All contents within this guidance are to be treated as OFFICIAL
The purpose of this document is to assist management teams in prisons to create a local ‘Exceptional RMP (ERMP)’ for the duration of the COVID-19 period. The ERMP does not replace the existing RMP and is specifically designed to cover a period which is outside normal operating parameters. The provision of additional services such as video-link court/parole hearings should be maintained as long as is safe and practicable. Any reduction in these services should be fed through the COVID-19 Prison Response Model.
HMPPS is taking steps to maintain staffing levels at the highest possible level at every site through a range of measures to increase resourcing whilst also reducing demands (e.g. cancelling training). We should aim to maintain MSL staffing levels or better so far as possible and for as long as possible. Separate guidance has been issued to support any measures taken around pay and reward, or the management of additional staffing resources.
Whilst facing these exceptional circumstances, we must continue to provide some form of essential regime, ultimately focused on our fundamental care of duty and life sustaining services. The temporary, ERMP is built around provision of four key regime priorities – meals, medication, prisoner safety and welfare and family contact.
ERMPs should be initiated immediately.