§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department is taking to increase the number of prison officers in prisons in England and Wales who come from ethnic minorities; and if he will make a statement. [69811]
§ Mr. George HowarthIn the last few years, the Prison Service has made considerable progress on increasing the numbers of prison officers recruited from ethnic communities. Figures for the year to 31 March 1998 indicate that 7.8 per cent. of prison officers recruited were from ethnic minorities. More than double the figure for any previous year.
The Prison Service Racial Equality Programme (RESPOND) was launched on 1 February 1999. £3 million has been committed to this programme over the next three years.
A number of key actions have been identified. Those for 1999–2000 which look in particular at increasing ethnic minority representation include:
- appointing a Racial Equality Adviser;
- re-establishing a Recruitment Outreach Team (to assist establishments in recruiting ethnic minority staff); and
- setting targets in the areas of recruitment, representation by grade and retention which will be announced later this year.