbreak: The role of COVID-19 Communications Representatives. New Guidance on Wellbeing Checks

W.C 25/05

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications with additinal process maps and templates for printing.

• Safe Operating Procedures – New guidance on use of ventilation fans

• Cross Site Working – New Guidance

• Cleaning – Comms regarding alternative cleaning products from Greenhams.

• PCVL – Updated lines on PCVL Roll out

• Cohorting and Population Management – New leaflet on claiming Universal Credit on release, Updated Shielding Disclaimer

W.C 18/05

• Cleaning – Updated guidance v1.4

• Adjudications – Updated lines around Independant Adjudications, an update on the change to Prison Rules 1999 and YOI Rules 200 – Rule 53B and the inclusion of the Seriousness Test previously included as an embedded document.

• Safety – Inclusion of a Grief and Loss leaflet to support prisoners in the Wellbeing Plan section.

• Homepage – Updated lines on Regime Recovery.

• Staff Testing in England – Updated wording to refect inclusion of anosmia as a symptom of COVID-19

• Homepage – Updated lines to reflect new gov.uk workplace support lines for prescribed places of detention.

• Prison Court Video Link (PCVL) – Updated lines on rollout and access to service for legal representatives.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated SOPs for C&R and Self Harm Responses. Inclusion of Immediate escort grab bag and Bedwatch replenishment kit guidance. New guidance on handling prisoner property during COVID-19.

• Purchasing and Paying – Guidance around purchasing of signage.

• Cohorting and Population Management – New guidance and QA to support Accommodation on release.

W.C 11/05

• Cohorting and Population Management -Updated ECTR (v6) and Release Guidance (v2). New Transfer Protocol document.

• Homepage – Updated headline on May 11th announcement of Government Recovery Strategy.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated SOPs for Escorts& Bedwatches and Operational Tasks.

• HDC & ROTL – Guidelines for temperature checks at Cat D sites where healthcare provision is limited.

• Induction – New post with leaflet for new receptions.

• Security Guidance – Updated Escort and Bedwatch Guidance with additional advice on Defensible Decision Making

• Safety – Additional Staff Wellbeing advice

W.C 04/05

• Safety – Wellbeing Plan section now links to live resources and prisoner advice on how to stay safe from health partners. Additional guidance on Understanding and supporting someone who is self harming has been included in the ACCT and Self Harm section.

• Phone Access – Updated TMPP guidance.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated Cohorting Guidance Document

• Staff – Family Shielding and Vulenrable Staff – Title change, updated to include guidance on the managment of staff at heightened risk

• Negotiator Training – Correction to initial lines. The 6 month extension means negotiators will be ‘in date’ for 30 months, not 18 as first stated as the training is valid for 2 years normally.

• Incentives Status – Title change, updated to reflect recent Gold advice.

• Prison and Probation Ombudsman – PPO Letter to Governors dated 6.5.20.

• Adjudications – Updated dates for adjournment of IA’s

W.C 27/04

• Prison Court Video Link (PCVL) – Updated language to reflect the Video Meeting Rooms have gone live.
• Staff Testing – New Guidance
• Family Shielding – Adjusted guidance to reflect current lines.
• Key Regime priority – Medication and Healthcare – Mental Health Transfers and Remission guidance document updated.
• Safe Operating Procedures – Updates on Escorts to Hospital PPE and Operational tasks involving suspected/confirmed cases, Guidance on handling deliveries, mail and packages, new SOP for Official Vehicles and Cover letter for use of taxis to transport COVID-19 Prisoners.
• Safety – Updates to ACCT Q&A, additional guidance on Defensible Decision Making regarding ACCT, Staff Wellbeing Bronze and Conversation playing cards for constant supervision.
• Cohorting and Population management – ECTR Guidance version 5
• COVID-19 – Deaths in Custody and Managing the Deceased – Updated to include Deaths in Custody procedures.
• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Guidance on facial hair and PPE.

