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Head of PECS Introduction to the Contract User Guide

Published:
Headshot of Tim Coates

Dear Colleague,

This Guide has been produced so that Prisoner Escort & Custody Service (PECS) service users, across Criminal Justice Service (CJS) partners and other parties with an interest in the operation of the PECS contracts can understand:

  • The services they can expect to be delivered.
  • Their role in using it effectively and efficiently.
  • How the roles of others also help contribute to optimal service delivery; and
  • How, by working positively together with other parts of the process, we can jointly deliver an effective service which protects the public, helps to reduce re-offending and offers value for money.

When working at its best the PECS service provides an essential logistics service to the wider CJS across England & Wales. It ensures the right person is in the right place at the right time, and transports vulnerable and challenging individuals in a safe, decent, secure and timely manner. It may well be the first experience an individual will have had of custody and will shape their expectations for, and behaviour during, the rest of their time in the CJS.

The Contract User Guide has been designed as an aid to stakeholders in key strategic parts of the CJS to understand their own roles and responsibilities within processes. To this end we have provided specific chapters for the key users of the service – the courts, prisons, police and those responsible for management of young people. But readers are encouraged to also look at chapters relating to other stakeholders, as well as themselves, to better understand the end-to-end process and how we all share a responsibility for ensuring good quality outcomes.

Change to the way PECS operates over the 10-year life of the contracts is inevitable and necessary. The service has been designed and agreed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders and to take account of major Reform Programmes in Prisons, Courts, Youth Justice and Policing. Flexibility and partnership will be key to successfully navigating the further changes ahead such as the opening of new courts and prisons, and also the introduction of new technology.

I hope you find this Guide helpful in your day to day work over the coming years. If you require further help, advice or guidance to assist you in the operational delivery of the new service, then you should contact your regional PECS Contract Delivery Manager.

Yours faithfully,

Tim Coates
Head of PECS