Whistle blowing to be examined in Mubarek inquiry’s second phase

Whistle blowing in the Prison Service will be examined during
the second phase of the inquiry into Zahid Mubarek’s death,
writes Maria Ahmed.

Mr Justice Keith, the inquiry chair, has announced that he wants
to find out how much staff are encouraged to report on colleagues
“without fear or reprisals”.

Whistle blowing emerged as a key matter for the inquiry after
Duncan Keys, a Prison Officer’s Association member, alleged
that warders at Feltham Young Offender Institution had placed
unsuitable inmates together in cells in a practice referred to as
‘Gladiator’.

The inquiry’s second phase, due to start next month, will
also address issues including whether cell-sharing reduces the risk
of self-harm and whether there is adequate staff training in racist
incidents.

Mr Justice Keith hopes to hand over his report to the Home
Secretary by the end of the year.

www.zahidmubarekinquiry.org.uk

The Bigger Picture on the first phase of the Zahid Mubarek
inquiry’s first phase
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