The Prison Service and Executive Agency Status – HM Prisons plc?

Abstract

On 1 April 1993 the Prison Service in mainland Britain acquired an agency status. This is in conjunction with increasing news of contracting out of services and outright privatization. Raises the questions of whether the whole concept of agency status is a prelude to privatization; what the implications are for industrial relations; and is it part of the plan to marginalize the Prison Officers′ Association (POA)? Concludes that the change of emphasis to agency status will not address the current penal crisis in Britain.

Citation

Black, J. (1993), "The Prison Service and Executive Agency Status – HM Prisons plc?", International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 6 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/09513559310046801