Annual reports 826 matching reports
Report year 2026Published 27 Oct 2026Prison513 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 96Assaults 114
AI-generated report summary HMP Coldingley, a Category C resettlement prison, continues to operate at full capacity but faces significant challenges. The Board's key concerns include the pervasive availability of drugs, a substantial increase in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, and the ongoing delay in providing in-cell sanitation for 35% of the population. While improvements in cleanliness and staff retention are noted, many issues, particularly concerning facilities and drug curtailment, remain unaddressed from previous reports.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The widespread availability and usage of drugs, likely exacerbated by insufficient searching of staff and visitors.
- A 25% increase in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, often linked to the illicit economy and extended induction periods.
- 35% of prisoners are still without in-cell sanitation, with refurbishment work stalled for two years, creating unhygienic conditions and long overnight waits.
- The continued increase in prisoner churn (13%) and high numbers of short-term recall prisoners are destabilising resettlement and progression efforts.
- Significant delays and cancellations of parole hearings are causing unnecessary extended detention and frustration for prisoners.
- Persistent delays in starting the Building Choices offending behaviour programme are hindering the progression of many prisoners.
- There are ongoing issues with property transfer between prisons, causing significant frustration for detainees.
- Poor levels of key work engagement, with increased allocation times and a 37% drop in sessions.
Report year 2026Published 22 Oct 2026Prison527 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 766Assaults 194Staff assaults 233
AI-generated report summary HMP Woodhill, a Category B high-security prison, faced significant challenges in safety and regime delivery, including high rates of violence and two deaths in custody. Persistent underinvestment in the estate, coupled with staffing shortages, negatively impacted purposeful activity, mental health support, and prisoner progression. While some improvements were noted in staff retention and induction, the Board highlighted ongoing concerns regarding overcrowding in segregation, property management, and data accuracy, issuing recommendations for urgent action to the Governor, Prison Service, and Minister.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Almost no progression for prisoners at Woodhill, contributing to a desire for transfer.
- Persistent issues with prisoners blocking cell observation panels and a lack of consistent enforcement of incentive scheme penalties.
- High rates of prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and the highest rate of assaults on staff in the LTHSE.
- Inadequate staffing levels remain a significant factor impacting safety, stability, and regime delivery.
- The continued failure of the Ministry of Justice to adequately maintain the infrastructure and fabric of the buildings, notably the unacceptable standard of showers.
- The segregation unit is overcrowded and struggles to provide a fair and safe regime, often holding more prisoners than capacity allows.
- Severe mental health needs are not met promptly, with lengthy waits for assessment and transfer to secure hospitals, often worsening conditions.
- Poor data collection and presentation across safety and equality metrics, hindering effective monitoring and assurance of equitable outcomes.
Report year 2026Published 21 Oct 2026Prison1,434 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 530Assaults 360Staff assaults 222
AI-generated report summary HMP Wandsworth demonstrated recovery and progress this year, implementing initiatives to improve operations and prisoner life, with falls in violence and self-harm. However, prisoners continued to endure unsafe, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions within the Victorian buildings. Persistent staff shortages remained a critical concern, severely impacting the daily regime and access to purposeful activity.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Unsafe, overcrowded, unsanitary, and inhumane living conditions within the Victorian buildings, exacerbated by fire safety concerns and refurbishment delays.
- Chronic staff shortages, with an average of one-third of staff unavailable daily, leading to curtailed regimes and prisoners spending excessive hours in their cells.
- Inadequate healthcare provision, including the small Jones unit, the unfit Addison mental health ward, and an unusable dental suite, compounded by officers' frequent absence at medical hatches.
- Insufficient purposeful activity, with nearly 40% of men allocated to no activity, hindering progression and resettlement.
- Inadequate support and recognition for foreign national prisoners, who comprise a significant portion of the population.
- Burdensome central contracts and bureaucratic processes causing significant delays in essential repairs (e.g., kitchen equipment) and service delivery (e.g., BT phone faults).
Report year 2026Published 20 Oct 2026Prison821 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 251
AI-generated report summary HMP Whatton is a Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, housing 821 prisoners against an operational capacity of 836. The Board commends the strong commitment to safety, high standards of mental healthcare, and quality of education, but raises significant concerns about the inadequate and outdated healthcare facilities, the cuts to vocational education courses, and the ongoing injustice and impact of IPP sentences. Project management and property transfers also remain problematic.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- No solution to the injustice of IPP sentences.
- Poor oversight of projects affecting prisons.
- Difficulties for PCoSOs to find appropriate employment opportunities upon release.
- Missing property on transfer to the prison.
- Significant cuts to specific, occupationally relevant education and training provision.
- Inadequate healthcare facilities and mechanisms for medication delivery.
- Inadequate B-wing accommodation.
- Impact of indeterminate sentences on mental health (IPP prisoners).
Report year 2026Published 16 Oct 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 135Assaults 15Staff assaults 3
AI-generated report summary HMP Stafford, a Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, generally maintained a safe and humane environment with positive staff-prisoner relationships and strong healthcare provision. The Board noted a commendable approach to equality, diversity, and inclusion, alongside efforts in purposeful activity despite limited resources. Key concerns include disparities in prisoner pay, ongoing legionella issues, significant resettlement challenges for its specific population, and an increase in self-harm and use-of-force incidents during the reporting period.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The disparity in prisoner pay rates between public and private sector establishments, and the overall low pay due to a fixed budget and high work participation.
- Longstanding and ongoing issues with legionella leading to inconsistent access to showers and posing health risks.
- Significant resettlement challenges for prisoners convicted of sexual offences (PCOSOs) in accommodation and employment, exacerbated by a lack of dedicated funding for HMP Stafford.
- An increase in self-harm and use of force incidents, although often attributed to a small number of prolific individuals.
- Persistent vermin infestations and delays in addressing actions agreed at Prisoner Council meetings.
- Lack of progress on reviewing incentives for elderly prisoners with mobility/health limitations.
Report year 2026Published 8 Oct 2026Prison1,232 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 492Assaults 544Staff assaults 156
AI-generated report summary HMP Thameside, a privately operated Category B/C local prison, has seen significant improvements in safety governance and healthcare provision under new senior leadership during the reporting year, with a noted increase in time out of cell for many prisoners. However, the Board remains concerned by unacceptably high levels of violence, particularly prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, and persistent delays in mental health transfers. Key issues also include inadequate resettlement support from the probation managed pre-release team, and a chronic lack of secure storage for visitor property.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The IMB has operated at approximately one-third of its complement for the fifth year, restricting its monitoring ability.
- Levels of violence, particularly serious prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, remain unacceptably high.
- Inconsistent compliance with ACCT processes and concerns about the effectiveness of CSIPs persist.
- Prisoners experience delays in accessing key reception services and there are delays in replacing broken in-cell equipment.
- Accessibility and efficiency of resettlement services, especially the probation managed pre-release team, are inadequate, hindering pre-release assessments and integration.
- Support for prisoners undertaking distance learning is inadequate, and education attendance remains a challenge.
- There is a continued lack of secure storage for visitor property, an issue highlighted for the second year running.
- Significant and prolonged delays in mental health transfers to external units consistently exceed the 28-day target.
- Prisoner property management remains a significant concern and the highest source of complaints.
- Recruiting staff is severely hindered by long delays in vetting processes.
Report year 2026Published 7 Oct 2026Prison236 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 661Assaults 27Staff assaults 20
AI-generated report summary HMP Send, a closed prison for adult women, held 236 prisoners at the end of the reporting year with an operational capacity of 255. The report highlights increased self-harm incidents and ACCT cases, along with a rise in staff assaults and drug availability. Key concerns include significant cuts to education provision, persistent staffing shortages leading to regime restrictions, and ongoing challenges with property transfers and the lack of a dementia strategy. Positive findings include improved staff-prisoner relationships, better healthcare satisfaction, and a strong reading strategy.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- An increase in self-harm incidents (up 12%) and ACCT cases opened, continuing an upward trend.
