Targets set in first Prison Service training strategy

The first training and development strategy for the Prison
Service has just been launched.

Home Office Minister Keith Bradley, outlining the
initiative, said the strategy would drive forward a major programme of change
aimed at supporting prison staff to deliver the key aims of protecting the
public and reducing re-offending.

Its main aims are to build a stronger infrastructure to
support training that takes place at prisons and improve efficiency,
effectiveness and access to learning by providing more provision for staff
training at prisons.

Bradley said, "The launch of this strategy is an
important milestone in the programme to strengthen training and development. It
marks the point at which the programme moves from analysis and review to
implementation."  

The strategy will develop a coherent and flexible
curriculum, including a new approach to leadership and management development
and provide better evaluation of the training provided.

Its key targets are ensuring all national trainers, all
training managers and 70 per cent of local trainers are accredited by April
2006 and all courses to be quality assured by April 2004.

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The initiative also seeks to help 1,000 prison officers and
officer support grades a year to complete level 2 and 3 NVQs in custodial care
by 2006 and 4,000 line managers to take part in management development courses.

By Ben Willmott