Guidance: HMPPS risk of serious harm guidance

Public protection work is central to the work of HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). High-quality public protection work can minimise the potential for risk of serious harm to victims and the public.

Accurate risk assessment and the skilled management of those individuals who pose a risk of harm to others is critical to all prison and probation work.

This new Risk of Serious Harm Guidance reviews former guidance documents (2009 guide and 2014 supplement), consolidating them into a single document. It presents similar concepts, in an easy to read and digestible format. We have added a new section on risk management planning to address the importance of taking clear focussed actions to manage the risks identified throughout the assessment.

The guide to the four-step process of risk assessment will encourage staff in making reflective, logical and informed decisions about risk and help them use best practice in assessment.