The aim of this theme is to strengthen staff learning and development, ensuring a competent and confident workforce who feel supported and equipped to identify and respond to the diverse and often complex needs of those in our care. We recognise the challenging situations staff may face and are committed to providing the right tools, guidance, and emotional support to help them navigate these demands effectively.

We will work collaboratively with staff, thematic leads, and wider stakeholders to create opportunities for learning and wellbeing support that enhance resilience, improve health and safety, and promote a culture of care for both staff and people in custody.

Recommendation progress

Please note, the following symbols relate to recommendations made as part of the Fatal Accident Inquiry determinations of:

 

∆ Katie Allan and William Brown (Lindsay)

☐ Jack McKenzie

 

Not all of the theme activity relates to a recommendation.

Scoping of training needs across all themes

Status: In progress

Initial scoping is underway to consider the workforce training needs in relation to all of the recommendations.

Compassionate conversations training

Status: Complete

We committed to ensuring staff received training in how to have compassionate conversations following a death in custody.

A digital training package is now in place and available for all operational managers and senior managers.

Development of ligature audit training

Status: In progress

Recommendation 3a∆

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

Training has been delivered to staff at HMP & YOI Polmont for the proof-of-concept ligature audit toolkit, pending further roll-out of the audit being agreed, which will inform training implementation.

In-cell technology training

Status: In progress

Recommendation 4∆

Staff training is being implemented in partnership with the Innovation and Technology theme, to support the in-cell monitoring pilot in HMP & YOI Polmont, and HMP & YOI Stirling.

Staff from both sites will receive an in-person training session, alongside access to digital learning modules with information on the technology utilised in their establishment.

Mental health, bereavement, and wellbeing support

Status: In progress

Scoping work is underway with NHS Education for Scotland, and other stakeholders, to consider relevant resources and support for the workforce, in relation to mental health, bereavement and wellbeing.

Anti-bullying training

Status: In progress

Recommendation 10 ∆

A short-term working group has been established to review 'Think Twice', our current anti-bullying strategy.

As part of this review, we will identify training needs of our staff, and consider how learning and development packages can support this work.