Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will consult the Prison Officers' Association on the work-related well-being of prison staff.

My officials do consult and will continue to consult the Prison Officers’ Association on the work-related well-being of prison staff within England and Wales. My Ministry launched an Employee Assistance Programme on 6^th October 2014 that provides: 24 hour helpline including counselling; a health promotion and well being website; trauma support for staff within England and Wales prisons involved in serious incidents; business support for managers; mediation and other services. The POA and other recognised TUS were all aware of the proposals for this service and had opportunities in the Whitley consultative committees to discuss them with the lead officials. Please note that the answer provided is only for prisons within England and Wales.