The study

The study is based on qualitative data gathered using observations of the prison wings over three days in total, plus interviews and focus groups with a total of 25 staff and 28 prisoners. Data collection took place between August and October 2024.

Through thematic analysis, the researchers identified four main themes that reflected the experiences and views of staff and prisoners on these ISFLs.

1. The ISFL environment – prisoners and staff reported that the spaces on the ISFL were clean, calm, and facilitated drug-free living.
2. Prisoner and staff accountability – prisoners understood they had to abide by certain rules and norms on the ISFL to enjoy its benefits. Staff also reported that they were held accountable by colleagues and prisoners for their own attitudes.
3. Building and maintaining relationships – the ISFLs facilitated the development of strong bonds amongst prisoners and between prisoners and staff.
4. The identity of the ISFL – Perceptions of the ISFLs differed across the prison. Some staff and prisoners in other wings had negative impressions of the ISFL, often relating to stigmatisation of people who use drugs.

The findings suggested that ISFLs support prisoners’ recovery in ways which reflect the CHIME model — building Connection, Hope, Identity, Meaning, and Empowerment. Prisoners and staff talked about strong relationships that encouraged support and responsibility. Living in a drug-free space gave people hope for change and a better future, while taking part in activities and learning new skills helped them see themselves in a more positive light. Good access to health services and caring staff supported their wellbeing and sense of purpose. Overall, prisoners felt more in control of their recovery and worked alongside staff to create a safe, supportive, and responsible community.

This report sets out four key pieces of learning identified by the study team that may be used to create and improve the safety and stability of ISFL environments. 

Learning and Recommendations

Creating and sustaining a sense of community in the ISFL is a cornerstone in forming a safe and stable environment for staff and prisoners

Staff and prisoners pointed to opportunities for prisoners to share positive experiences with each other through communal, and especially peer-led, productive activities as effective in building a community atmosphere. Within this community, prisoners also reported feeling a greater sense of social obligation and accountability to each other and to staff, which facilitated prosocial behaviours such as care for their physical environment and a commitment to sharing skills and knowledge.

Relationships on the ISFLs were strengthened by encouraging and demonstrating open and trusting communication practices, which in turn allowed prisoners to resolve disputes constructively and avoid acts of aggression seen in other wings of the prisons.

The researchers recommend that prisons prioritise and foster community in their efforts to establish a safe and stable environment in the ISFL, which can in turn supports prisoners’ recovery journeys and healthy decision making.

Having a balanced population on the ISFL of prisoners who are at different points in their recovery journey, and those without a history of drug use, provided prisoners with new insights and opportunities for personal growth.

Staff and prisoners spoke positively about the effects of having a mix of prisoners on the ISFLs in terms of their experience with drug use, including a minority of prisoners without a recovery need. For those who were early in their recovery journey, living with and learning from others who had maintained their recovery over the long term was a source of inspiration. Similarly, prisoners who had also experienced difficulties in their lives but had not engaged in harmful drug use were also seen as positive examples to others.

For prisoners without a recovery need, living with people in recovery was described as providing opportunities for mentorship, which helped them gain confidence and self-esteem, as well as further developing empathy and understanding of others.

The researchers recommend that prisons should aim to ensure a diverse range of experiences in their ISFL population, including those without a recovery need, to facilitate opportunities for mutual learning and personal growth.

Working on the ISFLs can provide staff with opportunities for professional growth and a more rewarding experience at work.

Across the three prisons, ISFL staff reported finding their work with prisoners satisfying and meaningful. This contributed positively to their health and wellbeing, and may also support staff retention and fewer staff absences. Some staff also reflected on professional and personal growth in their roles. This was further facilitated by constructive challenge from and accountability towards other staff and prisoners on the wing.

Selecting staff who have a strong interest in, understanding of, and commitment to the ethos of the ISFL in supporting recovery and personal growth is a key component of its success.

The research team urges prisons to emphasise opportunities for professional development and the enriching experiences that are on offer in the ISFLs.

There is more work to be done, particularly amongst prison leadership, in raising awareness of the purpose and potential benefits of ISFLs to support progress towards desired outcomes.

In two prisons, study participants from the ISFLs reported that some staff and prisoners in other wings had negative impressions of the wings, or little understanding of its purpose.

The researchers note that the potential for the ISFLs to support prisoners’ recovery and personal growth could be increased by ensuring that all staff and prisoners are aware of and understand the wing’s identity and purpose. This would mean that  prisoners and staff could enter the ISFL with a full commitment to its ethos.

Thanks to Andy Aitchison for kind permission to use the header image in this post. You can see Andy’s work here