Resettlement/Release
There should be focus on reviewing the sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) prisoners, enabling them to progress and move towards a safe release. It is against natural justice that so long after this sentence was abolished so many prisoners are still in prison.
Overcrowding
There has been a significant increase in the number of remand prisoners held in HMP Dovegate due to delays in the court system. We urge the Minister to take action to mitigate this situation.
Other
Repeated
The Board is extremely disappointed with the inadequacy of the HMPPS review of property procedures and urges the Minister to intervene.
Other
Repeated
The Board looks for positive timely action from the Prison Service regarding the point raised below: prisoners’ property during transfer. This has been highlighted in at least our last three annual reports. Far more urgency needs to be applied to this problem.
Other
Repeated
A review by the Prison Service took approximately two years to produce a revised property transfer plan, published in August 2022, that turned out to be only marginally different from what was already in place and not working. Even though some prisons have property on digital systems, no electronic system exists across the estate and handwritten cards are still being used nationally for the transfer of prisoners. The Board continues to deal with a substantial number of property issues resulting from transfers from other establishments. In this Board’s view, a new workable system using 21st century technology is a must, and it should be possible to produce this quickly. This would free up prison managers/staff and the IMB to concentrate on other more important matters. More effort needs to be made to find a national solution to this problem.
Healthcare
Repeated
accelerate plans for the conversion of the inpatient unit in healthcare and to provide consultation and treatment rooms adequate for the number of prisoners in the prison
Healthcare
liaise with the head of healthcare to reinstate escorts to outside hospital appointments to the levels in place before Covid.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
continue with the proposed changes to the CSU, including the revamp of the exercise yard and installation of gym equipment
Food/Catering
review the kitchen equipment service company’s contract.