Inspector criticises Whatton’s role

Whatton Prison needs to redefine its resettlement role and develop
employment and training opportunities for sex offenders held there,
according to Anne Owers, the chief inspector of prisons.

Although Whatton, near Nottingham, saw resettlement as being at the
heart of its work, there was confusion over what that actually
meant and how it could be achieved, Owers said last week.

“The confusion centred around whether the prison was focusing upon
treatment, programmes, courses, or preparation for release. And
until that focus is clarified, confusion will continue,” Owers
said.

The inspection report suggests the prison should increase the
number of people completing offending behaviour programmes. It also
urges the prison to provide more employment and training
opportunities that relate to vocational qualifications and more
realistic work opportunities outside.