England & Wales explainers
Dataset-backed

What “training” and “reception” mean in our HMPPS-based listings

20 March 2026Counts and labels reflect the prison import in this site build. They are not live government data.

Thematic graphic — not a photograph of a named facility.

Dataset-backed directory note (Ew Explainer Training Reception Hmpps Fields). Thematic graphic only — not a photograph of a named facility.

Training and reception themed pages filter on wording in the HMPPS export. This article clarifies that mechanism for readers using our collections.

Training-related labels

Our “training prisons” collection looks for trainer or training wording in the predominant function field. 53 establishments currently match that collection filter.

Illustrative names from that set: HMP Ashfield, HMP Berwyn, HMP Brixton, HMP Buckley Hall.

Reception-related labels

Our “reception prisons” collection looks for reception wording in the predominant function field (and related cohort text where applicable). 30 establishments currently match.

Figures and labels on Prisons Online come from the HMPPS prison export used in this build. Security category and function wording are administrative fields in that source (and category may be inferred where the export does not map cleanly). Always confirm visiting rules, contact details, and regime information with official HMPPS or GOV.UK sources.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as HMPPS’s internal reception definition?
No. We only mirror text fields present in the published-style export we import. Operational definitions sit with HMPPS.