Evaluation of the effectiveness of a diversity and inclusion committee on a psychologically informed planned environment in a UK prison
| Date | 18 November 2024 |
| Pages | 24-37 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-01-2024-0003 |
| Published date | 18 November 2024 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice |
| Author | Hannah Sewell |
Evaluation of the effectiveness of a
diversity and inclusion committee on a
psychologically informed planned
environment in a UK prison
Hannah Sewell
Abstract
Purpose –PsychologicallyInformed Planned Environments (PIPEs) are designedto support individuals
to develop positive relationships. This can be achieved through social activities and engagement with
committees.Developing understanding of diversityand inclusion (D&I) continues to be an area of need in
criminal justice.A custodial PIPE therefore developed a D&I committee,which included the planning and
deliveryof communityevents. This study aims to explore the effectivenessof the committee and events in
increasing understandingof protected characteristics, enabling individuals to raiseD&I-related issues,
developingpositive relationships and increasingfeelings of safety.
Design/methodology/approach –Eight participants residing on a PIPE engaged in semi-structured
interviews to explore their experienceof the D&I committee and events. Thematic analysis was used to
explorethe responses and to identify commonthemes within the data.
Findings –Four themes were identified: ‘‘you’re in a safe environment here’’, connectedness,
opportunities to learnand grow and ‘‘it could be better’’. The research indicatedthat the D&I committee
and events support several of the enabling environments standards and provide prisoners with an
opportunity to build on their strengths and capabilities, in linewith the Good Lives Model (Ward, 2002;
Ward and Gannon, 2006),which underpins the ethos of PIPEs (NOMS and DoH, 2012; HMPPS and NHS,
2023).
Practical implications –There is scope for similar committees to be implemented in other
psychologically informed environments, which could potentially be extended to other therapeutic
environments and ‘‘standard wings’’ within prisons. However, future research should consider the
influenceof prisoners’ individual characteristicson their experience of such committeesand events.
Originality/value –PIPEs provide a unique environment in which various committees can be
implemented. A D&I committee has provided the space and opportunity for staff and prisoners to
develop their knowledge and understanding and to build positive relationships. This research has
evaluatedthe effectiveness of this and aims to promotethe use of such committees in other services.
Keywords PIPEs, Enabling environments, Diversity and inclusion, Prison committees, Relationships,
Understanding, Safety, Service-user involvement
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Psychologically Informed Planned Environments (PIPEs) form part of the Offender
Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway Services in England and Wales (HMPPS and NHS,
2023). The service focuses on relationships and interactions with others, providing
opportunities to build on this within “ordinary” living experiences (Bolger and Turner, 2013).
PIPEs support prisoners with complex personality needs through transition, change and
personal development (National Offender Management Service and Department of Health,
Hannah Sewell is based at
the Department of
Psychology Services
Group, HMPPS,
Berkhamsted, UK.
Received 24 January 2024
Revised 5 April 2024
Accepted 28 May 2024
The author would like to thank
the Governor at HMP Hull,
Shaun Mycroft, for permitting
the research to take place. The
author would also like to thank
the prisoners and staff on the
PIPE at HMP Hull for their time
and dedication to supporting
the D&I committee and events,
as well as contributing to this
valuable research. A special
thanks to Jonathan Holmes
(Psychology Services Group,
HMPPS) for providing vital
support and guidance
throughout the research and
preparation of the report.
PAGE 24 jTHE JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE jVOL. 27 NO. 1 2025, pp. 24-37, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794 DOI 10.1108/JFP-01-2024-0003
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