GS4
Noted
G4S states that HMP Birmingham is currently being managed by HMPPS and decisions regarding actions/equipment are not within their remit, but they agree with the need for CCTV and airport-style scanners and state that the governor's appointment has been extended. (AI summary)
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Dear Ms Hunt
Inquest touching upon the death of Mr Ricardo Wayne Holgate
Thank you for the Regulation 28 Report dated 11 January 2019 ('the Report') addressed to G4S, HM Prison and Probation Service and the Rt Hon David Gauke MP.
Your report was written concerning the unfortunate death of Mr Ricardo Wayne Holgate who died at HMP Birmingham on 26 March 2018. This response is sent on behalf of G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Ltd ('G4S').
The Report raised two concerns:
(1) The New Governing Governor confirmed that further steps are necessary to improve the management of illicit substance misuse. He confirmed the prison requires CCTV on all wings and airport style scanners – one in reception for prisoners and one in the visitor area.
HM Senior Coroner will be aware that at present, HMP Birmingham is being managed by HMPPS, Mr Paul Newton being the current governing Governor. Any decisions in terms of actions to be taken/equipment to be purchased and installed etc. at HMP Birmingham is not therefore currently within the remit of G4S. However, G4S does agree with Mr Newton that HMP Birmingham would benefit from CCTV and airport style scanners.
It is G4S's understanding that Mr Newton submitted to HMPPS a case for funding in respect of the cost of purchase and installation of CCTV and that this has been approved. The CCTV will therefore be installed at HMP Birmingham in due course.
Regarding the purchase and installation of airport-style scanners, it is understood that discussions between Mr Newton and HMPPS are ongoing.
(2) Much progress has been made as a result of the appointment of the Governing Governor Paul Newton. His appointment was for 6 months. He advised at the Inquest that there is much more work to do and extension of his appointment would allow further work to be undertaken to reduce the use and supply of illicit substances in the prison and to keep inmates safe.
Governor Newton's appointment is a matter between Mr Newton and HMPPS. However, we can advise that Mr Newton's appointment has been extended to allow him to continue with the improvements. We understand his appointment will be reviewed in the Summer of 2019.
I hope this provides you with assurance that the matters of concern that you have identified are being fully addressed.
Inquest touching upon the death of Mr Ricardo Wayne Holgate
Thank you for the Regulation 28 Report dated 11 January 2019 ('the Report') addressed to G4S, HM Prison and Probation Service and the Rt Hon David Gauke MP.
Your report was written concerning the unfortunate death of Mr Ricardo Wayne Holgate who died at HMP Birmingham on 26 March 2018. This response is sent on behalf of G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Ltd ('G4S').
The Report raised two concerns:
(1) The New Governing Governor confirmed that further steps are necessary to improve the management of illicit substance misuse. He confirmed the prison requires CCTV on all wings and airport style scanners – one in reception for prisoners and one in the visitor area.
HM Senior Coroner will be aware that at present, HMP Birmingham is being managed by HMPPS, Mr Paul Newton being the current governing Governor. Any decisions in terms of actions to be taken/equipment to be purchased and installed etc. at HMP Birmingham is not therefore currently within the remit of G4S. However, G4S does agree with Mr Newton that HMP Birmingham would benefit from CCTV and airport style scanners.
It is G4S's understanding that Mr Newton submitted to HMPPS a case for funding in respect of the cost of purchase and installation of CCTV and that this has been approved. The CCTV will therefore be installed at HMP Birmingham in due course.
Regarding the purchase and installation of airport-style scanners, it is understood that discussions between Mr Newton and HMPPS are ongoing.
(2) Much progress has been made as a result of the appointment of the Governing Governor Paul Newton. His appointment was for 6 months. He advised at the Inquest that there is much more work to do and extension of his appointment would allow further work to be undertaken to reduce the use and supply of illicit substances in the prison and to keep inmates safe.
Governor Newton's appointment is a matter between Mr Newton and HMPPS. However, we can advise that Mr Newton's appointment has been extended to allow him to continue with the improvements. We understand his appointment will be reviewed in the Summer of 2019.
I hope this provides you with assurance that the matters of concern that you have identified are being fully addressed.