COVID -Updated position on Accredited Programmes and Unpaid Work
Following meetings with Trade Unions and Senior HMPPS Management yesterday afternoon HMPPS have issued updated guidance (below) suspending face to face group based delivery of Accredited Programmes initially until 25 January. Further discussions will take place today on Unpaid Work with the aim of releasing further guidance on UPW. Please ensure members involved in the delivery of Accredited Programmes and UPW are aware of this guidance. We hope to be able to provide an update on UPW later today.
“In response to feedback from NPS, CRCs and our recognised Trade Unions, we have reviewed the delivery of Accredited Programmes in the current operating context.
We have taken the decision to require all NPS Regions and CRCs to suspend all face to face group delivery of Accredited Programmes with immediate effect. This suspension will remain in place until close Monday 25th January in the first instance, and will be reviewed ahead of that date. Individual face to face contact remains appropriate where the public protection or safeguarding risk justifies that action. All other elements of the Alternative Delivery Format remain in place. We will amend the Accredited Programme EDM to introduce a new Amber delivery level which aligns with this position.
We are also working with Trade Union representatives to review the national guidance that relates to delivery of Unpaid Work and will issue further guidance before close Tuesday 12th January.”