MSP Receives Commitment from SPS on Support for HMP Grampian

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has received details of the commitment by the Scottish Prison Service on support for HMP Grampian to address their staffing issues.

A report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland published in July found issues with staffing shortages at the prison, with recruitment and retention of staff being highlighted as a problem owing to the high employment rate in the Buchan area.

Responding to a letter from the SNP MSP, Chief Executive Colin McConnell detailed a range of actions and initiatives designed to support the prison and recruit staff members.

Welcoming the commitment, Mr Stevenson again highlighted the overall positive nature of the inspectorate’s report and the efforts of the staff at the facility, stating:

“It was clear from the report that, despite some challenges, the staff at HMP Grampian are carrying on the ethos of the old HMP Peterhead and deserve to be commended for their hard work. Back then, the officers charged with custody of what was then a sex-offender population were a team who were highly motivated in their jobs by doing their utmost to protect the public by ensuring their inmates got every support to make them not re-offend. Prevention of re-offending remains a top priority for the staff.

“Bringing together two prisons with very different cultures in HMP Peterhead and HMP Craiginches was always going to present some challenges, but the report stated the “inspection team found an establishment that had matured, and despite a small number of significant incidents in 2018, was largely calm and purposeful with emerging signs of stability and progress”.

“There were issues highlighted in the report which require to be addressed, and I raised these with the SPS, who have responded positively with details of what they are doing to address staffing and other issues.

“In particular, new initiatives and changes to the recruitment process appear to be generating increased interest from potential job applicants. These include Open Days, online testing as part of the recruitment process, funded visits with a family member to HMP Grampian to meet other staff who had also relocated to the area, and also promoting career opportunities at North-east secondary schools.

“None of these represent a ‘quick-fix’ but I am confident that SPS management are taking all reasonable steps to address the staffing situation highlighted in the report.”

MSP Echoes Safety Advice on Tumble Dryers

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has highlighted safety advice issued by campaigning charity Electrical Safety First on avoiding tumble dryer fires.

“With 47 fires caused by tumble dryers in Scottish homes last year and a major, ongoing tumble dryer recall, all of us need to check and use them safely”, explains Stewart Stevenson MSP “So I’ve joined Electrical Safety First’s campaign to ensure my constituents stay safe in their homes.”

White goods manufacturer, Whirlpool, is recalling a number of its tumble dryers – but the company estimates that there are still around 500,000 affected machines in UK homes.[i]

Mr Stevenson continued:

“I am supporting the charity’s campaign to ensure that all recalled tumble dryers are removed from use and to encourage people to check if they have an affected model. But even if you are not one of those affected by the recall, it’s really important to follow some simple safety tips when using your machine”.

"Currently, recalls have just a 20% effectiveness rate, so checking you don’t have an effected model is a priority. However, Wayne Mackay, Deputy Public Affairs Manager at Electrical Safety First, explains that the campaign also has a wider aim.

“We also want to provide a timely reminder on using tumble dryers safely”, reveals Wayne. “And we have devised a range of tools and top tips to help, including our dedicated site - www.whitegoodsafety.com - where my constituents can check if you have an affected tumble dryer, or indeed, other recalled ‘white goods’, such as fridges and washing machines”.

For more information, take a look at Electrical Safety First’s top tips, below:

To check if you have a recalled tumble dryer

• Visit: www.whitegoodsafety.com.
• Check if you have a Whirlpool owned brand machine, such as Hotpoint, Creda, Indesit or Swan. You can do this by looking at Whirlpool’s online model checker to see if your product is affected – if it is, call Whirlpool on 0800 151 0905 to have it replaced or consult https://safety.hotpoint.eu to check your model.
• If you’re in any doubt, stop using - and unplug - your machine immediately.

Top tips for tumble dryer safety

• Never overload the dryer – take large or bulky items like duvets to the dry cleaners.
• Always allow each drying programme, including the "cool-down cycle", to completely finish.
• If you have to stop the dryer before the end of the cycle, remove all items and leave the door open to dissipate heat.
• Don't use your tumble dryer to dry clothes that are contaminated with combustible substances like solvents, grease, oils or fats.
• Don't leave your tumble dryer running overnight, or when you are out.

MSP Highlights Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight, which begins later this week

Starting on Saturday 31 August, the fortnight long campaign will amplify the great work that’s happening now and talk about the future potential for Scotland’s food and drink industry.

The Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP believes this is an opportunity to highlight some of the innovation that is going on across the sector and profiling the work that goes on behind the scenes with retailers and foodservice customers to help Scottish companies realise their full potential, as well as promoting the rich array of locally-produced food and drink in the North-east.

Commenting Mr Stevenson said:

“Scotland can be rightly proud of the outstanding products being reared, grown and manufactured on our doorstep- particularly in the North-east.

“Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight is a phenomenal opportunity to cement Scotland’s reputation as the Land of Food and Drink and celebrate the reputation we have globally.

“The Food and Drink industry in Scotland deserve great congratulations for all that has been achieved as we approach our target of being home to a sector worth £30 billion by 2030.”