Report outlines steps to smooth transition towards a points-based release system in prisons

A Skills for Justice survey of prisons and probation workers across England and Wales has identified key implementation recommendations ahead of the proposed introduction of a ‘Texas style’ points-based early release system, announced as part of the Independent Sentencing Review.

Evidence from the survey suggests that prisons and probation staff experienced heightened pressure and workload demands as a result of ECSL and SDS40, compounding current and historic workforce challenges.

Against this background, a report of the findings – Prisoner Early Release Schemes: Assessing the workforce impacts in England and Wales – outlines steps to put workforce capacity back on a sustainable footing and identifies key actions to smooth the implementation of points-based system to replace SDS40.

Jon Czul, Managing Director for Consultancy & Research at Skills for Justice, comments:

“Since 2023, the burden of early release schemes has been felt perhaps most keenly by prison and probation staff, to whom it was left to co-ordinate the release of prisoners to see out their sentences under supervision in the community.

“Accordingly, this report paints a picture of how already overburdened prison and probation staff managed to cope with the intervention and how it impacted them and their teams’ workload.

“At this vital juncture, we unpick the legacy of ECSL and SDS40 and offer a way forward to build capacity in the workforce and learn the lessons of earlier schemes to improve implementation of future ones.”

Head to the Skills for Justice website to download your copy →