- An increase in assaults against prison staff and an increase in drug finds/positive MDT results, linked to reports of increased drug availability.
- A large increase in segregation instances following adjudications, and a marked increase in segregation for good order/own protection.
- Significant reduction in education provision (40% fall in engaged prisoners) and key employability courses due to budget cuts.
- Continued issues with missing prisoner property on transfer, which was the subject of more IMB applications than any other issue.
- Lack of a clear strategy and co-ordinated approach for supporting prisoners with dementia.
- Increased time prisoners spent locked in cell and frequent cancellation of activities due to staff shortages and difficulties recruiting gym staff.
- The ongoing detention and impact of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, with one IPP prisoner remaining at Send.
Report year 2026Published 6 Oct 2026Prison550 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 42Assaults 63Staff assaults 15
AI-generated report summary HMP Maidstone remained a safe, stable, and well-managed Category C foreign national prison despite significant external pressures, including immigration status uncertainty. Violence and self-harm decreased, and positive staff-prisoner relationships were observed. Key challenges persist around Home Office decision delays, staffing pressures in offender management, and significant waiting times for mental health services, alongside ongoing security threats from illicit items. The Board's ability to monitor effectively was significantly impacted by its reduced membership.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Persistent delays in Home Office decision-making undermine prisoner wellbeing, progression, and release planning.
- Ongoing staffing pressures within the offender management unit and limited access to offence-focused interventions constrain prisoner outcomes.
- Significant gaps in mental health provision lead to long waiting times for psychological intervention and delays in transfers to specialist secure beds.
- Preventing the entry of illicit items, particularly via drones, remains a significant safety threat despite mitigation efforts.
- Language barriers and insufficient translated information hinder prisoners' understanding of processes and equitable access to services.
- The Board's significantly reduced membership severely limits its capacity to perform its statutory monitoring role.
Report year 2026Published 2 Oct 2026Prison1,252 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 607Assaults 103Staff assaults 84
AI-generated report summary HMP Stocken is a Category C training prison with an operational capacity of 1,285, holding 1,252 prisoners at the end of the reporting year. The IMB noted improvements in healthcare complaints and pharmacy services, but expressed concerns about the flow of illicit items, inadequate estate infrastructure, and the prolonged detention of mentally ill prisoners in segregation due to a lack of specialist facilities. Staff shortages continued to impact key working and access to activities, while the prison released a high number of prisoners without adequate resettlement funding.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The continued flow of illicit items, especially drugs and items via drones, into the prison, contributing to increased violence.
- Persistent problems with rats, an inadequate sewage system, and intermittent heating and hot water outages impacting prisoners.
- Prolonged stays of severely mentally ill prisoners in the Care and Separation Unit due to a national shortage of secure mental health places and long transfer times.
- HMP Stocken operating as a resettlement prison without appropriate funding or resources, despite releasing a high number of prisoners directly into the community.
- Ongoing staff shortages, particularly impacting key working, library access, and the efficient management of prisoner transfers.
- Long waiting times for accredited offending behaviour programmes like Building Choices due to staffing issues and vetting delays.
- Property handling issues during transfers and delays in processing due to staffing shortages in reception.
Report year 2026Published 1 Oct 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 532Assaults 324Staff assaults 156
AI-generated report summary HMP Winchester continues to operate in a challenging environment characterised by high violence, self-harm, and widespread drug misuse, compounded by chronic staffing shortages and deteriorating infrastructure. While there have been some improvements in healthcare staffing and positive staff engagement in certain areas, the regime remains limited, and purposeful activity is insufficient, hindering rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes. The Board highlights the urgent need for addressing staffing, estate, and overcrowding issues to ensure humane and rehabilitative conditions.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- HMP Winchester operates in a high-risk environment with widespread violence, self-harm, and drug misuse, exacerbated by weak infrastructure.
- Systemic staffing shortages and resource constraints undermine almost every aspect of prison delivery, from reception to rehabilitation.
- Regime limitations, poor infrastructure, and insufficient purposeful activity significantly hinder rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes.
- Overcrowding and persistent infrastructure issues continue to impact safety and the rehabilitative environment.
- Longstanding deterioration of the estate and repeated delays to essential capital projects, such as the CSU, compromise safe and decent living conditions.
Report year 2026Published 30 Sep 2026PrisonAssaults 267Staff assaults 69
AI-generated report summary HMP Wealstun, a Category C training and resettlement prison, increased its operational capacity to 920 during a reporting year marked by new Governor appointments and initiated improvements, particularly in cleanliness. Despite these efforts, key concerns persist, including increased violence (267 assaults) and the widespread availability of illicit substances. Staffing shortages continue to significantly impact regime delivery, key worker schemes, and access to education and rehabilitative programs, further exacerbated by delays in estate refurbishment and vetting processes. The Board noted generally good healthcare and well-managed segregation, but highlights ongoing challenges in OMU communication and resettlement support.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Increased violence (267 assaults) and persistent high numbers of open ACCTs.
- Continued wide availability of illicit substances, contributing to violence and debt.
- Poor condition of older A and B wings, with significant refurbishment work continuously delayed.
- Chronic staffing shortages affecting regime delivery, key worker contact, and recruitment/vetting across departments.
- Reductions in education funding and limited availability of rehabilitative courses like Building Choices.
- Challenges in Offender Management Unit due to high workload, frequent sentence changes, and poor prisoner communication.
Report year 2026Published 29 Sep 2026Prison294 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 7Assaults 4Staff assaults 0
AI-generated report summary HMP North Sea Camp generally provides a safe and humane environment, with low violence and good staff-prisoner relationships. The IMB is satisfied with most aspects, including healthcare and purposeful activity. However, significant concerns remain regarding inadequate accommodation space, a substantial reduction in education provision, delays in offender management processes, and a lack of dedicated end-of-life care facilities for an ageing population.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The inadequate size of double rooms in main accommodation units, making it difficult to fit essential furniture.
- Lack of on-site residential healthcare facilities for prisoners requiring suitable end-of-life care.
- Ongoing problems for the Offender Management Unit in obtaining information from Community Offender Managers, causing delays in assessments.
- A 58% reduction in education provision, the highest in the country, impacting the prison's ability to deliver rehabilitation programs.
- Continued delays in prisoners receiving ROTL boards, affecting their re-engagement with the community and rehabilitation.
- Persistent concerns regarding outsourced services, particularly the time taken for routine maintenance and property transfers.
- Difficulties in navigating the site for prisoners with disabilities.
Report year 2026Published 24 Sep 2026Prison760 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Swaleside, a Category B training prison, continues to face significant challenges including high violence, prevalent drug use, and severe staffing shortages which undermine regime delivery and purposeful activity. While some positive developments are noted, such as a five-star kitchen hygiene rating and dedicated healthcare staff, key concerns persist around prisoner safety, mental health support, and the prison's capacity to manage increasing releases under new legislation. The Board emphasizes the critical need for sustained investment in staffing, infrastructure, and purposeful activity to ensure humane and just treatment.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- High levels of violence, illicit substance use, and gang activity continue to pose significant safety risks, exacerbated by the failure of anti-drone measures and erratic gate security.
- Severe and persistent staffing shortages, including high turnover and lack of Governor involvement in recruitment, undermine regime delivery, purposeful activity, and staff-prisoner relationships.
- The new restrictive regime has led to a significant reduction in time out of cell, increasing prisoner frustration, boredom, and self-harm incidents, particularly for non-workers.
- Healthcare services face immense pressure from mental health staff shortages, long waits for transfers to secure mental health units, and missed external appointments due to lack of escorts.
- The Offender Management Unit is severely understaffed and overwhelmed by the volume of prisoner releases, compounded by new legislation (Sentencing Act 2026), forcing Swaleside to function as an unprepared resettlement prison.
- The condition of the estate remains problematic with ongoing maintenance issues, inappropriate use of CSRU cells for mental health patients and constant watch, and a persistent lack of sufficient constant-watch cells.
- Purposeful activity and education provision have been cut and attendance is poor, limiting rehabilitation opportunities and contributing to regime restrictions.
