Council of Europe works together with Prison Administration to establish a Training Academy and a Research Institute in Slovenia in order to increase the professionalism of prison staff and improve the detention conditions in prisons.

Recommendations to establish the Academy and Research Institute are part of a Concept Paper discussed with the Slovenian authorities in a working group session on 1 July 2022, with the support of Council of Europe international consultants.

The Concept Paper foresees a detailed plan with the necessary steps to set the objectives and structure of the Academy, define the special role of the Research Institute, and decide on the appointment of tutors and staff, the funding, and the accreditation of programmes. Best practices in Europe, as well as Council of Europe standards and guidelines applicable to higher education institutions form part of the Concept Paper.

It is expected that the Concept Paper will be finalized in September 2022 crystallizing the scope and process of Slovenian Prison Administration to establish a Training Academy and a Research Institute.

Council of Europe will continue supporting the establishment of the Training Academy and Research Institute for the development of training programs, organisation of Train of Trainers sessions and the accreditation process within the framework of the project “Improving the juvenile justice system and strengthening the education and training of penitentiary staff” funded by the European Union via the Technical support instrument and implemented by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Commission.