GTS Solutions Appointed as External Quality Assurer for the Scottish Prison Service

Social Enterprise, GTS Solutions, has been appointed as the official external quality assurer for the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) Control and Restraint (C&R) training system. This role involves evaluating the quality and consistency of C&R training delivered to prison staff across Scotland.

In this capacity, GTS Solutions will be responsible for monitoring compliance with established procedures and assessing how training aligns with current standards for safety and professional conduct in custodial settings. The company’s remit includes reviewing training outcomes and advising on potential improvements.

Stuart Nicoll, Quality Lead for GTS Solutions CIC, commented,‘We are proud to be entrusted with this critical responsibility by the Scottish Prison Service. Our appointment reflects our commitment to delivering excellence in security training and quality assurance. Ensuring that control and restraint techniques are applied safely and effectively is essential for the welfare of both prison staff and those in custody. We look forward to working closely with the SPS to uphold and enhance these high standards.’

GTS Solutions has previously provided training and consultancy in the security sector. In this role, the organisation is expected to contribute to the ongoing development of staff skills and practices within the SPS framework.

The Scottish Prison Service’s Control and Restraint system forms part of its operational approach to managing high-risk scenarios. It is designed to equip staff with techniques for de-escalating conflict and handling confrontational situations. The inclusion of an external quality assurance function is intended to support the SPS in maintaining consistency and accountability in its training processes.