An independent review of sport in the justice system has highlighted the role that sport and physical activity can play in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.
It also identifies best practice from across the custodial estate and makes recommendations for enhancing provision.
The report makes 12 key recommendations which include:
- Every prison, young offender institution, secure training centre and secure children’s home should devise and implement an integrated physical activity and wellbeing strategy.
- Commissioners and education providers should develop a flexible approach to delivery which enables collaborations and creative delivery.
- Prisons should offer nutritional advice as part of their physical activity and wellbeing provision and promote a readily-available range of healthy eating options.
- Sport provision needs to be responsive to individual needs, with a focus on health, wellbeing and rehabilitation at the heart of practice.
- The Ministry of Justice should develop a physical activity strategy for women and girls in prison.