Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many times have prison staff been subject to disciplinary action by reason for that action in each year since 2015.

Information on the number of public sector prison staff who were subject to conduct & disciplinary action since 2014/15 is given in table 1 in the attached spreadsheet. Figures are presented by financial year up to 2022-23.

While the vast majority of Prison Service staff are hardworking and honest, we take all and any allegations extremely seriously and is investigated and where appropriate, disciplinary action is taken. There is no place in His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) for any form of unacceptable behaviour.

The Tackling Unacceptable Behaviours Unit (TUBU) was established in August 2020 and this has been followed by an increase in reported cases. Its aim is to help improve the working environment by providing support, insight and expertise to staff who raise concerns. The services TUBU provides include a confidential helpline to support staff who are experiencing any form of unacceptable behaviour; a mediation service to resolve workplace conflict; and an investigation service.

The investigation service enables managers to obtain advice and signposting, and gives access to qualified investigators where there is an allegation of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation.

These measures now mean staff are reporting unacceptable behaviour more often.