Evaluating SPS 'Signs of Life' Technology Pilot
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the Scottish Prison Service’s ‘Signs of Life’ technology pilot with young people within HMP & YOI Polmont and HMP & YOI Stirling.
IRAS ID
363672
Contact name
Samantha Reekie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Scottish Prison Service
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) is piloting ‘Signs of Life’ (SOL) technology with young people at HMP & YOI Polmont and HMP & YOI Stirling. The pilot responds to a Fatal Accident Inquiry recommendation following the deaths by suicide of Katie Allan and William Lindsay or Brown.
Devices from three suppliers will be installed in 12 cells across both prisons, with cells chosen because they can support ceiling-mounted equipment and are used by young people who may be at higher risk of suicide or self-harm. The devices use radar sensors to monitor vital signs and behaviour, aiming to prevent harm and help staff respond to potentially life-threatening situations more effectively.
The pilot will be delivered in two phases. The focus of this application is the qualitative research activities described in Phase 2:
Phase 1: Testing and familiarisation: the systems will be installed but not turned on in occupied cells. Staff and young person volunteers, who will join a Research Advisory Group, will test how well the technology works using planned scenarios in the relevant cells, and give feedback on their experiences. In parallel, young people will be shown how the systems work, and staff will be trained and asked for feedback on usability.
Phase 2: Live testing with ethical approval: technology will be in use in cells where young people live. Associated qualitative research activities will focus on lived experience and perceptions of the technology. Phase 1 questions will be revisited, incorporating longitudinal data and feedback from those living in monitored cells.
An independent evaluation will run alongside the pilot to conduct the qualitative research, offer advice on ethics and sampling and robustly evaluate delivery. This team includes a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Dr Lindsay Dewa of Imperial College London, alongside Progressive Partnerships Ltd and Dr Briege Nugent.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
25/WS/0176
Date of REC Opinion
27 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion