Guidance

Faith and pastoral care for prisoners: PSI 05/2016

Policy and guidance on supporting prisoners of all faiths with their religious practices and providing pastoral care.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Faith and pastoral care for prisoners: PSI 05/2016

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Details

This prison service instruction (PSI) provides guidelines for prisons on supporting prisoners of all faiths with their religious practices and needs. It outlines the right of prisoners to register and practice their faith while in custody and covers:

  • access to formal worship, religious classes and cultural activities
  • faith-based needs in segregation and healthcare
  • religious festivals
  • community faith groups
  • access to religious artefacts and items of clothing

It also covers the provision of pastoral care to the prison community by chaplaincy teams, including support through major life events.

This is a current PSI. It came into effect on 1 June 2016 and was last updated on 6 September 2016.

Published 6 September 2016
Last updated 26 September 2022 + show all updates
  1. The changes are in effect around religious registration and proof of adherence to a particular faith/belief to gain the benefits and services of that faith/belief.

  2. First published.