W.C 20/04

• Library – Local Authority Provider Guidance
• Prison Court Video Link – Updated guidance on Video Meeting Rooms
• Negotiator Training – Extended refresher dates
• Security Guidance – Additional Guidance on Full Search of Females
• Prison and Probation Ombudsman – Clarity on Preservation of Evidence and updated NTS / NTP
• Funeral Escorts – Additional Guidance from Safety team
• Safety – Guidance on BWVC Repairs and Reducing Violence and Self Harm
• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Updated Advice on Outbreaks in PPD
• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated Shielding Disclaimer and guidance on ECTR and Release Procedures
• Adjudications – Updated IA guidance

W.C 13/04

• PPE and Hygiene Provision – 2 updated and 2 new attachments with guidance around the appropriate use of PPE and COVID-19 outbreaks in Prescribed Places of Detention (PPD)
• HDC and ROTL – Update on thermometer use for prisoners returning from ROTL.
• Prison and Probation Ombudsman – Updated guidance on effective document sharing
• Phone Access – Phil Copple letter to Governors regarding Digital and Technology purchases and the briefing on the use of supplied IPads
• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated ECTR Guidance
• Staff Deployment Prioritisation – NTS reference the deployment of Non-Operational and Additional Staff
• Safety – New material on Connecting with Residents, Early Days/Induction, Do Not Attempt to Resuscitate guidance, SIM, Constant Supervision and Wellbeing plans.
• Gymnasium and Physical Education – Inclusion of the Physical Activity document
• Staff – Family Shielding – Updated wording to bring in line with current policy.
• Pregnant Staff – Updated link to Intranet
• Industries/Laundry – Updated Laundry Guidance document and note on PPE Manufacture
• Prisoners Monies – Updated guidance on promoting online banking transfers
• Security Guidance is now separate from Safe Operating Procedures. Both have been updated to include current versions of all shared guidance. VisibilityPublishAuthor204 Revisions

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• Offending Behaviour Programmes – Three new documents have been uploaded on Offending Behaviour Programme referrals and delivery – these are for staff and prisoners, and also an easy read version suitable for prisoners with LDC.

• Staff family shielding and vulnerable staff- A new guidance on clinically vulnerable staff have been uploaded which superseeds any equivalent information found in the shileding guidance from August.

• Staff and Prisoner Testing in England – All documents related to the rollout of wider testing in prisons have been uploaded

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – the updated version has been published to reflect Gold briefing from 4/11/20 that requires governors/directors in red sites to mandate face masks for all staff to be worn at all times for the duration of the National Restrictions period.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet: (Exeter moves from Amber to Red, Moorland and Parc already Red and now confirmed outbreak sites – 02/11. Foston Hall, Haverigg and Werrington move from Amber to Red due to outbreaks. Brinsford and Kirkham have also declared outbreaks but were already Red sites- 03/11; Thameside now an Outbreak site, already Red – 04/11; Usk and Cardiff are now Outbreak sites, Wetherby has stood down it’s Outbreak. All 3 sites remain Red – 05/11; Following the Heat Map Panel, Ashfield, Bristol, Channings Wood, Cookham Wood, Dartmoor, Lincoln, Onley, Rainsbrook, Rochester, Rye Hill, Stocken, Swinfen Hall and Winchester have all turned Red. All other sites including those which were previously Green, are now Amber – 06/11 ).

W.C 26/10

• HMPPS Staff Car Sharing Guidance – New guidance published on staff car sharing during COVID-19.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated spreadsheet (Feltham, Featherstone and Northumberland now Outbreak sites – 26/10; Dovegate now an Outbreak Site, moves from Amber to Red; Hull and Wakefield are now Outbreak sites. Hull moves from Amber to Red, Wakefield stays Red – 28/10; Following the Heat Map Panel, Humber has been changed from Amber to Red, Sudbury, Drake Hall and Hewell have been moved from Green to Amber – 30/10)

• Catering – Letter to Governors regarding catering training with return required by 30th October.

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – Version 1.1 issued with updated face mask donning and doffing guidance.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Live COVID-19 Risk assessment updated and moved to sit with Safe Operating Procedures.

W.C 19/10

• Briefing  on social distancing and COVID controls in Stores, including CES.

In the latest of our series of regular meeting, colleagues from the NTUS group of trade unions highlighted an issue in relation to prisons on behalf of their members, including Industries staff. NTUS members have highlighted that social distancing requirements, hand hygiene procedures and other COVID controls( e.g. cleaning) as required by the relevant Safe Operating Procedure (SOP) are not always consistently followed in CES stores and general prison stores.

