A Process Evaluation of Incentivised Substance Free Living Wings in Three Prisons

Incentivised Substance Free Living wings (ISFLs) are designated areas of prisons where prisoners can receive incentives, support, and treatment to live substance-free. Incentives include activities, gym equipment, gardens and cooking facilities. ISFL wings are informed by the CHIME (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning and Empowerment) model, which encompasses personal recovery whilst also providing direction to policy makers and service providers (Leamy et al., 2011).

This study aimed to understand how ISFLs are being implemented in three male prisons in England in relation to safety, accountability and support; what is or isn’t working well in supporting a safe and stable environment; and what factors have contributed to driving or limiting progress towards desired outcomes.

Data collection took place between August and October 2024 in three male prisons in England with well-established ISFLs. Qualitative data was gathered using observations of the wings over three days in total, interviews, and focus groups with a total of 25 staff and 28 prisoners.

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

• The ISFL environment - prisoners and staff reported that the spaces on the ISFL were clean, calm, and facilitated drug-free living.
• 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.
• Building and maintaining relationships - the ISFLs facilitated the development of strong bonds amongst prisoners and between prisoners and staff.
• The identity of the ISFL wing - 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.

Recommendations

• Creating and sustaining a sense of community in the ISFL is a cornerstone in creating safe and stable environment for staff and prisoners.
• 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.
• Working on the ISFLs can provide staff with opportunities for professional growth and a more rewarding experience at work.
• 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.