From 26 to 29 September 2022, two training sessions took place on preventing and addressing professional burnout for penitentiary staff and the representatives of the Vocational Education and Training Centre for Inmates (VETCI). The training sessions were attended by 40 members of the penitentiary staff and VETCI, including social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, medical personnel and lawyers.

24-hour shifts and working conditions inherent to prison environment put penitentiary staff at a high risk of professional burnout. In turn, this may result in difficulties to maintain a basic level of security and a good quality service delivery for prisoners.

The training programme included modules on the harmful effects of occupational stress on the effectiveness of the provision of services to convicted individuals, burnout prevention strategies, staff care, among others. As a result, trained staff will be able to prevent and address issues related to professional burnout and maintain a good level of service delivery in highly intense working environments.

This training was organised in the framework of the project “Enhancing Healthcare Provision in Georgia’s Penitentiary System”. The Project is funded by the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia.