Verksamhetskvalitet genom kompetensbevarande : En studie om kriminalvårdares kvarstannande och kvalitet i det klientnära arbetet

Sammanfattning

The Swedish Prison and Probation Service is currently facing significant challenges related to organisational expansion, increasing client populations, higher security demands, and difficulties in retaining experienced staff. At the same time, the organisation is expected to maintain security, deliver rehabilitative interventions, and ensure high-quality client-oriented work. The purpose of this study was to analyse which organisational and work-related factors influence correctional officers’ willingness to remain within a high-security prison and how staff retention affects the quality of client-oriented work. The study was conducted as a qualitative case study with exploratory, descriptive, and explanatory elements. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 correctional officers, six prison inspectors, and three workplace mentors. The material was analysed using thematic analysis and interpreted through the Cornerstone Model, the Job Demands-Resources model, the PDSA cycle, and group psychology perspectives. The findings indicate that workload, staff turnover, work environment, leadership, and organisational conditions significantly influence employees’ willingness to remain in the organisation. Collegial support, group cohesion, and meaningful work were identified as important retention factors. The study also demonstrates that experienced staff plays a crucial role in maintaining quality within client-oriented work by contributing to conflict management, relationship building, decision-making, and the introduction of newly employed staff. The study concludes that staff retention and competence retention should be viewed not only as staffing issues but also as quality issues. To strengthen the quality of client-oriented work, organisations need to create stable work groups, improve the work environment, develop leadership practices, and ensure the long-term transfer of knowledge and experience.