Explanatory note

These Rules amend the Young Offender Institution Rules 1988 (“the 1988 Rules”), as amended.

Rule 2 of these Rules introduces the Schedule, which sets out the amendments to the 1988 Rules.

Paragraph 1 of the Schedule clarifies the definition of “inmate” for the purposes of the 1988 Rules and paragraph 2 corrects a wrong reference in rule 6 of those Rules.

Paragraph 3 of the Schedule makes revised provision for the regime activities in a young offender institution. It extends the regime day and expands the scope of what are to be regarded as regime activities.

Paragraph 4 of the Schedule makes new provision for physical education and revised provision for time in the open air for female inmates aged 21 and over.

Paragraph 5 of the Schedule enables the establishment of regimes providing for stricter order and discipline and which emphasise strict standards of dress, appearance and conduct, subject to certain safeguards.

Paragraph 6 of the Schedule enables the Secretary of State to direct when an inmate should be searched and paragraph 7 of the Schedule creates two new disciplinary offences relating to alcohol.

Paragraphs 8 and 9 of the Schedule make revised provision for the appointment of the chairman and vice chairman of a board of visitors for a young offender institution (in respect of which rule 3 of these Rules makes transitional provision) and for the making of reports by such a board to the Secretary of State. Paragraph 8 introduces new provision for training for members of a board of visitors and for their suspension from membership on grounds of suspected serious misconduct. That paragraph also introduces new provision for the termination of office of a chairman or vice chairman of a board of visitors.