Source · IMB Annual Report
Portland
Year: 2023
Published: 13 Dec 2023
Type: Prison · Cat Category C and YOI
Population: 530
Recommendations: 13
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP/YOI Portland demonstrated a well-controlled environment with positive staff-prisoner relations and good physical facilities during the reporting year ending March 2023. However, the Board highlighted significant challenges in mental health provision due to staffing shortages, a fragmented resettlement program, and persistent issues with property delays. Recommendations focused on better funding for resettlement, improved communication regarding property, and prioritising key work to support prisoner wellbeing and progression.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 0 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 416 | 262 |
| Prisoner assaults | 187 | 102 |
| Use of force | 329 | 225 |
Positive findings
The Board perceived the prison as well controlled and prisoners generally felt safe, with positive staff-prisoner relationships and a relaxed atmosphere. The zero-tolerance policy on drugs and violence was welcomed. Improvements were made to accommodation, and the discrimination incident reporting process was handled fairly. Excellent library facilities, a highly-valued gym, and the Rugby academy were positive additions. Healthcare appointments were prompt, and the regime for those in work was well-established, with all activity sessions at full capacity. The introduction of in-cell telephones improved family contact and the prison has good access to housing advice and a DWP staff member.
Key concerns
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
As a result of the 2021 reforms in relation to prisoner resettlement, the resettlement programme is fragmented and underfunded.
Resettlement/Release
With the Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 being on hold currently, when does the government intend to roll it out on a national basis?
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The Prison Council serves a very useful purpose in bridging communication between prisoners and management of the prison but, in practice, many prisoners are not aware of its role or who their representative is.
Other
Internal Property – there is a need to improve communication to prisoners of the reason for the delays in receiving internal property and, when a prisoner is prevented from receiving property, communicating what is allowed and how to order goods in a more specific way as a means of explanation.
Mental Health
Key work is crucial to the early identification of deteriorating mental health. If an individual has mental health issues it can adversely affect their ability to engage with learning and training. It therefore makes sense to prioritise key work over training and learning opportunities rather than being seen as an “add-on” with the option to drop it if staffing is short.
Mental Health
the shortage of mental health staff has meant that more urgent care was prioritised, and prisoners are waiting longer to see a qualified professional to assist with their needs.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Time out of cell was limited for the population not in full time work or with an enhanced status
Staffing
Key work was limited... due to restricted staffing levels in the prison.
Other
Delays in delivery, loss of personal possessions between prisons and delays in communication between the property office (Reception) and prisoners remain a significant problem and point of frustration for prisoners.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
As reported last year, there continues to be overlap, confusion and lack of communication between the OMU and its Prisoner Offender Managers (POMs) and COMs. This can result in actions being duplicated or falling through a “gap” in the system when one party assumes action has been taken by the other.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | As a result of the 2021 reforms in relation to prisoner resettlement, the resettlement programme is fragmented and underfunded. Will the Minister consider reverting to a properly funded resettlement service based within each establishment? Repeated | HMPPS | |
| 2 | With the Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 being on hold currently, when does the government intend to roll it out on a national basis? | HMPPS | |
| 3 | The Prison Council serves a very useful purpose in bridging communication between prisoners and management of the prison but, in practice, many prisoners are not aware of its role or who their representative is. What are your plans to strengthen its effectiveness through better publicity and awareness raising? | Governor / Director | |
| 4 | Internal Property – there is a need to improve communication to prisoners of the reason for the delays in receiving internal property and, when a prisoner is prevented from receiving property, communicating what is allowed and how to order goods in a more specific way as a means of explanation. How do you plan to improve this? | Governor / Director | |
| 5 | Key work is crucial to the early identification of deteriorating mental health. If an individual has mental health issues it can adversely affect their ability to engage with learning and training. It therefore makes sense to prioritise key work over training and learning opportunities rather than being seen as an “add-on” with the option to drop it if staffing is short. | Governor / Director | |
| 6 |
Need to direct resources to resettlement
Repeated
Response
Minister – no change Still requires more resources |
HMPPS | |
| 7 |
Need to make work in the prison service attractive
Response
Minister referred to increased pay Being implemented |
HMPPS | |
| 8 |
Need to incorporate multi-disciplinary approach to support mental health of prisoners
Response
Legislation for accessing placement in secure hospital Being Implemented |
HMPPS | |
| 9 |
Need to strengthen provision of resettlement services
Repeated
Response
See above |
HMPPS | |
| 10 |
Monitoring of service provided by external contractors
Response
Prison Service not aware of issues No evidence of recent issues |
HMPPS | |
| 11 |
Funding for relief of heat issues for Beaufort wing
Response
Prison Service putting in capital works programme Currently on list for 2025 with local interim provision of cooling measures |
HMPPS | |
| 12 |
All prison officers wearing BWVCs
Response
Regulations now in force Majority are now wearing BWVCs |
Governor / Director | |
| 13 |
Need for inter-departmental communication relating to prisoners’ pathways to resettlement
Response
Education now sharing information gained relating to prisoners’ pathways to resettlement |
Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation, including laundry, clothing, ablutions | 8 | 23 |
| Canteen, facility list, catalogues | 28 | 6 |
| Discipline, including adjudications, incentives scheme, sanctions | 4 | 5 |
| Equality | 6 | 4 |
| Finance, including pay, private monies, spends | 16 | 14 |
| Food and kitchens | 4 | 3 |
| Health, including physical, mental, social care | 52 | 20 |
| Letters, visits, telephones, public protection, restrictions | 16 | 14 |
| Miscellaneous | 14 | 6 |
| Property during transfer or in another facility | 34 | 37 |
| Property within the establishment | 70 | 24 |
| Purposeful activity, including education, work, training, time out of cell | 14 | 10 |
| Sentence management, including HDC, ROTL, parole, release dates, re-categorisation | 50 | 41 |
| Staff/prisoner concerns, including bullying | 24 | 17 |
| Transfers | 14 | 15 |
Related inspections & investigations
Other reports for Portland
Report details
- Establishment
- Portland
- Type
- Prison · Cat Category C and YOI
- Report year
- 2023
- Published
- 13 December 2023
- Responsible body
- HMP Portland
- Recommendations
- 13
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 3 — Good
Population
| Population | 530 |
| Operational capacity | 530 |
Service providers
Education
Weston College
Family Services
PACT
Healthcare
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust