In Scotland, social work services in prisons are undertaken by local authorities in collaboration with the Scottish Prison Service. Each prison has a social work unit, which works closely with other prison based services, as well as agencies based in the community, such as social work and housing.

Generally speaking, social workers will work with specific categories of prisoner, such as those with addiction problems, those at risk of self-harm, those with mental health problems, and sex offenders. In addition social work services have a statutory duty to provide support to long-term prisoners (four years and over).

The main responsibilities of prison officers are the secure detention and rehabilitation of offenders. Officers work in a variety of prisons, from young offenders institutions to high-security prisons for long-term sex offenders.

For more information on the purpose and function of prisons visit the prisons section of the website.