A safe physical environment is a foundation for wellbeing and dignity in custody. 

This theme focuses on how we design and manage the rooms and personal spaces where people spend time alone, to reduce to reduce opportunities for harm, particularly for those at risk of self-harm or suicide.

We are reviewing how risk is assessed in cell environments and how personal items, especially for young people, can support emotional regulation and a sense of identity.

Our aim is to strike the right balance between safety and humanity, ensuring that our environments are not only secure, but also supportive of recovery and stability.

Removal of bunk beds

Status: Complete

Recommendation 1∆

All double bunk beds removed from all cells within HMP & YOI Polmont.

While this work is complete, work will remain ongoing on how improvements can be made to the physical environment to reduce the risk of harm.

Removal of door stop ligature points

Status: Complete

Recommendation 2∆

All such door stops identified in the Fatal Accident Inquiry have been removed from cells.

While this work is complete, work will remain ongoing on how improvements can be made to the physical environment to reduce the risk of harm. 

Ligature audit proof of concept

Status: Complete

Recommendation 1a☐ and 3a∆

The above recommendations outlined a need for the development of a standardised toolkit for auditing cells for the presence of ligature anchor points.

We have so far developed an initial version of the Ligature Audit Toolkit, and proceeded to a proof of concept pilot test in number of cells within HMP & YOI Polmont. Learning will be taken from this test to inform the subsequent versions of the product.

Ligature audit toolkit development

Status: In progress

Recommendation 1a☐ and 3a∆

We will develop an updated version of a ligature audit toolkit, following the findings of the proof of concept test. We have commissioned external research on the use of audit tools more widely, which will factor into the review.

The toolkit will be subject to external and peer review before it is implemented across the Scottish prison estate.

A training programme to support the implementation of the toolkit will also be developed recognising the importance, not just of development, but of consistent delivery of measures for suicide prevention. 

Review of items in use

Status: In progress

Recommendation 5∆

We have established a short-term working group to review all items young people in HMP & YOI Polmont are routinely permitted to have in their possession.

We aim to remove items which are readily capable of being used as ligatures without ingenuity or adaptation, including belts and dressing gown cords. This includes items we provide, including prison clothing and bedding.

This will include a review of those items that young people are permitted to purchase from within and outwith the prison, in terms of Rule 45 (Privileges) of the Prisons and Young Offenders Institution (Scotland) Rules 2011, those items that families and friends are permitted to send in, and any items or clothing that young people have in their possession when they are admitted to custody.

Alternative bedding materials

Status: In progress

Recommendation 6∆

We have commenced research in relation to the availability and cost of alternative bedding materials for use in cells but young people in HMP & YOI Polmont, and will utilise the finding to inform the choice of bedding materials in standard cells.

Market research has been completed, and is being developed into research paper that will be published in due course. 

Hatch checks

Status: In progress

Recommendation 6☐ 

We acknowledge our responsibility and priority to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all young people in custody at HMP & YOI Polmont. We also recognise the need to uphold human rights and dignity for the individuals in our care, particularly during periods of rest and privacy. 

The recommendation to reintroduce a visual hatch check approximately one hour before the end of the night shift requires detailed consideration to achieve the aim of ensuring young prisoners are safe and well.

A short-term working group has been established to develop an options appraisal for the re-introduction of hatch checks, and we are engaging with young people in custody to ensure that their experiences are considered.