- Theft of stock from the DHL workshop and the widespread availability of illicit items (drugs, phones) highlight ongoing security and discipline challenges.
Report year 2026Published 23 Sep 2026Prison790 prisonersAssaults 244Staff assaults 109
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Norwich continues to face significant challenges with safety, including persistent violence and rising illicit drug use, compounded by a deteriorating prison estate and concerns about the quality of ACCT documents. Healthcare provision is hampered by service gaps and communication issues, while a substantial cut to the education budget limits rehabilitation opportunities. Resettlement remains a key concern, with a significant proportion of prisoners released without accommodation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Violence, illicit drug use, and availability of prohibited items contribute to an unsafe environment for both prisoners and staff.
- The quality of ACCT documents remains variable, with issues in completion, observations, and meaningful conversations, hindering support for at-risk prisoners.
- The prison estate is in a state of disrepair, with dilapidated buildings, heating failures, and inadequate shower facilities, notably the segregation unit which does not comply with PSO17002.
- A significant 40% cut in the education budget led to the termination of all vocational courses, severely impacting prisoners' rehabilitation and future employment prospects.
- Healthcare provision is challenged by limited oversight, a lack of regular dental services for seven months, and concerns regarding prisoners held in prolonged isolation without regime.
- Disparities persist for young adults (18-24) in the use of force and incentive schemes, while 25% of prisoners are released into homelessness, indicating critical resettlement failures.
Report year 2026Published 22 Sep 2026Prison400 prisonersAssaults 1Staff assaults 1
AI-generated report summary Standford Hill is a well-run and effective Category D prison focused on resettlement and rehabilitation. However, its effectiveness has been significantly impacted by government policy changes leading to population instability, increased churn, and the transfer of prisoners not always suited for open conditions. This has led to concerns about safety, a dramatic reduction in education provision, and challenges in fully utilising its rehabilitative facilities.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The destabilising effect of sentencing changes and the Temporary Presumptive Recategorisation Scheme (TPRS) on Category D prisons, undermining their rehabilitative function and leading to an unstable population.
- A significant and unacceptable reduction in education provision, which has curtailed opportunities and is damaging the prison’s rehabilitative role.
- Inadequate night supervision due to staffing levels, requiring external calls in emergencies.
- An increase in finds of illicit items, including drugs and mobile phones, linked to recent population changes.
- Delays in implementing PIN mobile phones for prisoners, despite successful trials, and overall inadequate telephony.
- The inconsistent use of body-worn video cameras and wing officers being observed in offices rather than on wings, impacting staff visibility and engagement.
- Insufficient use of electronic monitoring for ROTL and work checks, leading to inefficiencies.
Report year 2026Published 9 Sep 2026Prison1,757 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 1,603Assaults 297
AI-generated report summary HMP Five Wells, a Category C prison, saw a population of 1,757 against an operational capacity of 1,769 by March 2026. The year brought improved staff-prisoner relationships, stable regime delivery, and significant reductions in self-harm, violence, and use of force incidents. However, concerns persist regarding overcrowding, limited purposeful activity, staffing shortfalls (especially for education and workshops), and persistent issues in healthcare access, IT systems, and resettlement outcomes, particularly for employment and accommodation post-release.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Overcrowding due to increased operational capacity, leading to single cells housing two prisoners and impacting purposeful activity.
- Shortage of suitable space for delivering courses and initiatives, particularly for neurodiversity and mental health support.
- Inconsistencies in staff implementing the regime, including searching and servery oversight.
- Delays in vetting new recruits for education and workshops, affecting available places and training with external accreditation.
- Persistent issues with IT access for healthcare staff (CMS) preventing electronic communication with prisoners and efficient medication management, leading to waiting times for routine healthcare appointments.
- Recurring themes in deaths in custody investigations (restraints, timeliness of healthcare responses) requiring ongoing review, and quality of violence management documents (CSIPs) needing improvement.
- Limited capacity for the 'Building Choices' programme and a decline in family visits.
- Challenges in accommodation on release (27% at risk of homelessness) and low employment rates (7% after six weeks), especially for PCoSOs.
- Property issues during transfer from other prisons remain a significant driver of IMB applications due to ineffective national processes.
- Lack of Official Prison Visitors, Storybook Dads service, and opportunities to apply for driving licences.
Report year 2026Published 8 Sep 2026Prison750 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 233Staff assaults 82
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Rochester experienced considerable changes during the reporting period, including the introduction of a new PCoSO cohort, necessitating a split-site model. While notable improvements in safety and living conditions on the top site were observed, core issues such as drug availability, staffing challenges, and healthcare waiting times continue to impact the prison. The IMB highlights several areas for development, including the need for a social care provider, improved property handling, and increased rehabilitative provision for PCoSOs, to ensure humane and effective treatment for all prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Illicit drug availability continues to pose a major threat to safety and security, requiring further national support.
- There is an urgent need for a social care provider to address the sharp increase in complex needs among older and vulnerable PCoSO prisoners.
- Living conditions, particularly in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU), remain below acceptable standards, requiring significant investment.
- Property complaints are persistent, with a lack of effective volumetric control during transfers causing avoidable loss and frustration.
- Limited rehabilitative provision for PCoSOs impacts their rehabilitation and ability to complete sentence plan requirements.
- Body worn video cameras (BWVCs) are not used routinely, resulting in missed crucial evidence during conflicts.
- Adjudications are frequently delayed due to missing paperwork, absent BWVC footage, or prisoner non-attendance.
- Delays in prisoners receiving their PIN numbers hinder contact with family and legal representatives.
- The mixing of Mains and PCoSO prisoners during arrival in shared transport creates management difficulties and increases unrest risk.
Report year 2026Published 8 Sep 2026Prison
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Styal, a women's local prison, faces challenges from an increasing population with complex needs, impacting safety, staffing, and the suitability of its Victorian estate. Despite these pressures, the IMB noted compassionate staff, improvements in healthcare access, and strong post-release employment outcomes. Key concerns include insufficient specialist mental health provision, inadequate accommodation, and a lack of consistent regime and staff support.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The safety approach is compromised by increased numbers of prisoners with complex needs, leading to inappropriate use of the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) for those requiring specialist mental healthcare due to a lack of community provision.
- Persistent issues with the ingress of drugs remain a concern, exacerbated by the delayed installation of a vital X-ray scanner.
- Longstanding accommodation problems persist, including maintenance delays, disrepair, and a lack of consistent decent standards, negatively impacting prisoner dignity and safety, especially on houses like Bollinwood.
- Staffing levels are often insufficient to provide necessary supervision and support, leading to cancelled key work and impacting escorts, while the incentives process and opportunities for prisoner voice remain inconsistent and ineffective.
- The continued delay in building a new healthcare centre hinders the quality and range of health services, and social care demand is increasing without corresponding staff resources.
- Significant concerns remain about the availability of appropriate support for vulnerable women on release, particularly for those travelling via Manchester, with risk of disengagement from community services.
Report year 2026Published 4 Sep 2026Prison135 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Cookham Wood, an adult male Category C prison, experienced a transition period from a YOI, with its population increasing to 135 by March 2026. While prisoners generally reported feeling safe with good time out of cell and staff interactions, significant challenges remain. These include erratic healthcare provision, chronically under-utilised purposeful activity due to shared services and staffing issues, delays in estate refurbishment, and concerns around resettlement, property, and complaints handling.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Delays in opening refurbished blocks (Cedar, Phoenix, sports hall) reducing purposeful activity and resettlement opportunities.
- Erratic healthcare provision, long waiting times for specialists (e.g., pain nurses), and issues with medication, compounded by shared contracts with HMP Rochester.
- Chronically under-utilised vocational training and purposeful activity facilities due to shared contracts and staffing pressures, leading to insufficient skill development for release.
- Staffing challenges including inadequate training for the transition from YOI to adult prison, loss of experienced staff, and some officers' reluctance to engage in key work.
- Inadequate reasonable adjustments for disabled prisoners and long delays in minor cell repairs.
- Frequent issues with lost property during transfers and delays in compensation.
