Source · IMB Annual Report
Hollesley Bay
Year: 2022
Published: 28 Apr 2023
Type: Prison · Cat Category D open YOI
Recommendations: 12
Key concerns
Positive findings
Hollesley Bay is an open Category D YOI prison commend for its safe and humane treatment of prisoners, effective COVID-19 management, and progress in equality and resettlement. The introduction of the 'sequencing' regime has provided a more structured approach to learning and external employment. However, the report highlights concerns regarding the prevalence of multiple-occupancy cells, significant backlog in estate maintenance, and perceived inadequacy of food provision. Healthcare delivery is generally satisfactory, though high DNA rates for appointments due to communication issues and dental waiting times require attention.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 0 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 5 | 3 |
| ACCT cases opened | 15 | 15 |
| Prisoner assaults | 2 | 7 |
| Assaults on staff | 0 | — |
| Use of force | 14 | 17 |
| Drug finds | 150 | 111 |
Positive findings
The IMB commends the effective management of the Covid pandemic and the efforts to return prisoners to normal life. The prison is considered a safe place for most, treating prisoners fairly, humanely, and consistently, as evidenced by effective assimilation of PCOSO prisoners. The Board welcomes the increased emphasis on prisoner employability and the reinforced sequencing regime. Notable progress includes improved senior staff communication, increased focus on equality and reduced discrimination complaints, and dedicated resources for external employment. Significant capital investment in buildings and general site improvements are underway, including new Plomesgate units and outdoor gym facilities. The Board also applauds the significant reductions in absconds and ROTL failures and is satisfied with the healthcare provision, which notably achieved micro-elimination status for Hepatitis C.
Key concerns
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Poor building conditions, including unreliable plumbing, old fabric, leaking roofs, and broken paving.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The government's decision not to support the re-sentencing of IPP prisoners.
Overcrowding
Repeated
Continued presence of multiple-occupancy cells, with the IMB fearing that the opportunity to reduce these with new units is being missed.
Overcrowding
Repeated
The continued prevalence of multiple-occupancy cells, despite the addition of new units providing an opportunity to eliminate them.
Food/Catering
Repeated
The quality and adequacy of food provision, particularly lunch, remains 'just about adequate, but little more'.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The ongoing backlog of repair and maintenance issues affecting the prison's fabric, including plumbing, roofs, and general appearance.
Equality/Diversity
A lack of trust among some BAME and GRT prisoners in the prison system, hindering formal complaint processes, despite efforts in equality and diversity.
Food/Catering
Repeated
The perceived inadequacy of food provision, particularly lunch, and concerns about food transport to HMP Warren Hill.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Concerns regarding prisoner transport arrangements, requiring a thorough review.
Healthcare
Repeated
High Did Not Attend (DNA) rates for both general healthcare and dental appointments, often attributed to staff not passing on appointment letters promptly.
Healthcare
Repeated
High DNA rates for GP and nursing appointments, partly due to poor communication of appointment letters, leading to wasted time and increased waiting lists.
Equality/Diversity
A persistent lack of trust among some Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) prisoners in the formal complaints system, despite robust equality monitoring.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Requests that the outstanding repair and maintenance issues being faced daily by most prisons in the UK are addressed. Repeated | HMPPS | |
| 1 | That the sequencing approach adopted at Hollesley Bay continues to be developed and the understanding of it improved both within the prison and among those who wish to transfer to the prison; | Governor / Director | |
| 1 | Welcomes the call by the House of Commons Justice Committee for all prisoners subject to the IPP (imprisonment for public protection) sentence to be re-sentenced as soon as possible. However, like many other IMBs, the IMB at Hollesley Bay expresses disappointment that this recommendation was not supported by the current government; Repeated | Ministry of Justice | |
| 1 | Requests that the outstanding repair and maintenance issues being faced daily by most prisons in the UK are addressed. Repeated | HMPPS | |
| 1 | That the sequencing approach adopted at Hollesley Bay continues to be developed and the understanding of it improved both within the prison and among those who wish to transfer to the prison; | Governor / Director | |
| 2 | That the transport arrangements currently in operation at the prison are explored and developed; | Governor / Director | |
| 2 | Requests there is a concerted effort made to remove all multiple-occupancy cells in all prisons in the UK; Repeated | Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | That the transport arrangements currently in operation at the prison are explored and developed; | Governor / Director | |
| 3 | Supports the reunification of the Probation Service. Nevertheless, it is recognised that there is a need to recruit more trained staff and a national plan should be established for this purpose. This comment is equally applicable to prison officers. | Ministry of Justice | |
| 3 | Supports the reunification of the Probation Service. Nevertheless, it is recognised that there is a need to recruit more trained staff and a national plan should be established for this purpose. This comment is equally applicable to prison officers. | Ministry of Justice | |
| 3 | That, as the prison population becomes older, greater attention is paid to the social care agenda and any matters appearing are cross-referenced with the prison’s health service providers. | Governor / Director | |
| 3 | That, as the prison population becomes older, greater attention is paid to the social care agenda and any matters appearing are cross-referenced with the prison’s health service providers. | Governor / Director |
Related inspections & investigations
3 Apr 2024
HMIP · Unannounced
Safety 4
· Respect 4
· Activity 3
· Release 4
Other reports for Hollesley Bay
Report details
- Establishment
- Hollesley Bay
- Type
- Prison · Cat Category D open YOI
- Report year
- 2022
- Published
- 28 April 2023
- Responsible body
- HMP Hollesley Bay
- Recommendations
- 12
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 3 — Good
Population
| Operational capacity | 500 |
Service providers
Dental
Community Dental Services
Healthcare
Practice Plus Group
Maintenance
GFSL