Governors and Directors are therefore asked to pass on this feedback to their respective leads with responsibility for stores to ensure that all staff and prisoners employed in prison stores are aware of the requirements and that stores parties are not allowed to exceed safe numbers outlined in guidance on regime groups. We are aware that these areas can have poor physical fabric which can inhibit social distancing, however managers with responsibility for all areas need to ensure that the SOP or equivalent risk assessments relating to their workplace are implemented fully. The feedback to NTUS has been escalated nationally therefore we ask all establishments to note this issue and to ensure local procedures adhere to H&S requirements.

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated Spreadsheet (Whatton and Manchester now Outbreak Sites but already Red sites – 19/10; Birmingham and Swaleside now Outbreak Sites. Birmingham already a Red site, Swaleside moves from Green to Red as a result – 20/10; Preston and Full Sutton now Outbreak sites. Preston already a Red site, Full Sutton moves from Amber to Red – 21/10; Stanford Hill and Leeds now declared Outbreak sites. Leeds already a Red site. Stanford Hill moves from Green to Red. Channings Wood outbreak has been stood down, RAG status to be reviewed on Friday’s Heat Map Panel – 22/10; Rochester, Werrington, Foston Hall, Dovegate, Bedford, Norwich and both Peterborough Male and Female have moved from Green to Amber sites. Channings Wood has moved from Red to Green site status. Altcourse and Berwyn now Outbreak Sites – 23/10 )

• HMPPS Prisoner Face Covering Strategy – New strategy outlining the use of face covering by prisoners in Custodial settings.

W.C 12/10

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated spreadsheet (Frankland and Low Newton now Outbeak Sites – 13/10; Doncaster, Hatfield, Lindholme and Moorland have been moved to Red due to Doncaster being a Tier 2 area – 14/10; Coldingley and The Verne are now Red sites following declared Outbreaks, Hatfield, Lancaster Farms, Oakwood and Styal have also had declared Outbreaks but were already Red sites – 15/10; Following Heat Map Panel, Bristol, Exeter, Gartree, Swinfen Hall and Downview have moved from Geen to Amber status. Hull and Full Sutton have moved from Red to Amber status. Ranby, Whatton and Chelmsfordhave moved from Green to Red status. Bronzefield, Highdown, Belmarsh, Feltham, Pentonville, Thameside and Wandsworth have moved from Amber to Red status. Deerbolt and Leyhil are now Outbreak Sites. Deerbolt was already Red however Leyhill now moves from Green to Red – 16/10 )

• Live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment – Updated documet

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – New strategy outlining the use of Face Masks for HMPPS staff.

• HMPPS Staff Face Mask Strategy – List detailing the PPE requirment (including Face Masks) of each SOP.

W.C 05/10

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – Updated spreadsheet (Isis now an Outbreak Site – 06/10; Brixton, Garth, Holme House now Outbreak Sites – 07/10; Following Heat Map Panel, Doncaster, Hatfield, Lindholme and Moorland are now Amber sites. Lewes and Winchester are now Green sites; Wandsworth no longer an Outbreak site, moved to Amber – 09/10)

W.C. 28/09

• Heat Map for Reverse Cohorting and Regime Review Requirements – New page with up to date RAG Status for reverse cohorting and regime review purposes. To be read in conjunction with Compartmentalisation strategy. Updated shielding disclaimer.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM)– EDM 2 Industries and NFN has been updated and version 1.1 was uploaded with the changes outlined in the version control table.

W.C 21/09

• Safe Operating Procedures – New SOP for use of CPAP in residential rooms.

• Compartmentalisation and Population Management – Version 3.1 of the HMPPS Cohorting and Compartmentalisation guidance to include refined information about the heatmap process. Refined COVID-19 Transfer Protocol Guidance and National Allocations Protocol (NAP) and Adult and YO Estate Flow Spreadsheets.

W.C 14/09

• Rehabilitative Culture – New page to support establishments in incorporating Rehabilitative Culture principles when recovery planning

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM)– a Version Control table has been added to increase the clarity of any changes made to the EDMs

• Social Visits – Supporting Materials – Additional Guidance on restarting Family Support Services in Social Visits.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Version 3 of the Cohorting and Compartmentalistion Strategy has now been released.

• Safety – New guidance on Isolated Individuals

W.C 07/09

• Safety – Updated Guidance and CSIP documentation. 5 new documents to replace exisiting COVID-19 CSIP Guidance

• External Visitor Guidance – Updated guidance to include information about the HMPPS position on third party visitors wearing face coverings in establishments.

