Nursing in Criminal Justice Services Forum

Welcome to the RCN Nursing in Criminal Justice Services Forum.

Latest News

New forum publication: Health and Nursing Care in the Criminal Justice Service. RCN Guidance for Nursing Staff.

Front cover of new guidance documentWe recently launched our new CJS publication which replaces our previous publication Caring for prisoners. We hope it will be the reference of first choice for new staff in CJS services and that existing staff will use it to support practice improvements. It's also invaluable to lecturers and students together with non-health colleagues such as police, prison officers, commissioners and researchers.

Download Health and Nursing Care in the Criminal Justice Service. RCN Guidance for Nursing Staff (PDF 523.9KB)
Hard copies can be purchased from RCN Direct - £4 to members, £5 to non-members by calling 0345 772 6100 (quote publication code 003 307).

 

The Prison Officers Association (POA) have recently begun working to rule, in protest at the government's plans to impose market testing at a number of HMP establishments

As a steering committee we wish to highlight below the advice being given to members by the RCN Employment Relations Adviser:

  • The RCN is not in dispute with the Prison Service, the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) or with the Ministry of Justice.
  • Members who have RCN membership only (as opposed to membership of the RCN and the POA) should continue to work as normal.
  • RCN members who are also POA members and who take part in the work to rule will be doing so solely on the basis of their POA membership.
  • A failure to attend work would represent a breach of contract and leave the member open to disciplinary action by their employer.
  • If an RCN member feels they may be intimidated by action on the part of those working to rule, they should discuss the situation with their line manager.

Some RCN members have raised queries about what to do should they be asked to cover a colleague who is working to rule. This will depend on what may be required under the individual's contract of employment. Generally, however, providing cover should only be with the member's agreement and a member cannot be compelled to provide such cover. If individual members have any concerns about this issue, they should contact RCN Direct on 0845 772 6100.

RCN members are reminded that any media enquiries should be immediately referred on to the establishment's media relations personnel.

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