The sequencing and delivery of interventions: Views of Imprisoned for Public Protection (IPP) prisoners in the UK

The need to be responsive to the individual needs of offenders in issues relating to programme delivery is noted by the Ministry of Justice as being of importance in the effective rehabilitation of offenders. The aim of the current research is to explore the views of offenders in the UK regarding issues relating to rehabilitative processes in prison such as the sequencing and timing of interventions. In addition, the research aimed to explore the range of internal and external factors which may impact upon programme efficacy. Structured interviews were conducted with twenty Imprisoned for Public Protection (IPP)
offenders in prisons across the West Midlands (UK). Detailed notes were taken and analysed using Template Analysis. Offenders expressed their opinions with reference to their personal experiences of the sequencing of interventions in which they have participated in relation to the process of behavioural change. Offenders highlighted difficulties they have experienced which they feel may have impacted upon the effectiveness of programmes, and suggestions were made regarding ways in which they feel programmes and programme delivery could be improved. Responses were largely indicative that offenders felt it would benefit them for interventions to be timed and sequenced in a manner consistent with their individual needs and readiness factors (e.g., level of motivation to change). Findings are discussed with reference to the need to be responsive to the needs of individual offenders in order to maximise the potential for programme efficacy.