• Induction – Updated guidance on use of previously issued Induction Leaflet for prisoners and it’s use at regime stages 3 and 2.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDM) – Updates to EDM 3 – Social Visits, 4 – Official Visits, 11 – Physical Education, 15 – YCS Education, PE and Libraries and 27 -ROTL Open/Closed. Additional updated guidance around Governance process for reflecting updates to EDMs in RRMPs.

• RPE – Update on resumption of RPE training along with supporting material

• Fitness Tests – Update on the resumption of mandatory Fitness Tests commencing 19th October 2020.

W.C 31/08

• Stage 2 – New page with Stage 2 recovery Guidance and all related material.

• Recovery – Adjusted to landing page for recovery

• Stage 3 – Seperate Stage 3 page containing Stage3 specific guidance.V1.8 of the Stage 3 readiness assessment. Updated to include all Stage 3 EDM’s and additional information request for TTG services.

• Live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment – New post presenting the live COVID-19 Corporate Risk Assessment which will be updated regularly

W.C 24/08

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – EDM for Dental Services (24) now published alongside AGP Risk Control Process

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated Escorts SOP, New Dentistry Alarm Bell Response SOP

W.C 17/08

• Crown Premises Fire Safety Inspectorate (CPFSI) – CPFSI will be recommencing on site inspections in some cases. Guidance around how these will be structured and facilitated is now available.

• Safe Operating Procedures – All SOPs amended to reflect change in Shielding guidance from UK Government as of August 1st.

• Parole Board Hearings – Update to reflect that face to face hearings in some cases wil now be taking place. Supporting guidance has been provided to support their safe delivery.

• Social Visits – Guidance issued on Government Face Covering Exemption cards and their use in social visits.

W.C 10/08

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – EDMs for Official Visits (4), Drug Testing (14) and ROTL (27), have now been published

• 1:1 Interviews – Document updated to reflect where guidance is applicable to Chidren and Young People Mental Health Interviews.

• Staff – Family Shielding and Vulnerable Staff – New guidance has been issued following the pause in shielding. Previous guidance has been replaced.

• Safety – Updated guidance on Reducing Violence and Self Harm during recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak. Updated guidance on ACCT and Constant Supervision.

W.C 03/08

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications

• Safety – Updated lead lines on the Safety guidance page and new guidance on Debt.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – Healthcare EDM’s replaced with Word version (previously PDF) per user feedback.

• 1:1 Interviews – Guidance moved to it’s own page to reflect it’s function for all services conducting 1:1 interviews

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated language around IPT in line with current practice. Version 2.1 of the HMPPS Cohorting Guidance to reflect recent changes to shielding and isolation duration.

• Official Visits – Minor language adjustment to reflect current Social Visits position

• Contact Tracing – Updated guidance (v5)

• Safe Operating Procedures – New SOP on UoF Training

W.C 27/07

• HMIP – Updated guidance on HMIP visits. Changed from Short Scrutiny Visits to Scrutiny Visits. Link to HMIP Website for more details included.

• Reception Procedures – Updated guidance document clarifying language around social distancing

• Recovery – Updated RRMP Guidance and Recommended Templates document to correct a formatting issue with EA Template (Details column is now free text rather than drop down menu)

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – Clarifying note for Education EDM, Healthcare Focussed EDMs 20-26 (excluding 24 – Dentistry) have been released along with a Joint Cover Letter.

W.C 20/07

• Recovery – Updated RRMP Guidance and Recommended Templates document to include updated EA with corrected typo.

• Induction – Updated Induction document for prisoners with ammed lines regarding provision of reception packs.

• Security – Updated regarding change to use of gowns with search dogs.

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications.

W.C 13/07

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – EDM 25 Health Services OPD Pathway loaded.

• PPE & Hygeine Provision – Updated PPE Table

• Safe Operating Procedures – Update to Escort and Bedwatch SOP and Operational Tasks SOP, new SOP for POELT Delivery and 1-1 Interviews, new list of SOPs with SOP owners, relocated Social Visits SOP. Guidance on Barbering and Hairdressing has now been included

• Segregation Procedures – Updated Guidance

• Security – Relocated Security advice on Social Visits

• Offending Behaviour Programmes – Guidance updated to reflect EDM and 1:1 Interviewing guidance

• Social Visits – Supporting Material – Old guidance around Social Visits has been replaced with this supporting documentation to be used as part of recovery.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated guidance on DPS/ P-NOMIS alerts.