- Significant delays in complaint responses and poor communication with prisoners.
- Resettlement failures, with some prisoners leaving unprepared (e.g., no ID, accommodation), leading to quick returns to custody and adjournments of parole hearings.
- Lack of a dedicated segregation unit, posing a future challenge as population increases.
- The IMB Board is under-complement and under-resourced, impacting its ability to monitor effectively.
Report year 2026Published 3 Sep 2026Prison988 prisonersAssaults 104Staff assaults 85
AI-generated report summary HMP Millsike, a newly opened Category C prison run by Mitie Care & Custody, experienced a chaotic first year due to a reduced mobilisation period, design flaws, and an inexperienced and short-staffed workforce. Despite an interim Director's efforts leading to improved stability and staff morale, significant challenges persist with staffing, unpredictable regimes, and the prevalence of illicit items. The Board escalated concerns to the Prisons Minister regarding the unacceptable impact on prisoners and systemic issues with new prison openings.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The prison was not safe for prisoners or staff upon opening due to reduced mobilisation time, design faults, and inexperienced staff.
- High staff attrition and shortages are exacerbated by the rural location and impact all areas, including safety, regime, and provision of basic needs.
- An unpredictable and restricted regime, including prolonged cell confinement, negatively affected prisoners' mental health and access to purposeful activity.
- Delays in vetting processes are hindering recruitment across all organizations, including IMB members.
- The continued opening of new houseblocks despite staff shortages risks further curtailing the regime and jeopardizing stability.
- Illicit items, including drugs, remain readily available, contributing to bullying, debt, and violence.
Report year 2025Published 2 Sep 2026Immigration removal centre406 prisonersAssaults 76Staff assaults 129
AI-generated report summary The Independent Monitoring Board for Gatwick IRCs reported a volatile environment in 2025, with concerns about detainee safety, high lock-up times, and inadequate healthcare provision. Key issues included significant delays in legal support and bail accommodation, and systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals, especially those affected by Operation Hillmore. Despite some improvements in clinical governance and welfare support, the Board highlighted numerous areas where the centres failed to meet expected standards for fair and humane treatment.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Lack of safety and high volatility within the IRCs, with men feeling unsafe and serious incidents continuing.
- Inadequate healthcare provision, particularly regarding staffing, mental health support, and failures in critical safeguards like Rule 34 and 35 assessments.
- Persistent and inhumane lock-up times, restricting detainees to their rooms for 12 hours daily.
- Systemic failures in access to legal representation and prolonged delays in bail accommodation approval, frustrating legal processes and causing distress.
- Over-reliance on detention for vulnerable individuals, with detention often extended for months despite evidence of deterioration, rather than considering release.
- Insufficient preparedness and capacity to manage arrivals under Operation Hillmore, leading to inadequate information, interpretation, and healthcare for vulnerable asylum seekers.
Report year 2026Published 28 Aug 2026Prison
AI-generated report summary This report covers the North West and Midlands Short-Term Holding Facility network for the year ending January 2026. The Board highlights commendable staff professionalism and decreases in overall and minor detentions. Key concerns include insufficient IMB staffing, a lack of hot food at East Midlands Airport, security and dignity issues at Holyhead Port, and widespread problems with detainees accessing their own medication.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Insufficient IMB board members and prolonged security vetting hinder monitoring effectiveness.
- Detainees at East Midlands Airport are denied hot food and face dignity/privacy issues when held in the Controlled Waiting Area.
- Transfers at Holyhead Port lack secure vehicle bays, exposing detainees to public view and safety risks near the dock.
- Detained individuals are generally denied access to their own medication, with most facilities relying on unsatisfactory external NHS services.
- Delays in rectifying estate deficiencies, such as low temperatures in Birmingham Airport's family room and a nine-week female toilet light outage at Sandford House, compromise detainee welfare.
- Ligature and fall risks persist with baby change mats across the estate, alongside a need to upgrade East Midlands Airport to current safety standards.
Report year 2026Published 27 Aug 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 4Assaults 4Staff assaults 0
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Thorn Cross operates as an open, Category D establishment focused on rehabilitation, reporting low levels of violence and self-harm, alongside good staff-prisoner relationships and strong resettlement outcomes. However, the report highlights significant concerns regarding the estate's condition, including an inadequate kitchen and tired residential units, and the ongoing absence of a new CCTV system. Challenges persist in healthcare, particularly mental health engagement and delayed screenings for late arrivals, as well as limitations in regime opportunities due to education cuts and restricted sports facilities.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Illicit items, including new unregulated injections, continue to be found.
- The kitchen is inadequate and suffers frequent equipment failures, with no clear plan for improvement.
- Residential units are tired and need investment, with persistent hot water and shower issues.
- The new Offender Management Unit (OMU) building was demolished due to faults, and its replacement faced significant delays, leaving staff in unsuitable conditions.
- Some education courses have been cut, reducing prisoner opportunities.
- The mental health team lacks a telephone, hindering communication and prisoner engagement.
- A long-standing request for CCTV refit remains on hold due to financial constraints.
- Supply issues with drug testing kits impact the incentivised substance-free living unit.
- The sports hall's partial use limits team sporting activities.
- A significant proportion of prisoners are transferred to Thorn Cross after short periods in closed conditions, raising concerns about their readiness for open conditions.
- Access to phones for family contact is limited, leading to queuing and missed calls.
Report year 2026Published 26 Aug 2026Prison1,180 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 435Assaults 34Staff assaults 15
AI-generated report summary Pentonville, a Category B local prison, continued to face severe challenges, particularly concerning its crumbling fabric, widespread overcrowding, and the resulting inhumane living conditions. Time out of cell remained a significant concern, with many prisoners spending over 22 hours a day locked up. Despite these issues, the Board noted improvements in first-night reception processes and the effectiveness of the Offender Management Unit, alongside positive developments in healthcare staffing and the provision of pre-release support. However, cuts to education, persistent property transfer issues, and inadequate support for young adults remained pressing concerns.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The inhumane living conditions, including crumbling fabric, overcrowding, lack of privacy, and vermin infestations, which contribute to poor mental health, self-harm, and violence.
- Seriously restricted time out of cell, with many prisoners spending over 22 hours a day locked in their cells, negatively impacting purposeful activity and wellbeing.
- Significant cuts to prison education provision made during the reporting year, reducing teaching hours and opportunities.
- The dysfunctional system for the transfer of prisoner property between prisons, causing considerable anxiety and loss for prisoners.
- Insufficient Listener numbers, underuse of the Wellbeing Centre, and overly complicated ACCT documentation, impacting support for vulnerable prisoners.
- Pentonville's unsuitability for young adults, with a lack of dedicated national strategy or local facilities for this cohort.
Report year 2026Published 25 Aug 2026Prison1,023 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 477Assaults 125Staff assaults 37
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Moorland’s reporting year saw positive practices in reception, staff training, and some educational programs, alongside effective crisis response despite a fluctuating population and operational challenges. However, significant concerns remain regarding overcrowded cells, rising violence, and staff-related regime limitations leading to extended in-cell time. Persistent issues with healthcare provision and resettlement support for mental health and IPP prisoners also require urgent attention.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The persistent use of previously single cells as doubles raises concerns about humane treatment.
- Significant challenges in healthcare provision due to facility disruptions, communication issues, long waiting lists, and high DNA rates for appointments.
- Staff availability is a major factor limiting out-of-cell time, leading to many prisoners spending up to 22 hours in their cells daily.
- An upward trend in both prisoner violence incidents and the use of force by staff.
- The critical shortage of planned housing on release undermines mental health support and increases re-offending risk.
- Budgetary changes have reduced face-to-face teaching hours and vocational training opportunities.
- Obstacles in recruiting Listeners, especially among Res 1 prisoners, hinder peer support for self-harm prevention.
Report year 2026Published 21 Aug 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 275Assaults 97Staff assaults 65
AI-generated report summary HMP Erlestoke, a Category C training prison, reported an operational capacity of 512 prisoners for the year ending March 2026. While self-harm incidents decreased, violent incidents, use of force, and self-isolation increased, largely attributed to staffing shortages and illicit drug challenges. Significant concerns include persistent staffing issues due to vetting delays, a major reduction in education provision, and profound problems in social care for elderly prisoners. The Board commended improvements in ACCT attendance and positive family engagement initiatives, while calling for urgent action on staffing, infrastructure, and regime provision.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Poor quality of induction programme and condition of induction cells.
- Increase in prisoners self-isolating due to fear and debt.
- Reduction in the use of body worn cameras and security breaches (unlocked gates).
- Significant negative impact of vetting delays on staffing levels and staff-prisoner relationships.
- Inadequate key working sessions and a considerable increase in segregation unit admissions on open ACCTs.
- Lack of sufficient courtesy keys and the education block remaining inaccessible to wheelchair users, breaching the Equality Act.
- Profound issues with social care and the management of elderly/frail prisoners, exacerbated by insufficient hospital escorts and ineffective medication supervision.
- Decimation of education provision and ongoing pressure on the Offender Management Unit.
Report year 2026Published 20 Aug 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 1,392Assaults 128Staff assaults 74
AI-generated report summary HMP Oakwood, a large Category C training prison, generally provides a safe environment with strong staff-prisoner relationships and exceptional family support. However, it faces significant challenges including high IPP recall rates, insufficient neurodiversity support, and anticipated reductions in education provision. Persistent issues with property management, healthcare transfer delays, and food budget constraints continue to be key concerns for the Independent Monitoring Board.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- High proportion of IPP prisoners on recall (72% of 68) and insufficient Probation Service funding to address this.
- Only one neurodiversity support manager for an estimated 900 neurodivergent prisoners (40% of population), indicating a significant under-resourcing.
- Expected 5% reduction in education provision despite the prison's focus on training.
- Inadequate Prison Service resources to detect and deter drone activity.
- Persistent non-adherence to property policies leading to frequent complaints about missing property.
- The vast majority of mental health transfers to secure facilities exceed the 28-day limit, compounded by a lack of forensic psychological secure places and 30-week waits for routine mental health referrals.
- The daily food allowance of £3.16 per prisoner is insufficient given inflation, impacting food quality and portion size, alongside inconsistent PPE use by servery workers.
- Ongoing issues with the availability of healthcare complaints forms and a general dissatisfaction with the prison's complaints system.
Report year 2026Published 19 Aug 2026Prison611 prisoners
AI-generated report summary Swinfen Hall, a Category C training prison for young adults with a population of 611, faced significant challenges during the reporting year, primarily due to staff shortages, vetting delays, and an unreliable regime with frequent weekend wing closures. Despite positive leadership efforts and some improvements in staff-prisoner interactions, concerns remain regarding dilapidated infrastructure, poor cleanliness, inadequate rehabilitative opportunities for long-sentenced prisoners, and issues with mental health medication withdrawal.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Significant staffing shortages, vetting delays, and a lack of key worker sessions, leading to frequent wing closures and an unreliable regime, particularly at weekends.
- Dilapidated infrastructure, poor cleanliness, an ongoing rat infestation, and issues with food provision and quality, creating inadequate living conditions.
- Failure to deliver the promised rehabilitative strategy and comprehensive support for long and life-sentenced young adults, despite previous commitments.
- Insufficient and unchallenging work and education opportunities, exacerbated by anticipated budget cuts and barriers to higher education funding for long-sentenced individuals.
- Concerns about mental health provision, including the rapid withdrawal of antipsychotic medication for PTSD and inadequate support for care-experienced young adults, impacting their safety and well-being.
- Inaccurate recording and inadequate support for self-isolating young adults, coupled with excessive and restrictive stays in the Care and Separation Unit.
Report year 2025Published 18 Aug 2026Prison813 prisonersAssaults 101Staff assaults 43
AI-generated report summary HMP Frankland continues to be a high-security prison for Category A adult men, operating near its capacity of 846. The Board finds it a safe prison with lower violence rates compared to similar establishments, but highlights concerns around gang affiliation, persistent drug use, and drone incursions. Key challenges include staffing shortages impacting regime and healthcare, reduced education provision due to contract changes, and infrastructure issues for an aging and disabled population.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Gang affiliation presents a potential for harm to staff and prisoners, requiring continuous risk analysis.
- The use of Spice remains prevalent, and drone incursions have notably increased.
- Issues persist with missing property during transfers and lengthy waits for property upon arrival.
- Time out of cell has been reduced due to staffing shortages and workshop closures.
- Securing accumulated visits closer to home is challenging due to wider prison estate capacity.
- There is a shortage of beds in secure inpatient mental health units, leading to long waits for transfers.
- Missed healthcare appointments are a regular concern, potentially due to staffing levels.
- A significant reduction in education provision, staff, and opportunities has occurred due to contract changes.
- Workshop closures and equipment breakdowns restrict prisoner work opportunities and skill development.
- Car parking difficulties for staff, contractors, and visitors are raising security concerns.
- Toilets in the healthcare waiting area are not accessible for disabled prisoners.
- The prison's infrastructure is not well-designed for the growing elderly and disabled population.
- The availability of illicit drugs remains a persistent concern.
Report year 2026Published 17 Aug 2026Prison473 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 5Assaults 6Staff assaults 2
AI-generated report summary HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, has maintained a generally stable and positive environment despite a transitional phase and increasing population complexity, with notable progress in purposeful activity and managing increased workloads. Key challenges include persistent issues with Approved Premises availability, the unjust detention of IPP prisoners, and significant reductions in education provision. The IMB continues to advocate for improvements in these areas to support fair treatment and successful resettlement.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Lack of Approved Premises spaces, leading to prisoners being held beyond release dates and delays in parole progression.
- The ongoing unjust detention of IPP prisoners beyond their indicative tariffs.
- Significant reduction in education hours and the removal of several key courses, impacting prisoner skills development and employability.
- Inefficiency of the external Probation Service, impacting prisoner progression.
- Problems with prisoner property transfers due to inconsistent policy application across establishments.
- Unworking emergency call buttons and pull alarms on residential landings, posing a safety risk to elderly and vulnerable prisoners.
Report year 2026Published 14 Aug 2026Prison1,119 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 190Assaults 33
AI-generated report summary HMP Rye Hill, a Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, successfully completed an expansion, increasing its population to 1119. The report highlights reductions in self-harm and use of force incidents, and a strong community ethos. However, it raises concerns regarding the management of IPP prisoners, persistent issues with access to timely healthcare appointments, and the need for better resettlement opportunities for PCoSOs.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- There is no centrally directed, long-term solution to the injustice of the IPP sentence and its impact on the mental health and wellbeing of affected prisoners.
- The Government needs to facilitate initiatives for prisons holding prisoners convicted of sexual offences (PCoSOs) to build meaningful national partnerships with employers and charities, and encourage appropriate employment opportunities on release.
- Prisoners at HMP Rye Hill need timely and clinically appropriate healthcare, addressing persistent missed appointments and delays in obtaining GP appointments, mental-health assessments, and specialist referrals.
- The cancellation of hospital appointments related to prison staffing issues is a concern, particularly given the disproportionately older population.
- Physical demands, noise levels, and lack of protective equipment in some work areas (e.g., Industries One) are concerns raised by prisoners.
- Entry-level roles may be disproportionately difficult for individuals with disabilities, neurodiversity, or limited dexterity, with limited scope for progression if additional support is not effectively implemented.
- Complaints responses are sometimes overly brief and curt, lacking clarity and understanding for prisoners.
- Property lost during prisoner transfers to HMP Rye Hill is an ongoing issue.
Report year 2025Published 12 Aug 2026Immigration removal centre379 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 62Staff assaults 13
AI-generated report summary Yarl's Wood IRC operated near full capacity in 2025, experiencing increased violence and self-harm incidents. Key concerns included the detention of vulnerable individuals, especially those with mental health needs, the lack of a time limit for detention, and the degrading use of handcuffs during hospital escorts. Delays in mental health transfers and issues with medical record transfers also hindered care, while staff were commended for their professionalism and de-escalation techniques.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The levels of violence and self-harm have increased, alongside aggressive and antisocial behaviour.
