Source · IMB Annual Report
Preston
Year: 2022
Published: 26 Oct 2022
Type: Prison · Cat B
Population: 670
Recommendations: 11
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP Preston, a Category B local prison, navigated a second year of pandemic restrictions, operating under various Emergency Delivery Model stages. The Board found it to be a safe prison, commending staff professionalism and effective management of the regional hospital wing and segregation unit. However, persistent staff shortages impacted administrative functions, particularly visits and complaints, and highlighted a need for significant investment in the Victorian estate and a return to a full regime.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 2 | — |
Positive findings
The Board considers Preston to be a safe prison and is impressed with how prisoners in segregation are treated, noting the positive approach taken by governors during reviews. The Governor provides an excellent role model for treating prisoners with respect and dignity. HMP Preston benefits from a well-managed regional hospital wing and recent refurbishment of segregation cells has reduced vandalism. Key worker visits exceeded guidelines, and subtitles were introduced on all televisions after a prisoner request. The chaplaincy provides extensive faith-specific and pastoral support, making approximately 24,000 contacts with prisoners and staff.
Key concerns
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Preston is a well-run prison but valiant attempts to improve conditions in this Victorian edifice have only ameliorated conditions and regional investment has been piece-meal. HMP Preston requires a significant injection of funding. In particular major investment is required to purchase the county museum which form the boundary to the prison. This would allow the totally inadequate space in reception to be resolved.
Staffing
Prisons face a growing problem with shortage of administrative staff at bands 2 and 3. This leads to vital areas such as the administration of complaints, visits, prisoner’s finances falling behind what is acceptable. The back-logs in these important areas directly impact adversely on prisoner welfare. The Board is informed that these particular administrative grades have low pay scales and poor working conditions. This needs addressing at a national level.
Resettlement/Release
Preston recently received a prisoner from HMP Kirkham who was subject under the Imprisonment for public protection Order (IPP). He was sentenced over seventeen years ago. He was presumably being readied for release when he was sent to an open prison but he was so institutionalised he was unable to cope and his behaviour deteriorated. The IMB believe that we have reached a point where special arrangements should be introduced to assist the release planning of IPP prisoners who are way beyond their tariff dates.
Complaints/Property
The backlog of Comp 1 forms needs addressing.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
In-cell technology is now available in some prisons. The provision of lap-tops to prisoners provides prisoners with a form of communication that greatly enhances their lives and dignity. The IMB are hoping for Governor to ensure that HMP Preston is at the forefront of this bold new initiative.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The use of lap-tops operated by OMU and Through the Gate staff, on Wings, would also greatly improve and speed up prisoner assessments and sentence planning.
Healthcare
The waiting list for dental treatment has become excessive and this has become a barrier for prisoners receiving timely treatment for even serious and painful conditions.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The prison should return to a full regime including education/occupational training/exercise.
Resettlement/Release
There should be an integrated and improved resettlement service, including housing/financial advice/drug counselling/family liaison.
Estate/Conditions
Cell conditions should be Improved and upgraded, including better toilet screening.
Education/Purposeful Activity
A return to qualification opportunities in horticulture and the gymnasium.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Preston is a well-run prison but valiant attempts to improve conditions in this Victorian edifice have only ameliorated conditions and regional investment has been piece-meal. HMP Preston requires a significant injection of funding. In particular major investment is required to purchase the county museum which form the boundary to the prison. This would allow the totally inadequate space in reception to be resolved.
Repeated
Response
An estates investment proposal bid has been submitted, which would cover the redevelopment of the reception area and has included the purchase the county museum. The high value of the bid may mean that it takes several years to deliver. |
Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 | Prisons face a growing problem with shortage of administrative staff at bands 2 and 3. This leads to vital areas such as the administration of complaints, visits, prisoner’s finances falling behind what is acceptable. The back-logs in these important areas directly impact adversely on prisoner welfare. The Board is informed that these particular administrative grades have low pay scales and poor working conditions. This needs addressing at a national level. | HMPPS | |
| 3 | Preston recently received a prisoner from HMP Kirkham who was subject under the Imprisonment for public protection Order (IPP). He was sentenced over seventeen years ago. He was presumably being readied for release when he was sent to an open prison but he was so institutionalised he was unable to cope and his behaviour deteriorated. The IMB believe that we have reached a point where special arrangements should be introduced to assist the release planning of IPP prisoners who are way beyond their tariff dates. | HMPPS | |
| 4 | The backlog of Comp 1 forms needs addressing. | Governor / Director | |
| 5 | In-cell technology is now available in some prisons. The provision of lap-tops to prisoners provides prisoners with a form of communication that greatly enhances their lives and dignity. The IMB are hoping for Governor to ensure that HMP Preston is at the forefront of this bold new initiative. | Governor / Director | |
| 6 | The use of lap-tops operated by OMU and Through the Gate staff, on Wings, would also greatly improve and speed up prisoner assessments and sentence planning. | Governor / Director | |
| 7 | The waiting list for dental treatment has become excessive and this has become a barrier for prisoners receiving timely treatment for even serious and painful conditions. | Governor / Director | |
| 8 | The prison should return to a full regime including education/occupational training/exercise. | Governor / Director | |
| 9 | There should be an integrated and improved resettlement service, including housing/financial advice/drug counselling/family liaison. | Governor / Director | |
| 10 | Cell conditions should be Improved and upgraded, including better toilet screening. | Governor / Director | |
| 11 | A return to qualification opportunities in horticulture and the gymnasium. | Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 46 | 37 |
| Adjudications (including appeals) | 10 | 12 |
| Bail and legal issues | 12 | 10 |
| Bullying and victimisation | 2 | 3 |
| Care, Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) | 13 | 11 |
| Discrimination | 0 | 0 |
| Drug testing | 0 | 0 |
| Employment and training | 4 | 5 |
| Environment and conditions | 17 | 11 |
| Equality issues | 0 | 0 |
| Family issues | 18 | 17 |
| Finance | 14 | 26 |
| Food | 1 | 0 |
| Healthcare | 33 | 25 |
| Learning and skills | 3 | 2 |
| Other | 14 | 12 |
| Property | 15 | 24 |
| Religious and faith issues | 2 | 2 |
| Safety (including violence/use of force) | 1 | 2 |
| Staff-prisoner relationships | 2 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 238 | 231 |
| Visits | 11 | 12 |
Related inspections & investigations
7 Mar 2023
HMIP · Unannounced
Safety 3
· Respect 3
· Activity 3
· Release 2
Other reports for Preston
Report details
- Establishment
- Preston
- Type
- Prison · Cat B
- Report year
- 2022
- Published
- 26 October 2022
- Responsible body
- HMP Preston
- Recommendations
- 11
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 3 — Good
Population
| Population | 670 |
| Operational capacity | 680 |
| CNA (designed for) | 433 155% |
Service providers
Accommodation contract
Seetec
Education and training
Novus (part of The Manchester College)
Family services
Partners of Prisoners (POPS)
Healthcare and drug and alcohol recovery
Spectrum Community Health CIC
Library service
Lancashire County Council
Mental health services (partner)
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Works provider
Amey