• External Visitors – Updated Guidance document

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications.

• Recovery – Updated version of Readiness Assessment

• Funeral Escorts and Visiting Dying Relatives – Updated guidance

W.C 06/07

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – The first set of finalised EDMs have been published and made available to establishments.

• External Visitor Guidance – New guidance on the facilitation of visits to establishments by external parties such as Prison Group Directors and dignitaries who are visitng an establishment rather than a named prisoner in an official context.

• Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs) – Updated EDM 15 – YCS Education, PE and Libraries.

•Exceptional Delivery Models (EDMs)– New security guidance to support the Social Visits EDM and SOP to assist Governors and staff in delivering effective security during social visits

W.C 29/06

• Recovery – Posters Templates for establishments to localise about recovery. Guidance for prisons about how to use Twitter to enagage with prisoners family and friends. Letter from Phil Copple regarding union engagement in Recovery planning.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Operational Tasks SOP updated. New SOP for conducting AFCs during COVID-19.

• Ways of Working– New Guidance on conducting 1 to 1 interviews safely during COVID-19.

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications.

• Independent Monitoring Board – Updated Guidance for boards during Coronavirus.

• COVID-19 Reporting – Updated Guidance on Reporting Requirements.

W.C 22/06

• Funeral Escorts – Updated guidance around funeral escorts

• Contact Tracing – Updated guidance (v3)

• Safe Operating Procedures – Operational Tasks SOP updated to included Servery guidance. New SOP for Use of Force and additional Guidance for Negotiators.

• Recovery-New recovery page in line with National Framework for prison recovery

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications

• Introduction – Updated lines recognising the move to a recovery phase.

W.C 15/06

• PCVL – Refreshed lines on VMR position

Reception Procedures – New Guidance on delivering reception processes during COVID-19

• Safe Operating Procedures – Numerous updates to SOPs, all V5 have been updated.

• Induction – Updated information for prisoners

• Cohorting and Population Management – New information on HPT funding for HDC releases. Additional Cohorting guidance on Cat D specific scenarios.

• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Updated Guidance (V2.7) on PPE and Hygeine, Additional advice on PPE Expectations of Health Delivery Partners

• Cleaning – Updated Cleaning Guidelines

• Contact Tracing – Updated guidance (v2)

• Education – Provision of Books and Approved Retailers Scheme advice

W.C 08/06

• Safety – New Guidance on Listener scheme during COVID-19 period

• Contact Tracing – New guidance document on Contact Tracing

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications

W.C 01/06

• Cohorting and Population Management – New guidance on using COVID Unit alerts on DPS and NOMIS to support cohorting.

• Safety – New guidance on improving communications between staff and residents during the COVID-19 outbreak: The role of COVID-19 Communications Representatives. New Guidance on Wellbeing Checks

W.C 25/05

• Adjudications – Updated guidance around Independent Adjudications with additinal process maps and templates for printing.

• Safe Operating Procedures – New guidance on use of ventilation fans

• Cross Site Working – New Guidance

• Cleaning – Comms regarding alternative cleaning products from Greenhams.

• PCVL – Updated lines on PCVL Roll out

• Cohorting and Population Management – New leaflet on claiming Universal Credit on release, Updated Shielding Disclaimer

W.C 18/05

• Cleaning – Updated guidance v1.4

• Adjudications – Updated lines around Independant Adjudications, an update on the change to Prison Rules 1999 and YOI Rules 200 – Rule 53B and the inclusion of the Seriousness Test previously included as an embedded document.

• Safety – Inclusion of a Grief and Loss leaflet to support prisoners in the Wellbeing Plan section.

• Homepage – Updated lines on Regime Recovery.

• Staff Testing in England – Updated wording to refect inclusion of anosmia as a symptom of COVID-19

• Homepage – Updated lines to reflect new gov.uk workplace support lines for prescribed places of detention.

• Prison Court Video Link (PCVL) – Updated lines on rollout and access to service for legal representatives.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated SOPs for C&R and Self Harm Responses. Inclusion of Immediate escort grab bag and Bedwatch replenishment kit guidance. New guidance on handling prisoner property during COVID-19.

• Purchasing and Paying – Guidance around purchasing of signage.

• Cohorting and Population Management – New guidance and QA to support Accommodation on release.