- The Detention Gatekeeper is not robust enough in safeguarding vulnerable persons, leading to the detention of individuals with complex mental health needs, including some who were sectioned.
- Detention without a time limit is considered unfair and inhumane, with the length and uncertainty of detention negatively impacting mental health.
- Detained persons attending hospital are almost always handcuffed, which the Board deems degrading and unnecessary given the limited escape risk.
- The Care and Separation Unit (CSU) is used to house detainees with significant mental health problems, despite being an unsuitable environment, and delays in mental health transfers to appropriate facilities persist.
- Many detainees arrive without medical histories, hindering continuous care, and mobile phone signals are inconsistent, impeding communication with solicitors and families.
- The length of stay in detention and slow case progression continue to be major frustrations for detainees, especially for those seeking voluntary returns.
Report year 2026Published 5 Aug 2026Prison1,062 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP The Mount experienced minimal change during the reporting period, with a consistent overall atmosphere despite ongoing challenges. The Governor and staff worked diligently to address issues like drugs, overcrowding, and early release schemes, while successfully introducing a progressive regime. However, significant concerns persist regarding the continued inflow of illicit items due to physical infrastructure deficiencies, persistent staffing shortages in the OMU, and critical issues with data quality. Additionally, overcrowding, limited accessibility for disabled prisoners, and the need for refurbishment in showers and the CSU remain areas requiring urgent attention.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Overcrowding and the high number of prisoners with mental health issues require a radical review.
- The 'epidemic' of drug taking, especially NPS/Spice, continues due to decaying physical infrastructure and lack of effective security measures against illicit items.
- Persistent deficiencies in the physical prison estate, including inadequate windows and non-functioning perimeter cameras, enable the smuggling of contraband.
- Ongoing severe staff shortages and excessive workloads in the Offender Management Unit (OMU), leading to many prisoners without a Prison Offender Manager.
- Inadequate property management and transfer procedures across the prison estate, leading to loss and distress.
- Flaws in HMPPS's procurement processes, as demonstrated by the avoidable delays in securing a contract for on-wing laundries.
- Delays in workshop renovations and concerns that, even after completion, there will be insufficient work/training places for the increasing prison population.
- Persistent doubling up of single cells and the urgent need for shower refurbishment on some wings.
- Very limited accessibility for disabled prisoners across the estate, including poor wheelchair access and inaccessible medical hatches.
- The Care and Separation Unit (CSU) requires major refurbishment, including window replacement, to provide a suitable environment.
- Poor data quality and reliability hinder effective monitoring, analysis, and decision-making by prison management and HMPPS.
Report year 2025Published 4 Aug 2026Prison346 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 115Assaults 33Staff assaults 7
AI-generated report summary HMP Morton Hall, a Category C prison for foreign national offenders, reported a generally stable regime and improvements in keyworker sessions and healthcare provision during 2025. However, the Board expressed significant concerns about a 74% increase in self-harm, rising use of force incidents, and ongoing issues with delayed or lost prisoner property transfers. A 35% cut to education provision severely impacted purposeful activity and employment opportunities, alongside persistent delays in the Early Removal Scheme for foreign national prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Incidents of self-harm increased by 74% in 2025, and use of force incidents also rose, requiring further analysis and potential improvements in ACCT processes and staff training.
- Property transfers from other prisons are often delayed or lost, and property remains a major cause of complaints with no measurable improvement since 2024, highlighting issues with record management and inconsistent rules across the prison network.
- The 35% cut in education provision led to significant reductions in classes and spaces, negatively impacting purposeful activity and the ability to find employment for all prisoners.
- There are significant and persistent delays in the removal of foreign national prisoners eligible for the Early Removal Scheme, extending their time in prison due to Home Office backlogs and appeals.
- The project to build a small secure house block was abandoned after considerable expenditure and disruption, representing wasted resources.
- The lengthy staff vetting period (around 40 weeks) risks losing potential recruits and delays appointments, such as that of the Managing Chaplain.
Report year 2026Published 23 Jul 2026Prison600 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 760Assaults 172Staff assaults 107
AI-generated report summary HMP Manchester, a high-security facility, faces critical challenges including pervasive illicit item conveyance, high levels of violence, and extensive dilapidation of the prison estate. Severe staff shortages (operating at 60% capacity) frequently curtail the regime, leading to many prisoners spending up to 23 hours a day in their cells and limited access to education and purposeful activity. The Board expresses significant concerns regarding the urgent need for infrastructure investment, improved staff recruitment and retention, and a more predictable regime to enhance safety and rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The pervasive presence of drones and illicit communication devices fundamentally undermines prison safety, with violence remaining unacceptably high and staff vulnerable in many areas.
- The physical condition of the prison is very poor, characterised by widespread decay, vermin, rubbish, damaged cells, and frequent disruptions to essential services like heating and water.
- Severe staff shortages and high sickness levels mean the prison operates at only 60% of its required capacity, leading to frequent regime curtailments and prisoners spending up to 23 hours in cells.
- The progression of prisoners is significantly hampered by the lack of a predictable and meaningful regime, compounded by a reduction in education provision and the loss of vocational courses crucial for resettlement.
- Significant underinvestment in prison infrastructure and extensive maintenance backlogs contribute to inadequate living conditions and inhibit timely remedial work.
- There are persistent challenges regarding the timely transfer of mentally unwell prisoners to appropriate NHS secure forensic estates.
Report year 2025Published 22 Jul 2026Prison491 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 73Assaults 65Staff assaults 19
AI-generated report summary This IMB report for HMP Huntercombe highlights a generally safe environment, yet raises significant concerns about increased assaults and self-harm. Persistent issues with heating, hot water, and cell ventilation negatively impact humane treatment. Challenges in property management, reduced education, and limited resettlement opportunities further underscore areas needing urgent attention.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- An increase in both prisoner-on-prisoner assaults (27% rise) and self-harm incidents (from 63 to 73).
- The persistent failure of the central heating and hot water system, which has been an issue for the past four years with no permanent solution.
- Poor ventilation in cells, with an air quality report finding no cell met minimum requirements, leading to inhumane conditions.
- Ongoing problems with managing prisoner property during transfers due to a lack of volumetric control, despite new HMPPS policy.
- Reduced education provision and limited opportunities for meaningful activity and release on temporary licence (ROTL).
- The football pitch remaining out of use since April 2025.
Report year 2025Published 21 Jul 2026Prison977 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 879Assaults 35Staff assaults 9
AI-generated report summary HMP Humber, a Category C resettlement prison, experienced significant pressure during 2025 due to a high turnover of short-term prisoners, impacting its ability to deliver a consistent resettlement regime. Despite these challenges, the Board notes the staff's professionalism in maintaining safety, improving key worker sessions, and developing new initiatives like the vape-free wing. Key concerns remain around technology use, property transfers, and the impact of prisoner churn on regime and resources, alongside questions regarding the education budget and recall policy.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Reduction of the education budget.
- The new pre-release delivery model is unlikely to reduce prisoner churn, and the policy rationale for immediate recall for non-offence license breaches is unclear.
- Lack of technology use in the prison leads to duplication and delay.
- Ongoing and systemic delays in property transfer from previous establishments.
- Conflicting demands on resources due to diverse prisoner cohorts (lifers, short-term recall, short-sentence).
Report year 2025Published 17 Jul 2026Prison1,194 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Northumberland maintains generally good safety levels compared to similar prisons, despite self-harm and violence remaining static, and saw a reduction in deaths in custody. The prison has made notable improvements in accommodation, healthcare access, and resettlement outcomes, particularly for housing. Key challenges include staffing levels, the need for strategic planning for prison expansion, and ensuring all prisoners can access mandated programmes and vocational qualifications.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The strategic housing worker post, which has improved housing outcomes, remains unfunded.
- Lack of a clear financial plan for the planned expansion of the prison estate and associated operational costs.
