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Prisons: Translation Services

Asked by Sarah PochinReform UKMinistry of JusticeTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 90042

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether translation (a) cards or (b) services are provided to foreign national prison officers to aid communication with prisoners.

Answered by Jake Richards

Translation cards or services are not provided to any prison officers working in Public Sector Prisons (PSPs). The process for recruiting prison officers across all PSPs is the same for all applicants, both UK and non-UK nationals, with candidates being appointed to the role based on merit, in line with the fair and open Civil Service recruitment principles. The assessment process for prison officers includes assessments of spoken and written language skills, which will be to the same standard for all candidates, regardless of nationality, and fitness and medical checks.

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