Faith and belief

The Prison Service recognises and respects the right of prisoners to register and practise their faith whilst in custody.

The national policy which deals with faith and pastoral care for prisoners is PSI 50/2011.

The Prison Rules 1999, rule 19, states that:

"There shall, so far as reasonably practicable, be available for the personal use of every prisoner such religious books recognised by his denomination as are approved by the Secretary of State for use in prisons."


Furthermore, religion or belief is a protected characteristic, protected under s. 10 Equality Act 2010. Therefore, it is unlawful for a public authority to discriminate against an individual on the basis of religion or belief. It should be noted that this encompasses the choice to not prescribe to any belief.


PSI 51/ 2011, 2.3 states:

"A prisoner must not be subject to any form of discrimination or infringement of their human rights by declaring themselves of any faith or religion or as belonging to none."


When an individual first enters the prison establishment, he must have access to a member of the Chaplaincy Team. If his faith is not represented, arrangements are made for them to have access to a minister of their own faith (PSI 51/2011, 2)


Are prisoners compelled to undertake activity which is contrary to their religious beliefs?

No. A prisoner must not be required to undertake such work that is unsuitable or offensive to their religion (PSI 51/2011, 2.4)


Are prisoners allowed to wear religious artifacts and dress in prison?

Prisoners must be allowed to possess or have access to artifacts and religious texts that are required by their faith (PSI 51/2-11, 8.1). Similarly, prisoners must be allowed to wear dress, including headdress, that accords with the requirements of their registered faith as agreed by the Faith Adviser and the Prison Service (PSI 51/2011, 8.2)