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About Standards

The Manual

The aim of developing and issuing standards is: 'To help drive the continuous improvements in our performance that we need in order to achieve our Vision and deliver the quality of work expected of us.'

Twenty standards are published on the website. Further Standards will be published as they are approved by the NIPS Management Board. At the conclusion of the Integrated Standards Programme a comprehensive set of standards will have been developed, which NIPS staff will be expected to meet and which will be the subject to regular compliance checking. Key features are:

  • Standards are clear, concise and realistic with Key Audit Baselines that are achievable and measurable.
  • Standards will normally be underpinned by a more detailed Instruction or guidance.
  • Standards contain a comprehensive set of references.
  • Independent checks will be carried out by Performance Reporting Group (PRG), Internal Auditors, and on occasions specialist.
  • Standards are a public document informing staff, prisoners and the general public what the Service is aiming to achieve.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service standards aim to ensure that all prison service staff follow agreed policies and procedures thus ensuring consistent standards are delivered throughout the service.

A standard is a minimum operating standard, authorised and approved by the NIPS Management Board, which must be achieved in all establishments and directorates.

Consultations regarding the contents of each standard have been continuous throughout the development process prior to issue.

Equality Screening

In accordance with the section 75 statutory duties on equality and good relations, each standard has been the subject of the equality screening process and where necessary, full consultation has taken place.

The Human Rights Act.

Each standard has been impact assessed to ensure it is Human Rights Act compliant.

Legal Implications

The Northern Ireland Prison Service standards do not change the legal rights of individuals nor do they imply additional rights or entitlements. The audit baselines are management tools to assist in consistent management of performance in the service.

Local Guidance

As standards are not intended to introduce new policy, most standards only draw together that which should already be beings carried out. Standards will be reviewed at regular intervals, particularly when policy or procedures alter.

Temporary Non-Compliance

Occasionally resource constraints or other pressures may mean that an individual Standard, Required Action or Key Audit Baseline cannot immediately be met. In such cases, a written implementation plan must be agreed between the Director and the Director General (headquarters) or the Governor and Director of Operations, (establishments) to achieve compliance within no more than three years.

Alternative Procedures

In some cases a specific baseline may not be appropriate to a particular establishment or branch, or local innovation may lead to a viable alternative approach. In these instances, an agreement to an Alternative Procedure to achieve the same outcome may be sought from the responsible Director.

OVERVIEW OF STANDARDS DESIGN

Each Standard states the main outcomes required for a particular area of policy. It consists of six parts:

Title; The name of the Standard, indicating the area of business, alphabetical indexing and the date by which the Standard must be reviewed.

Standard Statement; Defines the Standard to be achieved and describe the outcome that is required for that particular area of activity.

Performance Indicator; The method for measuring performance against the main outcome.

Required Actions; What establishments and directorates need to do to achieve effective delivery of the main outcomes.

Key Audit Baselines; Clear audit baselines against which the establishment or directorate will be audited and to act as a checklist for local management. Each baseline is numbered and includes a "risk weighting" of high (3) medium (2) or low (1). Where possible, the KAB includes a specific reference indicating where the instruction originates.

References; The relevant Primary Legislation, Statutory Instrument, Order or Instruction or Statutory Instrument that underpins each Standard.

Although Standards are quite prescriptive, they are designed with the overall aim of helping to drive the continuous improvements in our performance that we need in order to achieve our Vision and deliver the quality of work expected of us.

The impact of Standards on the service has been assessed during the development stages to ensure they are affordable and deliverable. Baselines are not aspirational and in the most parts should be achievable with little or no additional resource implications.

Interpretation

The use of the word Prison in the Standards should be taken to include the Young Offenders Centre except where a distinction is made in the text. The use of the word 'prisoner' in the Standard should be taken to include young offender, both convicted and unconvicted except where a distinction is made in the text. References to the male gender apply equally to the female unless the context otherwise requires.