- Absence of a strategic plan to address the increased staffing requirements for the expanding prison population.
- Insufficient specialist training for staff to care for elderly prisoners, including those with dementia.
- The induction/assessment booklet is considered overly lengthy and onerous for new arrivals.
- Concerns from other prisoners about the priority treatment of transgender prisoners during reception.
- Delays in induction for new prisoners, particularly over the Christmas period, leading to extended stays in the induction unit.
- Short staffing in Block 5 (induction unit) making it difficult to deal appropriately with prisoners.
- Some newly arrived prisoners not receiving information about the IMB.
- Poor ventilation observed in the shower in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU).
- Difficulties for some prisoners in accessing mandated programmes due to pressure on places or lack of availability.
- Restricted library access negatively affecting prisoners needing special help with reading.
- Questions regarding the appropriate range and selection processes of education courses.
- Prisoners in engineering workshops are unable to achieve vocational qualifications for valuable skills.
Report year 2025Published 16 Jul 2026Prison1,300 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 419Assaults 254Staff assaults 121
AI-generated report summary HMP Highpoint, a male Category C training and resettlement prison with a population of around 1,300, faced significant challenges in 2025 including high levels of violence, drug-related emergencies, and an increase in use of force incidents. The Board raised concerns about maintenance, staff experience, and delays in psychological therapies, but commended improvements in HR, key worker development, and the professionalism of staff in the segregation unit. Employment on release targets were consistently exceeded.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- High levels of violence, self-harm, and use of force, fueled by drug intoxication and debt, creating an unstable prison environment.
- Significant issues with maintenance and general repair by Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL), with works not completed timely, affecting facilities and fire safety.
- Long waiting times for psychological support and therapy, with only 39% of referrals meeting national targets.
- Funding issues impacting education and training provision, leading to empty workshops and a lack of instructors on the north site.
- Persistent problems with the loss or delay of prisoners' property during transfers and within the establishment, alongside a lack of feedback on complaints.
- Growing inexperience among prison officer staff and reductions in resettlement staff numbers, impacting support and release planning.
Report year 2026Published 15 Jul 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 416Assaults 154Staff assaults 53
AI-generated report summary HMP Onley, a Category C prison, experienced significant challenges in safety, conditions, and staffing during the reporting year. High levels of illicit substances and drone activity contributed to violence and self-harm, while a large number of inexperienced officers struggled with de-escalation. Despite some improvements, the estate suffers from poor cell conditions and broken essential equipment, impacting prisoner well-being and purposeful activity.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The high availability of illicit substances continues to drive debt, self-harm, bullying, and violence, exacerbated by significant drone activity.
- A high number of inexperienced prison officers on wings lack de-escalation skills, contributing to increased use of force incidents and impacting safety.
- The poor condition of cell windows and older wing facilities, including broken laundry and catering equipment, significantly degrades living conditions and basic decency.
- Long waiting times for non-emergency dental appointments persist, and despite being fully staffed, the mental health team lacks capacity for additional interventions.
- Prisoner engagement in education and employment remains a challenge, with staff shortages creating long waitlists for rehabilitative programmes like Building Choices.
- Delays in staff vetting processes continue to negatively impact daily prison operations and recruitment across all areas.
Report year 2025Published 15 Jul 2026Immigration removal centreSelf-harm incidents 65
AI-generated report summary Derwentside IRC continued to operate below capacity for women, with an increasingly settled atmosphere and positive culture noted by the Board. While self-harm incidents decreased and staff support was commended, significant concerns remained regarding the centre's remote location, the routine handcuffing of women for hospital transfers, and persistent issues with catering and communication barriers. The prolonged indecision about the centre's re-role to a male-only facility also created staffing and equality challenges.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The unsuitable remote location of Derwentside continues to cause harm due to arduous journeys and very low visitor numbers, especially for children.
- A significant proportion of women detained are identified as 'at risk' of worsening mental health, with some having acute mental conditions and lengthy waits for secure hospital beds.
- The gender imbalance of staff, with a majority being male, creates operational challenges and raises equality concerns, exacerbated by the prolonged indecision over the centre's re-role.
- Catering consistently receives the most complaints regarding quality and portion sizes.
- The routine handcuffing of women for hospital transfers is humiliating and causes distress, potentially compromising their health.
- Key communication issues persist, including non-routine use of translation tablets by staff, delays in wi-fi implementation, and English-only kiosks.
Report year 2026Published 14 Jul 2026Prison660 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 922Assaults 477Staff assaults 289
AI-generated report summary HMP Lowdham Grange has shown progress under HMPPS control following contractor change, yet faces significant challenges. Key concerns include high rates of violence, self-harm, and drug availability, exacerbated by persistent staff shortages and the restrictive 'cohorting regime'. While healthcare provision has improved, mental health support and transfers for severely ill prisoners remain inadequate, and property issues continue to cause distress.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Widespread availability of illicit drugs contributing to health hazards, threats, and violence.
- Persistent staff shortages and high absenteeism, leading to regime restrictions, self-harm, and disruptive behaviour.
- High levels of violence, particularly prisoner-on-staff assaults, and a high number of use of force incidents.
- A serious concern about the rising number of prisoners resorting to self-harm, with many requiring emergency hospitalisation and a high level of ACCTs.
- The poor handling and loss of prisoners' property during transfers, causing significant anger, frustration, and contributing to violent incidents.
- Lack of provision in secure hospitals, resulting in prisoners with severe mental health problems remaining in segregation for extended periods.
- The negative impact of the 'cohorting regime' on prisoners' time out of cell, work, and education opportunities.
- Challenges posed by new and inexperienced staff, including communication barriers with foreign national custody officers on short-term visas.
Report year 2026Published 10 Jul 2026PrisonAssaults 585Staff assaults 214
AI-generated report summary HMP Berwyn, operating near its 2000 capacity, continues to grapple with persistent drug ingress, violence, and significant delays in transferring prisoners to specialist mental health accommodation. High population turnover and early release schemes severely disrupt resettlement planning and overstretch staff, while critical infrastructure, such as the heating system, remains problematic despite previous attempts at resolution. Although the prison has seen positive developments in healthcare and family services, the Board raises key concerns regarding the safety of young adults transferred from youth custody, the breakdown of the complaints system, and cross-border issues affecting English prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Persistent ingress of drugs and related violence, exacerbated by boredom and debt, with no meaningful reduction observed.
- Serious concerns about Berwyn's suitability and capacity to safely support 18-year-olds transferred from youth custody due to its sheer size.
- Continued long waits for specialist mental health accommodation, causing stress to prisoners and staff and leading to prisoner condition deterioration.
- Systemic disruption to release planning and resettlement due to early release schemes and high population turnover, overstretching probation staff.
- Persistent infrastructure failures, notably the heating system, incurring significant costs and requiring temporary solutions.
- Breakdown and significant delays in the complaints system, causing major frustration for prisoners.
- Persistent cross-border issues adversely affecting English prisoners jailed in Wales, particularly regarding healthcare and resettlement services.
Report year 2026Published 9 Jul 2026Prison560 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 418Assaults 182Staff assaults 21
AI-generated report summary HMP Lancaster Farms, a Category C resettlement prison, continues to provide a largely safe environment despite high self-harm incidents (418) and violence (182). Key concerns include significant reductions in education hours, persistent challenges in mental healthcare, and issues with prisoner property and complaints, often exacerbated by national system pressures and high prisoner churn. The Board notes improvements in healthcare communication under new management but highlights ongoing issues with staffing provision and non-compliance with Body Worn Video Camera use.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- High levels of self-harm among prisoners with complex mental health needs who cannot be transferred to specialist facilities.
- Spikes in violence, prisoner debt, and substance misuse.
- Continued accommodation of a minority of prisoners in cramped double cells, leading to privacy issues and violence.
- Persistent estate issues including poor cell ventilation, broken washing machines, and drainage problems.
- Ineffective handling of prisoner complaints, particularly those from other prisons, and lack of consistent updates.
- Ongoing issues with lost or delayed prisoner property during transfers between establishments.
