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Parallel Workshops
Prison systems worldwide face mounting pressures, including rising prisoner numbers, staff shortages, and high turnover, particularly among new recruits. In this context, understanding the factors that support staff wellbeing and positive workplace behaviours is crucial. This paper explores the relationship between procedural justice, mental wellbeing, and confidence in carrying out organisational citizenship behaviour among new prison officers recruited through the Unlocked Graduates Leadership Development Program in England and Wales. Our findings highlight the importance of both supervisors and organisations treating their staff with procedural justice; not only is fair treatment associated with greater mental wellbeing, but it encourages behaviours that extend beyond formal job requirements. Cultivating such behaviours among new prison officers may ultimately improve practices, cultures, and outcomes for people in custody within prisons.