Source · IMB Annual Report

Dovegate

AI-generated report summary HMP Dovegate, a Category B training prison managed by Serco, reported a generally calm and settled environment with good staff-prisoner relationships. Key challenges include persistent long waiting times for mental health transfers and dental appointments, along with concerns about lost prisoner property during transfers and staffing shortages affecting healthcare and education. The Board highlighted the need for improved strategies for IPP prisoners and more secure mental health spaces.

Year: 2023 Published: 7 Mar 2024 Type: Prison · Cat B training Recommendations: 10 Key concerns Positive findings

Original IMB report page ↗ Ministerial response · 16 Apr 2024 ↗

Safety statistics

Incidents during reporting year

Indicator	This year	Previous
Deaths in custody	4	—
ACCT cases opened	555	—

Positive findings

AI-generated summary

The Board observed wings being calm and settled with good staff-prisoner relationships. There was a programme of painting and floor replacement, and new hot food trolleys were purchased, improving food temperature. Prisoners reported that HMP Dovegate is a good prison, and the quality of key work has improved. The multifaith team is proactive, and the inspire incentive scheme rewards good behaviour. The complaints system is efficiently run, and input from psychology in the CSU has improved the management of complex cases. Time out of cell is good, and the Therapeutic Community remains a calm and progressive place for prisoners.

Key concerns

10 items

Resettlement/Release There are still a number of IPP prisoners at HMP Dovegate and one of the deaths in custody was immediately prior to the IPP prisoner’s sentence hearing. A clear strategy on how IPP prisoner can progress to release is much needed.

Mental Health The number of secure mental health spaces available is not adequate for the number of seriously mentally ill prisoners. Funding for more spaces is desperately required.

Overcrowding Repeated The number of remand prisoners at HMP Dovegate has increased further since the last reporting period, and some have been on remand over 12 months, with no court date yet given. A focus on clearing the back log of court appearance for remand prisoners would be beneficial.

Other Prisoners’ property continues to be lost in transit on a regular basis.

Overcrowding Population pressures are increasing the number of incidents, so more community based sentences are needed.

Staffing Ensure there is enough staff to make sure all health care appointments are attended.

Staffing Continuity and stability of staff in the CSU would help to ensure Rule 45 GOoD reviews and paperwork are available on time, and give those prisoners held there the support they need.

Healthcare It is important there is a medical prescriber in Reception for out of standard hours arrivals, to ensure prisoners get the medication they need on their first night.

Education/Purposeful Activity Focus on improving both education and workshop activities for all prisoners.

Staffing Continue to train and develop the inexperienced staff to maintain a safe and respectful working environment for all.

Recommendations

10 items · 1 repeated

Recommendation 1

Addressee: Ministry of Justice

There are still a number of IPP prisoners at HMP Dovegate and one of the deaths in custody was immediately prior to the IPP prisoner’s sentence hearing. A clear strategy on how IPP prisoner can progress to release is much needed.

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Resettlement

Recommendation 2

Addressee: Ministry of Justice

The number of secure mental health spaces available is not adequate for the number of seriously mentally ill prisoners. Funding for more spaces is desperately required.

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Mental Health

Recommendation 3

Addressee: Ministry of Justice

The number of remand prisoners at HMP Dovegate has increased further since the last reporting period, and some have been on remand over 12 months, with no court date yet given. A focus on clearing the back log of court appearance for remand prisoners would be beneficial.

Repeated Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Regime

Recommendation 4

Addressee: HMPPS

Prisoners’ property continues to be lost in transit on a regular basis. Management of the system from a national lead would have a major impact on reducing this problem.

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Other

Recommendation 5

Addressee: HMPPS

Population pressures are increasing the number of incidents, so more community based sentences are needed.

Source text verified

Recorded status:

Topic: Safety