Prison Visitor Centres (PVCs) Review

Description

The Scottish Government has awarded a contract to a consortium of external service providers, led by Figure 8 Consultancy Services Limited, for the provision of research services. Lot 1: Prison Visitors’ Centres (PVCs) are independent services provided by non-statutory, not for profit organisations independent of the prisons they work alongside. PVCs aim to provide accessible services to all family members and visitors to prisons, including those who do not go into the prison to visit their family member/friend. There are currently 11 PVCs and 3 ‘Support Services’ across the custodial estate. The aim of the review is to explore and review the nature of PVC support services at establishments for families affected by imprisonment (which complements work by SPS); and, learn from current practice, needs and priorities to consider options for the future development of support services. It is anticipated this will include reflection on capacity and resources. The inclusion and involvement of the PVC providers, Families Outside, the National PVC Steering Group, and families/individuals affected by imprisonment will be central to meeting the aim of this commission. In addition to progress reports the Service Provider will be required to produce and deliver a final report and deliver presentations to the Research Advisory Group. - Fieldwork: October-January 2026 - Interim Progress Report or Presentation: December 2025 - Satisfactory Draft Final Report: February 2026 - Satisfactory Final Report, with Executive Summary: March 2026. The period of the contract is from and including 30 October 2025 to and including 31 March 2026. The Scottish Government may, by giving notice to the service provider, extend the period of the contract to a date falling no later than 30 June 2026.