The HMPPS approach to large-scale implementation of a CFT-informed intervention for men in prison who experience offence-relatedsexual interests

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe how quality has been ensured when introducing compassionate ways of working to the Healthy Sex Programme in His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a conceptual overview of the processes in place to implement a compassionate intervention with people convicted of sexual offending and who experience offence-related sexual interests on a national scale in a prison setting. Findings This paper shows how a compassion focused therapy (CFT)-informed intervention can be implemented nationally in prisons and how CFT principles can complement and enhance processes known to support the efficacy of interventions. Initial reviews suggest that the introduction of compassion work to Healthy Sex Programme has been positively received by therapists and clients. This will be further analysed in future evaluative work. Practical implications This paper encourages forensic practitioners to consider how they ensure quality and fidelity in their rehabilitative interventions and provides an overview of how compassion-focused ways of working can be interwoven with implementation and quality assurance processes. Staff selection, training, supervision and support (personal and organisational) are key foci. Originality/value The introduction of compassionate ways of working into Healthy Sex Programme was a unique, ambitious and innovative endeavour. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this has not been attempted on a national scale in any other setting, nationally or internationally. This paper outlines how quality has been ensured in its implementation and provides a unique discussion point on the interplay between CFT, programme design, implementation science and quality assurance.