Thematic review of prison-based social work

In July 2023, we commenced a joint thematic review of prison-based social work services, in partnership with His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons in Scotland (HMIPS). Phase 1 of this thematic review considered the strengths and challenges in the governance, leadership, and accountability of prison-based social work services in Scotland and highlighted areas for improvement. The review sought to explore:

• governance, leadership and direction

• partnership working, including commissioning arrangements and resourcing

• policies, procedures, and guidance

• management and support of staff

• performance management and quality assurance

As part of the review, we gathered the views of people in custody who had been working with prison-based social work services. Other activities included:

• a series of scoping meetings with stakeholders including the Scottish Government, the SPS, Social Work Scotland, the Risk Management Authority, and Community Justice Scotland

• a review of relevant strategies, policies, guidance, procedures and other documentation relating to prison-based social work services

• a staff survey distributed to all prison-based social work staff

• focus groups and interviews with key partners.

We published a report of our findings in April 2024. The report contains more details on the methods we used.

Evaluating the quality of prison-based social work practice was outwith the scope of this first phase of the review. Within the report, a commitment was made to a further phase of work in this regard. In the longer term, this will aim to consider the quality of prison-based social work practice, the efficiency of collaboration with community-based justice social work services, and effectiveness in delivering intended outcomes for people.