- Variable primary healthcare standards and significant waiting times for appointments (e.g., six weeks for a GP, 18 weeks for physiotherapy).
- Challenges in mental healthcare provision, including lack of investment and difficulties in securing specialist external accommodation.
- A 41% reduction in education and training hours, leading to a narrower offer and unoccupied learning spaces.
- Concerns regarding the cost and time involved for families visiting prisoners living at a distance.
- Reductions in overall staffing provision due to detached duties and escorts, despite the prison being deemed 'well staffed'.
- Inconsistent compliance with Body Worn Video Camera (BWVC) use, affecting operational accountability.
- Significant risks from illicit items, especially drugs and drones, exacerbated by the prison's geography and evolving supply methods.
- Prison policies on receiving books from family/friends and handling Rule 39 legal mail are not in line with national policy.
Report year 2025Published 8 Jul 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 748Assaults 297Staff assaults 155
AI-generated report summary HMP Leeds, a local reception prison, faced significant challenges during the reporting year, including a critically high number of self-inflicted deaths and issues with overcrowded, poorly maintained cells. Staff shortages frequently led to regime curtailment and late prisoner arrivals from courts. Despite these concerns, there was a positive reduction in self-harm incidents and illicit item finds, and the IMB commended the dedication of healthcare, education, and CSU staff, especially in managing complex needs.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The critically high number of self-inflicted deaths in custody, which continued to rise year-on-year.
- Late arrival of prison transport leading to prisoner agitation and disruption, affecting medical assessments for new arrivals.
- Unacceptable conditions of shared, cramped cells with limited privacy, poor temperature regulation, and recurrent defects with toilets.
- Lack of clarity and slow progress for IPP prisoners and delays in transferring prisoners with severe mental health issues to appropriate NHS secure facilities.
- The persistent presence of illicit substances, despite reduction efforts.
- Frequent curtailment of the normal regime due to staff shortages, reducing time out of cells and increasing poor behaviour.
- A high percentage (32%) of prisoners being released without suitable accommodation, increasing risk of reoffending.
- A 40% cut in the education budget and difficulties ensuring prisoners attend classes due to escort pressures.
- A need for increased funding to address the backlog in necessary maintenance.
- Staff not always following correct ACCT procedures, particularly in the CSU.
Report year 2025Published 30 Jun 2026PrisonAssaults 11
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay generally provides humane treatment and purposeful activity, with strong safety measures and integrated healthcare. Key concerns include significant cuts to education budgets, persistent ROTL delays, and a notable rise in property-related complaints. The Board also highlights the need for investment in facilities, improved Governor visibility, and the impact of increasing key compromises.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Government cuts to education and lack of meaningful progression for short-term prisoners.
- Persistent ROTL delays and limited external employment opportunities (e.g. Sizewell C).
- Significant rise in prisoner property complaints, particularly during inter-prison transfers.
- Inadequate capital investment for chaplaincy facilities and issues with healthcare appointment management (DNAs).
- Concerns about reduced Governor visibility and potential negative impacts of staff re-profiling.
- Worrying increase in key compromises affecting site security.
Report year 2026Published 26 Jun 2026PrisonSelf-harm incidents 522Assaults 268Staff assaults 100
AI-generated report summary HMP Ranby, a Category C training prison, continues to face significant challenges with overcrowding, high levels of illicit drugs, and the inappropriate holding of mentally unwell prisoners in segregation due to transfer delays. While the Board commended staff professionalism and improvements in the complaints system, concerns remain regarding staff shortages, inexperience, and a lack of meaningful activity for prisoners. Property loss and canteen issues also persist, highlighting systemic problems impacting prisoner welfare and morale.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- The prison remains seriously overcrowded, with ongoing cell sharing and delays in building new accommodation.
- High levels of illicit drugs and associated violence undermine safety, with prisoners increasingly seeking sanctuary in segregation.
- Long waiting times for mental health transfers result in vulnerable prisoners being inappropriately held in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU).
- Significant staffing shortfalls, high turnover, and inexperience among staff negatively impact prisoner support and safety.
- Insufficient meaningful education and work opportunities, particularly for short-term prisoners, hinder rehabilitation and progression.
- Persistent issues include loss of prisoner property during transfers, problems with canteen orders and refunds, and a lack of availability of complaint forms on house blocks.
- Concerns about the robustness of the role reconciliation process.
Report year 2024Published 19 Jun 2026Immigration removal centre1,448 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 246Assaults 210Staff assaults 114
AI-generated report summary The IMB report for Heathrow IRC highlights significant challenges in safety, infrastructure, and detainee welfare for 2024. While some positive aspects such as staff dedication and activity provision are noted, there are major concerns regarding increased violence and self-harm, rundown facilities, and healthcare staff shortages. The Board urges significant investment in the estate and improved communication and pathways for detainees, especially those with mental health needs or awaiting release.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Increased incidents of violence, assaults on staff, and self-harm, alongside a rise in illicit items and 'throw-overs'.
- The rundown state of the core infrastructure, leading to frequent loss of essential services (power, water, communications), requires significant investment.
- Misuse of Rules 40 and 42 for prolonged periods or for individuals with mental health needs, rather than as a last resort.
- Ongoing healthcare staff shortages, particularly for mental health nurses, impacting care and leading to missed hospital appointments.
- Prolonged detention of individuals without a realistic prospect of timely removal, including significant waits for bail accommodation.
- Ineffective complaint investigation processes and lack of trust in the system for both contractor and Home Office complaints.
- Limited variety, quantity, and quality of food contributing to detainee anxiety and dissatisfaction.
- Poor communication from the Detention Engagement Team (DET), Home Office, and Probation Service, causing frustration and exacerbating mental health issues.
Report year 2026Published 18 Jun 2026Prison325 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 314Assaults 134Staff assaults 76
AI-generated report summary HMP Leicester, a busy local prison for adult men, continues to be well-led despite significant challenges from ageing infrastructure and a high prisoner turnover. While there have been welcome reductions in self-harm and violence, and no deaths in custody, key concerns persist regarding prisoner resettlement, accessible facilities, reduced purposeful activity due to funding cuts, and inadequate confidential interview spaces. Staffing levels are generally good, but key worker sessions have fallen, and support for foreign national prisoners and those with disabilities needs improvement.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- 38% of men released had no accommodation, and CAS 3 supported accommodation is at full capacity.
- Lack of accessible shower facilities for wheelchair users and a broken lift on the Welford unit.
- Education budget cuts reduced activity spaces, leading to more men locked up for 22 hours per day.
- No dedicated, confidential space for initial interviews with new prisoners in reception.
- Significant reduction in the number of key work sessions delivered, averaging only a third of the target.
- Foreign national prisoners, especially non-English speakers, feel isolated and receive more incentives scheme warnings due to insufficient interpreting and translation services.
Report year 2026Published 17 Jun 2026Prison603 prisonersSelf-harm incidents 432Assaults 207Staff assaults 80
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Lewes, a Category B local prison, has reported welcome reductions in self-harm and use of force incidents, alongside an improved regime offering around eight hours out of cell daily. The Board commends improved staff retention, healthcare waiting times for some services, and the work of the chaplaincy and LAMS teams. However, significant concerns persist regarding the widespread availability of illicit drugs, the high number of releases to no fixed abode, delays in mental health transfers, and disproportionate outcomes for young adults and certain ethnic groups in use of force and segregation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
- Illicit drugs remain too readily available on the wings, posing significant security threats.
- Too many prisoners are released to no fixed abode, impacting their wellbeing and the wider community.
- The prison is frequently required to accept prisoners arriving late in the evening, causing safety risks and stress for both prisoners and staff.
- Practice regarding ACCT processes for at-risk prisoners needs to be strengthened, as they are not always managed or recorded in a timely manner.
- Prisoners with significant mental health needs continue to face long delays for transfers to secure facilities, leading to inappropriate use of the CSU for their constant supervision.
- There is a disproportionate representation of young adults and prisoners from Caribbean, African, other Black, and Muslim backgrounds in use of force incidents and segregation.