IPS_Innovative Prison Systems recently celebrated over 20 years of collaboration with DGRSP (Portuguese Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services), highlighting their joint efforts in improving correctional services and promoting positive change within the justice system. A partnership recognition memento was presented to DGRSP during IPS's team "Get Together Event" held in Porto from October 9 to 11, 2024.
DGRSP was represented at the event by Deputy Director-General Dr. João D’Oliveira Cóias and Dr. Jorge Monteiro, Director of the Research and Planning Centre. The long-standing partnership between IPS and DGRSP was a cause for celebration, as it has led to the successful development of several key projects over the years, each one addressing critical aspects of the correctional system and advancing correctional practices.
The first collaboration between IPS and DGRSP dates back to 2001, with a leadership development programme that trained 180 middle and senior management professionals. From 2005 to 2010, the partnership continued with the PGISP project, promoted by DGRSP and designed and supported by IPS, which introduced comprehensive innovation processes within the Portuguese prison system. This project was aligned with broader public administration reforms, aiming to drive organisational change across the system. Its main objectives included establishing responsive governance models, implementing effective management strategies for transformation, and promoting quality management and continuous improvement practices.
Following the success of the PGISP project in Portugal, both organisations were crucial partners in a project that sought to build on the innovations introduced in Portugal by adapting the successful strategies and programmes to the Romanian context. The primary goal was to empower technical teams and prison staff, using the Portuguese experience as a foundation to implement meaningful reforms tailored to meet the specific needs of Romanian prisons.
Since then, IPS and DGRSP have partnered in more than 10 transnational initiatives in a broad range of topics, including various initiatives aimed at staff and leadership training. These include developing strategic approaches to enhance the skills of prison officers, particularly in areas such as digital competencies, stress management, and mental health and palliative care competencies. Filling a void at the European level, they have worked on the development of comprehensive training models designed to meet the specific training needs of prison officers, probation officers and other practitioners in the correctional system.
In addition to staff development, the partnership has worked on several rehabilitation focused projects. These have involved fostering peer support systems within probation, promoting digital inclusion for incarcerated and recently released individuals through an innovative learning platform, supporting prison and probation staff in working effectively with offenders convicted of road crimes, and promoting entrepreneurial skills and inclusion for incarcerated individuals through flexible learning methods.
The collaboration has also addressed pressing challenges, such as preventing and reducing radicalisation and violent extremism in prisons, through multi-sectoral approaches aimed at enhancing the competences of justice professionals.
For 2025, IPS and DGRSP will continue to collaborate with the launch of two new projects, focusing on improving rehabilitation prospects across the European Union by strengthening the understanding and application of Framework Decisions 2008/947, 2009/829, and 2008/947 by judicial practitioners.
At the IPS event, a special token of appreciation was presented to Dr. João D’Oliveira Cóias, in recognition of the partnership between the two organisations. During his remarks, Dr. Cóias emphasised the significant impact IPS has had as a partner over the years, particularly in offering innovative perspectives that have shaped the approach to correctional services.
In alignment with these remarks, Dr. Jorge Monteiro acknowledged that IPS’s collaboration has been a cornerstone in the continuous improvement of correctional services in Portugal, stating, “There is a DGRSP before IPS, and another DGRSP after IPS.”
Reflecting on all that has been accomplished along the years, it is evident that IPS and DGRSP partnership has not only driven innovation in correctional services but has also strengthened a collective commitment to enhancing the overall effectiveness and impact of the justice system.
Looking ahead, IPS is committed to continue collaborating closely with DGRSP to further advance research, adopt best practices, and develop impactful initiatives that heighten the quality of correctional environments.
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