Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether suicide awareness training for prison officers is specifically designed for prisons and the special circumstances which prevail in them.

Yes. All staff in contact with prisoners are required to receive training on suicide and self-harm prevention. The Introduction to Suicide and Self-Harm (SASH) Prevention course is delivered to new prison staff as part of their induction, and to existing prison staff as part of their ongoing refresher training as required. The course comprises six modules, including mental health awareness training.

The course aims to ensure that the case management support process for prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide (known as ‘Assessment Care in Custody and Teamwork’ or ACCT) is carried out effectively in prisons, to provide a safe and decent environment for all.