Prisoner Management Skill Standard Development

Toitū te Waiora is excited to announce the development of Prisoner Management skill standards at Levels 3, 4, and 5. These will replace the current unit standards in the Corrections Programmes of Study and align with the following qualifications: 

Proposed skill standards for New Zealand Certificate in Prisoner Management (Level 4) [Ref: 2659 v3], and (Level 5) [Ref: 3877 v2]

Toitū te Waiora has developed six draft skill standards to align with programmes leading to the New Zealand Certificate in Prisoner Management (Level 4) [Ref: 2659 v3] and (Level 5) [Ref: 3877 v2]. Three additional draft skill standards have also been developed to align with wider industry requirements as electives. These standards have been developed in consultation with the sector and union to ensure they align with current and future demands while incorporating the latest frameworks and research around prisoner management.  

The proposed level 4 skill standard drafts can be viewed below: 

• 4A Lead a team to operate safely and effectively in a prison environment. 

• 4B Develop and support staff to meet operational and prisoner rehabilitation needs in a prison environment. 

• 4C Demonstrate own and staff wellbeing and standards of performance in a prison environment   

The proposed level 5 skill standard drafts: 

• 5A Manage the custodial practice of an area within a prison 

• 5B Manage the operations of a unit or area within a prison. 

• 5C Evaluate emergency response exercises within a prison environment. 

Electives: 

• 3A Conduct a prisoner escort (Level 3). 

• 4D Carry out negotiations in a corrections environment (Level 4). 

• 4E Perform drug test sample collection with follow-up action on results in a prison environment (Level 4). 

These skill standards will be replacing the current unit standards, which are set to expire on 31st December 2027. 

We now invite you to provide feedback on these proposed skill standards. Your insights will be used to further develop the standards to ensure that they meet the needs of the sector.  

Please provide feedback to [email protected]  

Toitū te Waiora look forward to receiving your feedback to any or all of the proposed skill standards by close of business on Wednesday 4th June 2025.