On 16 December 2025, a presentation of the Analysis of Human Resource Management Strategy in the Penitentiary System of Ukraine was held in Kyiv. The analysis was prepared as part of the Council of Europe Project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS).
The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine, the Penitentiary Academy of Ukraine, experts and partners involved in the implementation of the penitentiary system reform.
The event was also attended by Hilde Haug, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine, who drew attention to the need for consistent implementation of European standards through strengthening the professional capacity of prison staff.
The Analysis presented was the first comprehensive study of personnel policy in the field of punishment enforcement in Ukraine. It covers strategic personnel management, personnel planning, professional training and development, competence development, leadership and institutional capacity, with a focus on the practical use of results to support reform.
As Deputy Minister of Justice of Ukraine Yevhen Pikalov emphasised: "No matter how difficult the starting conditions may be, reform of the prison system begins with people — with the mindset, professionalism and motivation of staff."
Among the main priorities identified in the study are:
- the development of a comprehensive personnel policy for the State Penitentiary Service of Ukraine, integrated with the Strategy for Reforming the Penitentiary System;
- improving the personnel selection system by introducing a competency-based approach;
- the development of modern leadership models focused on ethics, transparency and teamwork;
- updating the content of staff training and professional development with an emphasis on practical skills;
- strengthening personnel processes through the modernisation of digital infrastructure;
- adapting personnel policy to regional challenges in the context of martial law.
Mykhailo Iskra, DECOPRIS Project Manager, CPDL, Council of Europe, commented on the changing role of staff in the modern prison system: "Staff are no longer just guards. A modern prison system employee must sometimes be a mentor, an educator and an advisor. It is their professionalism, humanity and ability to interact effectively with convicts that determines the creation of an atmosphere of rehabilitation and preparation for return to society in institutions."
The presentation provided a platform for professional discussion on specific mechanisms for implementing the recommendations. Participants discussed decisions that can be implemented in stages and aimed at improving the effectiveness of personnel management without placing an excessive additional burden on the system.
As a result of the discussion, participants deepened their common understanding of the strategic directions of personnel policy in the penitentiary system. Priority reform steps aimed at strengthening the professional capacity of staff were identified. Participants also agreed on approaches for further cooperation between the State Criminal Executive Service of Ukraine and the DECOPRIS project and outlined practical priorities for the implementation of recommendations in 2026.
The DECOPRIS project will continue to support Ukraine in building a professional, motivated and sustainable team of prison staff as a foundation for a humane, safe and effective penal system
The Council of Europe project “Towards More Humane Conditions of Detention and Reduced Reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS) is implemented within the framework of the Council of Europe’s Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” (2023–2026). DECOPRIS aims to enhance the protection of prisoners’ rights by improving prison management practices and advancing rehabilitation efforts.
