Source · IMB Annual Report
Nottingham
Year: 2023
Published: 5 Dec 2023
Type: Prison · Cat B, YOI, local
Population: 950
Recommendations: 5
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP/YOI Nottingham experienced a reduction in self-harm and use of force, but assaults on both prisoners and staff increased. Key challenges included inadequate provision for prisoners with severe mental health issues and disabilities, significant healthcare staff shortages, and concerns over the complaints system and property loss. The report also highlighted regime curtailments due to staff training and uncertainty for IPP prisoners.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 9 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 712 | 868 |
| ACCT cases opened | 709 | 818 |
| Prisoner assaults | 269 | — |
| Assaults on staff | 108 | 89 |
| Use of force | 684 | 760 |
Positive findings
The Board welcomed a reduction in self-harm incidents and use of force, and noted positive steps regarding the prisoner food budget and meal times. Positive interactions between staff and prisoners were observed, and the key worker scheme continued to be implemented. Improvements in the regime included resumed collective worship, positive feedback on gym access and new equipment, and removal of restrictions on visit length. The library service and a new Neurodiversity Support Manager were also commended.
Key concerns
Mental Health
Repeated
A lack of appropriate accommodation in the prison system for prisoners with serious mental health problems continues to be a problem, with some such prisoners remaining in segregation for long periods.
Segregation
Prisoners being in dirty conditions in segregation for lengthy periods has a negative impact on other prisoners in segregation.
Equality/Diversity
Provision for some prisoners with disabilities has been inadequate and co-ordination between service providers has been lacking.
Complaints/Property
There is a lack of confidence amongst prisoners in the complaints system.
Other
Property continues to be lost on transfer between establishments.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Periodically, there have continued to be shortages of essential items of clothing, kit and shoes.
Food/Catering
Prisoners have expressed dissatisfaction with both the quality and quantity of food. There have been supply problems with some canteen items.
Healthcare
Shortages of NHS Health care staff have been apparent and prisoners have complained about a lack of access to health services, and mental health services, in particular.
Complaints/Property
Health care complaints do not appear to be being dealt with adequately.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
At the end of the reporting year, staff training has curtailed the regime one day a month.
Education/Purposeful Activity
Take-up of education after the easing of Covid restrictions has been slow.
Resettlement/Release
Many prisoners are held for long periods either on remand, awaiting sentencing or awaiting moves to other establishments after sentencing, and are therefore unable to progress in their sentences.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
An increasing number of imprisonments for public protection (IPP) prisoners are left with uncertainty as to when they will come before the Parole Board or be released, which can be detrimental to their mental health.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | We would again ask the minister to address the ongoing situation in relation to IPP prisoners who are many years beyond their minimum term and who face great uncertainty as to when they may be released or what they are required to do to become eligible for release. Repeated | Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | We reiterate our concern about prisoners with severe mental health problems who are sometimes held in segregation for long periods, and the impact that this has on their mental health. We would again ask that greater provision be made available for such prisoners so that they can be more speedily transferred to more appropriate accommodation. Repeated | HMPPS | |
| 3 | We would ask also that consideration be given to how the needs of prisoners living for significant periods in dirty conditions, rather than necessarily on dirty protest, can be addressed. | HMPPS | |
| 4 | To address, with the health service provider, the issues raised in the provision of health care services, staff shortages and health care complaints. | Governor / Director | |
| 5 | To address, with all necessary agencies, the provision of services and accommodation for prisoners with disabilities. | Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation, including laundry, clothing, ablutions | 36 | 31 |
| Canteen, facility list, catalogues | 3 | 11 |
| Discipline, including adjudications, incentives scheme, sanctions | 13 | 9 |
| Equality | 36 | 6 |
| Finance, including pay, private monies, spends | 13 | 18 |
| Food and kitchens | 8 | 22 |
| Health, including physical, mental, social care | 52 | 53 |
| Letters, visits, telephones, public protection, restrictions | 31 | 44 |
| Miscellaneous | 35 | 66 |
| Property during transfer or in another facility | 13 | 26 |
| Property within the establishment | 30 | 40 |
| Purposeful activity, including education, work, training, time out of cell | 20 | 13 |
| Sentence management, including HDC, ROTL, parole, release dates, re-categorisation | 53 | 28 |
| Staff/prisoner concerns, including bullying | 47 | 51 |
| Transfers | 8 | 24 |
Related inspections & investigations
13 May 2024
HMIP · Unannounced
Safety 2
· Respect 3
· Activity 1
· Release 2
Other reports for Nottingham
Report details
- Establishment
- Nottingham
- Type
- Prison · Cat B, YOI, local
- Report year
- 2023
- Published
- 5 December 2023
- Responsible body
- HMP Nottingham
- Recommendations
- 5
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 1 — Serious concern
Population
| Population | 950 |
| Operational capacity | 950 |
| CNA (designed for) | 718 132% |
Service providers
Escort contractor
GEOAmey
Healthcare
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Learning and skills
PeoplePlus
Library
Nottingham City Council Library Service
Maintenance
Amey
Substance misuse treatment
Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Visitor centre
Pact