Approved Premises

Ministry of Justice written question – answered at on 25 June 2018.

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Photo of Kelvin Hopkins Kelvin Hopkins Independent, Luton North

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the potential risks associated with privatising waking night cover in approved premises.

Photo of Rory Stewart Rory Stewart The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice

The new arrangements for night cover will promote the health and safety of those who live and work in Approved Premises and of the community at large. Under previous arrangements in some Approved Premises, only one member of staff was required to be awake during the night hours. The new contracts require two staff to be on duty and awake during the night in all Approved Premises. This model has been in operation for many years in certain parts of the country and has provided an effective service.

The new contracts make appropriate provision to protect the health and safety of staff, service users and members of the public. Services must be delivered in full compliance with statutory obligations and the Health & Safety Executive’s Approved Codes of Practice. Suppliers must be able to provide professional advice to their own staff, sub-contractors and the client where required.

The National Probation Service is monitoring the contracts carefully. It is working with contractors to address issues that arise and to consolidate the processes to ensure effective delivery of night cover.

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