Overcrowding
Repeated
Despite reassuring responses from the Minister and HMPPS (HM Prison and Probation Service) to our 2021/22 annual report, overcrowding has become worse. It is not just about those who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions, but the large number of prisoners who have unmet complex social and psychological needs which impact their behaviour in and out of prison. There is increasing evidence of the neurodiversity of the prison population. Low levels of literacy have been known for a long time, but this is not reflected in the resources available for effective education, training and preparation for employment. A regime that for most means being locked up 22 hours a day, sharing a cell meant for one person and eating and defecating in the same space, is not humane and has a detrimental effect on health and wellbeing. These are not conditions in which people can be supported to turn their lives around and work towards effective resettlement.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
This should not be allowed to become normal. • Regime: We are concerned about the persistent lack of time out of cell for the majority of prisoners, with no change in sight. Those who are unable to access (through staffing shortages or because they cannot meet the specific qualifications required) work or activity often remain in their cells for 22 hours a day.
Safety
Incidents (664) increased by 28.4% compared to the previous reporting year. Although an increase is to be expected due to the rise in the prisoner population levels, when measured against the comparator group Hewell ranks second highest. The key work scheme, which would be a cornerstone of reducing self-harm, has been a victim of staff shortages, with maintenance of the regime and security operations taking priority.
Safety
Inconsistent and incomplete use of body-worn video cameras (BWVCs) and a lack of timely documentation for use of force incidents.
Source wording under review
Staffing
Repeated
While we witnessed positive staff and prisoner interactions, key working and pathway planning has not been delivered as intended. Staff shortages and overcrowding are key factors, but so too are the number of men who are in a state of flux at Hewell. High numbers are waiting a long time on remand and for sentencing, an increasing number are serving very short sentences, and men not local to the area are waiting to be relocated and do not identify with Hewell. All this inhibits staff from forming effective relationships and providing continuity for prisoners. The impact is seen in arranging education, work and other activities, responding to prisoner concerns and complaints, and being able to consistently apply the incentives scheme. As a consequence, prisoners report frustration, anger, and disengagement from the regime. We are concerned about the high proportion of new and inexperienced staff, some of whom have little work experience in a related field. It is a tough challenge to build and sustain effective key working relationships at any time, and the challenge of doing this while maintaining discipline, order and safety is immense. The training is wholly inadequate: one and a half days on the initial training for new officers, and six hours a year for all staff (if there are resources available to deliver it). Compared to other professions, in which one-to-one relationships are the key tool in effecting change, this is woeful. It would be interesting to have this training evaluated by relevant professional bodies and training organisations.
Equality/Diversity
Repeated
There has been a drive to improve information in languages other than English, but insufficient help is available for foreign national prisoners. Provision for prisoners with mobility issues remain inadequate. The scarcity of wheelchair-accessible cells on the mainstream house blocks mean that some prisoners are accommodated on the specialist Oak Unit purely for reasons of mobility or access. There has been real progress in installing access ramps and the welcome commissioning of a lift has ameliorated the situation to a degree.
Mental Health
Repeated
We continue to be concerned about men held on the unit for long periods awaiting specialist mental health or other prison facilities. While psychological support, including training for segregation staff, has improved, the investment by the prison service to address severe social, emotional and psychological damage seen in prisoners who cannot cope with an open regime is woefully inadequate.
Education/Purposeful Activity
Repeated
It is frustrating to observe the persistent underuse of the opportunities for activity which are available. This is particularly true of activities which are based on the house blocks. This cannot simply be attributed to staffing levels. Attendance at those purposeful activities offered remained between 75% and 78% during the year. • Education: Some valuable work is done to address educational needs. The assessed levels of literacy among prisoners newly received make it crucial that this work is expanded and facilitated by residential staff.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
A significant proportion of prisoners (25-35%) are released to homelessness, with failures in inter-agency collaboration hindering effective resettlement and increasing re-offending risks.
Source wording under review