W.C 11/05

• Cohorting and Population Management -Updated ECTR (v6) and Release Guidance (v2). New Transfer Protocol document.

• Homepage – Updated headline on May 11th announcement of Government Recovery Strategy.

• Safe Operating Procedures – Updated SOPs for Escorts& Bedwatches and Operational Tasks.

• HDC & ROTL – Guidelines for temperature checks at Cat D sites where healthcare provision is limited.

• Induction – New post with leaflet for new receptions.

• Security Guidance – Updated Escort and Bedwatch Guidance with additional advice on Defensible Decision Making

• Safety – Additional Staff Wellbeing advice

W.C 04/05

• Safety – Wellbeing Plan section now links to live resources and prisoner advice on how to stay safe from health partners. Additional guidance on Understanding and supporting someone who is self harming has been included in the ACCT and Self Harm section.

• Phone Access – Updated TMPP guidance.

• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated Cohorting Guidance Document

• Staff – Family Shielding and Vulenrable Staff – Title change, updated to include guidance on the managment of staff at heightened risk

• Negotiator Training – Correction to initial lines. The 6 month extension means negotiators will be ‘in date’ for 30 months, not 18 as first stated as the training is valid for 2 years normally.

• Incentives Status – Title change, updated to reflect recent Gold advice.

• Prison and Probation Ombudsman – PPO Letter to Governors dated 6.5.20.

• Adjudications – Updated dates for adjournment of IA’s

W.C 27/04

• Prison Court Video Link (PCVL) – Updated language to reflect the Video Meeting Rooms have gone live.
• Staff Testing – New Guidance
• Family Shielding – Adjusted guidance to reflect current lines.
• Key Regime priority – Medication and Healthcare – Mental Health Transfers and Remission guidance document updated.
• Safe Operating Procedures – Updates on Escorts to Hospital PPE and Operational tasks involving suspected/confirmed cases, Guidance on handling deliveries, mail and packages, new SOP for Official Vehicles and Cover letter for use of taxis to transport COVID-19 Prisoners.
• Safety – Updates to ACCT Q&A, additional guidance on Defensible Decision Making regarding ACCT, Staff Wellbeing Bronze and Conversation playing cards for constant supervision.
• Cohorting and Population management – ECTR Guidance version 5
• COVID-19 – Deaths in Custody and Managing the Deceased – Updated to include Deaths in Custody procedures.
• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Guidance on facial hair and PPE.

W.C 20/04

• Library – Local Authority Provider Guidance
• Prison Court Video Link – Updated guidance on Video Meeting Rooms
• Negotiator Training – Extended refresher dates
• Security Guidance – Additional Guidance on Full Search of Females
• Prison and Probation Ombudsman – Clarity on Preservation of Evidence and updated NTS / NTP
• Funeral Escorts – Additional Guidance from Safety team
• Safety – Guidance on BWVC Repairs and Reducing Violence and Self Harm
• PPE and Hygiene Provision – Updated Advice on Outbreaks in PPD
• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated Shielding Disclaimer and guidance on ECTR and Release Procedures
• Adjudications – Updated IA guidance

W.C 13/04

• PPE and Hygiene Provision – 2 updated and 2 new attachments with guidance around the appropriate use of PPE and COVID-19 outbreaks in Prescribed Places of Detention (PPD)
• HDC and ROTL – Update on thermometer use for prisoners returning from ROTL.
• Prison and Probation Ombudsman – Updated guidance on effective document sharing
• Phone Access – Phil Copple letter to Governors regarding Digital and Technology purchases and the briefing on the use of supplied IPads
• Cohorting and Population Management – Updated ECTR Guidance
• Staff Deployment Prioritisation – NTS reference the deployment of Non-Operational and Additional Staff
• Safety – New material on Connecting with Residents, Early Days/Induction, Do Not Attempt to Resuscitate guidance, SIM, Constant Supervision and Wellbeing plans.
• Gymnasium and Physical Education – Inclusion of the Physical Activity document
• Staff – Family Shielding – Updated wording to bring in line with current policy.
• Pregnant Staff – Updated link to Intranet
• Industries/Laundry – Updated Laundry Guidance document and note on PPE Manufacture
• Prisoners Monies – Updated guidance on promoting online banking transfers
• Security Guidance is now separate from Safe Operating Procedures. Both have been updated to include current versions of all shared guidance.