Home Office

Noted (AI summary) The Royal College of General Practitioners highlights existing guidance on information sharing and safeguarding, and the LGA has highlighted the importance of learning from Domestic Homicide Reviews at a national level. The LGA is seeking further information on the legal duty to repair doors of private rented accommodation.

Noted (AI summary) The Parliamentary Authorities confirm that they already plan to consider the automation of Carriage Gates and their general ease of use as part of the ongoing renewal project; and external reviewers have already been extensively involved in the New Palace Yard project, and will continue to be involved. The MPS will revise Post Instructions to relevant groups by direct emails, in hard copy and/or via electronic devices; MPS is working with MO19 and the National Police Chief’s Council to provide additional training on de-escalation techniques; and the MPS will ensure that there is appropriate input from tactical advisers at challenge panels, and the newly appointed PaDP OFC Sergeant will ensure that AFOs fully understand not only relevant changes to post instructions but also the rationale behind the changes. The BVRLA has increased counter terrorism training and guidance made available to vehicle rental and leasing firms, and routinely shares data and intelligence with police and counter terrorist authorities. The Department for Transport launched its Rental Vehicle Security Scheme in December 2018. The MCA states sufficient guidance already exists in the public domain for operating commercial vessels and leisure boats on navigable rivers and canals, referring to existing codes and training courses. The Home Office states the government accepts the Chief Coroner's recommendations and has taken action. The Department for Transport (DfT) launched the Rental Vehicle Security Scheme (RVSS) on 6th December 2018, and an industry led Advisory Panel was launched in January to oversee the development of the scheme. TfL implemented internal changes in October 2017 to improve communication of security advice. TfL is currently reviewing the height of all its bridge parapets to identify those that are below 1m high, with high priority bridges expected to be completed by April 2019. The London Ambulance Service states that the Chief Coroner found no matters of concern regarding their actions, so they will not be taking any further action.

Noted (AI summary) HM Prison and Probation Service describes existing arrangements for sharing risk information with partner agencies when a high-risk offender is released, including MAPPA and MASH. Guidance on activity required at the termination of sentence is currently being written.

Noted (AI summary) Care UK clarified that night welfare checks are conducted by HCAs, with a nurse available for assistance, and that the nurse from the Integrated Substance Misuse Service reviews the welfare check list daily; they reiterate that ACCT documentation is the responsibility of prison staff and the welfare checks don't replace it, and that the MPCCC clinic is held weekly.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health provides background on regulations and describes Operation Pangea and the FakeMeds campaign; MHRA will investigate further once it receives information from Greater Manchester Police.

Noted (AI summary) Virgin Care has implemented a process to ensure colleagues have completed ACCT awareness training and are aware of PSI 1700 upon starting at HMP High Down, with annual refresher training. An auditing process has also been implemented for Fitness for Segregation forms, carried out by Lead Nurses. The Department of Health has brought concerns regarding AMHP training to the attention of the HCPC, which sets criteria and approves training programs. Responsibility for AMHP training is due to become the responsibility of a new regulator; Social Work England, in 2018. The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) states that its existing criteria for AMHP training programs are appropriate and that individuals completing training have acquired the necessary skills in carrying out mental health assessments. They suggest that issues are best addressed by Local Social Services Authorities through ongoing training. Hampshire County Council and Portsmouth City Council have taken several actions, including reviewing AMHP practices, providing additional training, commissioning audits, and reviewing policies. The HCPC reviewed documentation and closed the case, taking no further action regarding the AMHP's fitness to practice.

Noted (AI summary) The Minister offers condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Billington. The Department acknowledges the report and notes that current guidance requires isolators for fire alarm systems to be secured against unauthorised tampering, and suggests the system in question may have been an older system. They suggest any weaknesses in standards be brought to the attention of the British Standards Institution.

Noted (AI summary) DSFRS provides responses to the coroner's questions, but does not describe any specific actions taken or planned by their own service. The Ministry of Justice acknowledges the coroner's concerns regarding legal aid funding but states that funding decisions are made independently and there are no plans to change the current scheme.

Noted (AI summary) The Home Office acknowledges the concerns regarding the death at Morton Hall IRC. They explain the challenges of unlocking rooms overnight, the existing practices for detention awareness, and the use of electrical items, but offer no concrete action.

Noted (AI summary) The Home Office acknowledges the concerns, describes actions taken by the NCA and Border Force to combat online drug supply, and states that law enforcement agencies have powers to act against suppliers, but does not commit to new actions.