Decision Report 201303547

Summary

Ms C complained that the handling of her progression to less secure prison conditions had been unreasonable. She considered that the steps identified by the prison as her route to less secure conditions were inappropriate and because of that, she was being unreasonably prevented from progressing.

The prison wanted Ms C to participate in an offending behaviour programme before considering whether she was suitable to progress to less secure conditions. Ms C had been assessed as being suitable for the programme and the prison considered that her participation in it would help reduce any risk of reoffending. Prior to that happening, the prison wanted Ms C to undertake some preparatory work to ensure she could participate in the programme appropriately. The reason for that was because although Ms C admitted her offence, she did not accept that she had broken the law.

We reviewed the relevant policies and were satisfied that they supported the prison's position in relation to Ms C's progression. Therefore, we did not uphold her complaint.