Hindley

Whilst the Board acknowledges that the government is reviewing prisoners on indeterminate sentences, it is concerned about the continued impact of uncertainties and delays in parole board hearings. The Board requests a review of individual cases as their continued imprisonment in many cases is disproportionate, inhumane, and inappropriate with time served significantly exceeding the original tariff.

The Board queries the significant delays in holding inquests and the resultant distress to the families and staff involved – one inquest has been outstanding since 2019. Would the Minister examine what can be done to reduce this unacceptable delay?

The prison continues to progress plans for expansion and work will shortly be underway on site. However, current financial constraints nationally mean that there is no funding to upgrade the existing accommodation to an acceptable level. The Board is concerned that this will further aggravate prisoners with two tier accommodation and a differentiation of experience. The Board believes that there is an opportunity to raise the overall physical condition of the estate to an acceptable standard and requests that this work is included.

The selection and recruitment of staff does not currently involve the local prison and so no consideration can be given to the specific needs of the prison or the personal aptitude of the applicant. As the attrition rate of 23% in the first year indicates a weakness in selection, induction or initial training, is anything being done to review the recruitment process?

The Board recognises that this has been a particularly challenging year for the prison as it moves out of Covid restrictions and reverts to a more normal regime. However, the ongoing issue of high staff turnover across the prison has impacted significantly on the prisoner experience and has had far reaching consequences regarding quality of life for both staff and prisoners. Most significantly the Board is concerned about the extended periods of lockdown and their impact on the mental health of prisoners. The Board recognises that action has been taken but seeks reassurance that this will be developed further and then maintained.

The Board is concerned about the number of cancelled work or training sessions and the comparatively low attendance at any purposeful daily activity. Meaningful preparation for release includes prisoners being ‘work ready’ and employable, both of which are significantly improved by regular attendance at an activity. The additional lockdowns, loss of personal motivation brought about by Covid and changes to regular routine have had a negative impact. The Board is concerned about whether this will be resolved in a timely manner.

As has been highlighted in previous annual reports, there is still no effective, comprehensive and clear incentives scheme and payments policy. This is leading to confusion, inconsistent treatment and frustration amongst prisoners and staff. The Board urges that one is implemented at the earliest opportunity.