Heather Ette from ECINS had an interview with HMP Stafford’s Resettlement Officer Richard Bell and Senior Officer John Wood.

As you know there is a proven link between IOM and Troubled Families and the IOM vision always was for the IOM journey to continue in prison. As you will see from the interview below that vision is now a reality!

HE: Has the use of ECINS improved information sharing between the prison and the Staffordshire IOM Team?
RB & JW: Without a doubt. We have always had a good relationship with Staffordshire Police but this system enables us to Communicate more effectively.

HE: We were tasked by the Home Office to create an environment where everyone knows what everyone else is doing. Do you think ECINS has achieved this?
RB & JW: ECINS gives the right people access to the information that they need. All relevant information needed can be easily requested and accessed.

HE: Does having access to ECINS make you feel more part of the IOM process?
RB & JW: ECINS contributes to our relationship with partner agencies and enables effective communication.

HE: Would you recommend this joined up approach to other IOM Teams and prisons?
RB & JW: We would recommend ECINS as its simplicity is its beauty. The information you need is only a click away.

HE: It has been said that ECINS allows organisations to ‘manage’ a person as a whole because a person can be an offender, a vulnerable person and a victim all at the same time. Would you agree with this and does sharing information more effectively with the Staffordshire IOM Team mean a prisoner can be supported more effectively upon their release and when they arrive at the prison?
RB & JW: Yes. This multi-agency approach supported by ECINS means that when an offender is received we can start to plan their Resettlement and Re-Hab requirements immediately. A joined-up approach like this means that offenders can be supported throughout their time in custody more effectively and release plans can be individually moulded around any issues highlighted.

HE: Could we have your thoughts on the following statement made by Sgt Martin Steventon: ‘What results from this two way conversation through ECINS is a seamless approach to managing offenders and the risk they pose in the community and in prison. ECINS has provided a platform where the right information can be shared at the right time with the best people likely to have an influence on an individual in question and ultimately their offending’.
RB & JW: ECINS has the potential to be a valuable tool for prisons. This type of information sharing allows us to anticipate an offenders likely behaviour in custody and also enables our Offender Supervisors to identify programmes and courses that need to be undertaken in custody which are designed to lower an offenders risk of re-offending. ECINS also gives us the opportunity to pass on vital information to our partner agencies whilst offenders are in custody which helps them plan any necessary interventions after release. This new way of working together all contributes to our common goal of reducing re-offending and risk to the public.