Incentivised Substance-Free Living (ISFL) Unit Development & Improvement

Helping Prisons Create Safe, Effective and High-Performing Substance-Free Communities

At SEETE (Securing Enabling Environments Through Empowerment), we understand that the success of an Incentivised Substance-Free Living (ISFL) Unit depends on far more than simply allocating a dedicated wing or unit.

The most successful ISFL Units are built around the right culture, the right staff, the right peer mentors, and a clear vision that promotes recovery, responsibility, wellbeing, and rehabilitation.

SEETE provides specialist consultancy, mentoring, and operational guidance to prisons seeking to establish, develop, or improve ISFL Units. Our support is informed by direct lived experience and practical knowledge gained from working within one of the most successful ISFL Units in the country.

Real Experience. Real Understanding.

SEETE's ISFL support is led by individuals with lived experience who worked as mentors within the ISFL Unit at HMP Leeds between 2019 and 2021.

During this period, the unit became widely recognised for its positive culture, strong prisoner engagement, high standards, and successful outcomes. The unit was frequently regarded as one of the highest-performing ISFL environments within the prison estate.

This experience provides SEETE with unique insight into what genuinely contributes to a successful substance-free community and, equally importantly, what can undermine it.

We understand the practical realities of daily life on an ISFL Unit, the challenges faced by staff and residents, and the importance of creating an environment that supports long-term behavioural change.

Why ISFL Units Matter

Substance misuse remains one of the most significant challenges within prisons and is often linked to:

• Violence and intimidation
• Debt and bullying
• Organised criminal activity
• Self-harm and poor mental health
• Reduced engagement with rehabilitation
• Increased instability across prison communities

A well-managed ISFL Unit can provide a positive alternative by creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals are encouraged and rewarded for maintaining a substance-free lifestyle.

When implemented effectively, ISFL Units can:

• Improve safety and wellbeing
• Reduce violence and bullying
• Increase engagement with education and rehabilitation
• Promote personal responsibility
• Support recovery and positive behavioural change
• Prepare individuals for successful reintegration into the community

How SEETE Can Help

ISFL Unit Design & Development

SEETE works with establishments during the planning and development stages of new or existing ISFL Units.

Through Lived Experiences we provide practical guidance on:

• Unit structure and operational models
• Creating a positive recovery culture
• Developing an enabling environment approach
• Establishing clear expectations and standards
• Designing effective progression pathways
• Building community ownership and accountability
• Creating meaningful incentives and rewards
• The use of Procedural Justice Policy

Our recommendations are based on practical experience, evidence-based principles, and lessons learned from successful ISFL environments. 

Staff Recruitment & Selection Support

One of the most important factors in the success of an ISFL Unit is selecting the right staff.

The attitudes, values, communication style, and commitment of staff directly influence the culture of the unit.

SEETE supports establishments by advising on:

• Desired staff attributes and behaviours
• Recruitment and selection considerations
• Staff role expectations
• Recovery-focused approaches
• Building trust and professional relationships
• Maintaining consistency and fairness
• Creating positive role models for residents

We believe that successful ISFL staff are not simply rule enforcers—they are motivators, mentors, facilitators, and champions of rehabilitation.  Having the  correct staff and mentors can help build the correct environment.

Peer Mentor Selection & Development

The quality of prisoner mentors can significantly influence the culture and success of an ISFL Unit.

SEETE helps prisons identify and develop prisoners who demonstrate:

• Commitment to a substance-free lifestyle
• Positive behaviour and conduct
• Emotional maturity
• Strong communication skills
• Leadership potential
• A willingness to support others
• Credibility amongst peers

We provide guidance on mentor recruitment, role development, expectations, accountability, and ongoing support.

The right mentors help create a positive community that encourages recovery, responsibility, and personal growth.

Unit Design, Layout & Environment

The physical environment plays an important role in shaping behaviour and promoting wellbeing.

SEETE can advise on:

• Unit layout and flow
• Community spaces
• Peer support areas
• Noticeboards and communication points
• Recovery and wellbeing resources
• Visual identity and culture
• Incentive displays and achievement recognition
• Creating environments that promote respect, ownership and pride

Our aim is to help establishments create spaces that feel safe, purposeful, and supportive while remaining fully aligned with operational and security requirements.

Incentives & Progression Frameworks

Successful ISFL Units encourage positive behaviour through meaningful incentives and clear progression opportunities.

SEETE can support the development of:

• Incentive structures
• Achievement programmes
• Recognition schemes
• Peer mentor pathways
• Community responsibilities
• Personal development opportunities
• Recovery-focused goals and milestones

Well-designed incentives encourage engagement, motivation, and personal accountability.

Building a Positive Unit Culture

Culture is often the difference between an average ISFL Unit and an exceptional one.

SEETE helps establishments develop cultures based on:

• Respect
• Trust
• Accountability
• Recovery
• Personal responsibility
• Community support
• Positive challenge
• Rehabilitation

We help prisons create environments where both staff and prisoners contribute to maintaining high standards and supporting positive change.

ISFL Reviews & Improvement Assessments

For existing ISFL Units, SEETE can conduct independent reviews and provide practical recommendations for improvement.

Areas reviewed include:

• Unit culture and atmosphere
• Staff engagement
• Mentor effectiveness
• Resident engagement
• Incentive structures
• Safety and wellbeing
• Substance-free compliance
• Operational effectiveness

Following assessment, SEETE provides recommendations designed to strengthen performance and improve outcomes.

The Importance of Getting It Right

The success of an ISFL Unit is rarely determined by policies alone.

It depends on:

• The right staff
• The right mentors
• The right culture
• The right environment
• The right leadership

When these elements work together, ISFL Units can become some of the safest, most positive, and most rehabilitative environments within a prison.

Why Choose SEETE?

✔ Lived experience of working within a highly successful ISFL Unit

✔ Practical understanding of what works in real prison environments

✔ Expertise in recovery-focused and enabling environment approaches

✔ Experience supporting rehabilitation, wellbeing, and behavioural change

✔ Collaborative approach aligned with HMPPS objectives

✔ Focus on sustainability, safety, and measurable outcomes

Our Commitment

SEETE believes that every prison has the potential to develop a thriving substance-free community that promotes recovery, safety, and rehabilitation.

By combining lived experience, practical knowledge, and evidence-informed practice, we help establishments create ISFL Units that support lasting behavioural change and contribute to safer prison environments.