Source · IMB Annual Report
Haverigg
Year: 2022
Published: 29 Mar 2023
Type: Prison · Cat D
Population: 326
Recommendations: 4
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP Haverigg, an open Category D prison, maintains a safe and settled environment with very low levels of self-harm and violence. Despite significant staffing challenges, particularly in healthcare and offender management, the Board notes improvements in OMU staffing and highly regarded healthcare provision. Key concerns include the ineffective management of transfers from closed estates, inconsistencies across prisons, the need for enhanced IPP prisoner support, and persistent issues with prisoner property and communication from offender managers.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 0 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 9 | — |
| ACCT cases opened | 39 | — |
| Prisoner assaults | 3 | — |
| Assaults on staff | 0 | — |
| Use of force | 0 | — |
| Drug finds | 2 | — |
Positive findings
The Board consistently finds Haverigg to be a safe, settled, and fair environment, with very low levels of self-harm and violence. Staff-prisoner relationships are positive, and healthcare services are highly regarded despite pressures. The prison is commended for its strong focus on progression, resettlement, and tailored support for vulnerable groups like older prisoners and those serving IPP sentences, and for the catering manager's responsiveness.
Key concerns
Overcrowding
It is of concern to the Board that an opportunity to ease pressure on accommodation in category C establishments via the transfer of prisoners to category D prisons, such as Haverigg where spaces are available, is not being most effectively managed.
Other
The Board is concerned that apparent inconsistencies in these areas may cause confusion and, potentially, frustration when prisoners transfer between establishments: • application of the victim support levy • the number of prisoners being returned to closed establishments • the number and frequency of discharges to no fixed abode • permissible items of property
Mental Health
With over 30% of prisoners at Haverigg serving an IPP sentence, it would be helpful to learn what additional support the Prison Service can provide to this vulnerable group.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
It is the view of the Board that a sustained focus on providing prisoners with regular and proactive updates, explanations and timely responses will go a long way towards resolving the many frustrations that arise.
Healthcare
The reduction in the number of general practitioner (GP) sessions a week and, at the time of writing, the reliance on locums to fill the vacant post is of concern to the Board. Although there is no evidence that prisoners’ healthcare needs are not being met, the view of the Board is that the service is under considerable pressure, exacerbated by developments arising from the new healthcare contract.
Other
Repeated
It is however disappointing that property still goes missing, particularly on transfer between prisons.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | It is of concern to the Board that an opportunity to ease pressure on accommodation in category C establishments via the transfer of prisoners to category D prisons, such as Haverigg where spaces are available, is not being most effectively managed. | Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | Thematic reviews carried out by members of the IMB open estate chairs’ group revealed differences between some prisons in a number of areas. The Board is concerned that apparent inconsistencies in these areas may cause confusion and, potentially, frustration when prisoners transfer between establishments: • application of the victim support levy • the number of prisoners being returned to closed establishments • the number and frequency of discharges to no fixed abode • permissible items of property | HMPPS | |
| 3 | With over 30% of prisoners at Haverigg serving an IPP sentence, it would be helpful to learn what additional support the Prison Service can provide to this vulnerable group. | HMPPS | |
| 4 | It is the view of the Board that a sustained focus on providing prisoners with regular and proactive updates, explanations and timely responses will go a long way towards resolving the many frustrations that arise. Repeated | Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation, including laundry, clothing, ablutions | 0 | 0 |
| Canteen, facility list, catalogue(s) | 0 | 0 |
| Discipline, including adjudications, IEP, sanctions | 4 | 2 |
| Equality | 0 | 0 |
| Finance, including pay, private monies, spends | 3 | 1 |
| Food and kitchens | 2 | 0 |
| Health, including physical, mental, social care | 9 | 6 |
| Letters, visits, telephones, public protection restrictions | 0 | 1 |
| Miscellaneous, including complaints system | 4 | 3 |
| Property during transfer or in another establishment or location | 9 | 11 |
| Property within this establishment | 2 | 0 |
| Purposeful activity, including education, work, training, library, regime, time out of cell | 5 | 3 |
| Sentence management, including HDC, release on temporary licence, parole, release dates, recategorisation | 23 | 11 |
| Staff/prisoner concerns, including bullying | 4 | 1 |
| Transfers | 4 | 1 |
Related inspections & investigations
31 Mar 2025
HMIP · Unannounced
Other reports for Haverigg
Report details
- Establishment
- Haverigg
- Type
- Prison · Cat D
- Report year
- 2022
- Published
- 29 March 2023
- Responsible body
- HMP Haverigg
- Recommendations
- 4
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 4 — Outstanding
Population
| Population | 326 |
| Operational capacity | 488 |
Service providers
Catering
Booker/DHL
Dental
Burgess and Hyder
Education
Novus, the Manchester College
Facilities Management
Amey
Healthcare
Spectrum Community Health CIC
Library
Cumbria County Council Library Service
Mental Health
Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust
Optician
Pen Optical
Other
Cancer Research UK
Pharmacy
Rowlands Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
Spectrum Community Health CIC
Prisoner Transport
GEO Amey
Resettlement
Interventions Alliance
Social Care
Cumbria County Council
Substance Misuse
Spectrum Community Health CIC
Support
The Samaritans
Visitor Centre
Partners of Prisoners Service (POPS)
Vocational Course Provider
Fusion21