Lewes

Throughout the reporting year, HMP Lewes operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions, severely limiting the regime and leading to an overwhelmingly poor experience for prisoners. The Board identified an inhumane regime with prisoners often locked in cells for nearly 23 hours a day, alongside a concerning deterioration in healthcare provision due to staffing shortages and overreliance on agency staff. Key issues included an inadequate induction process, persistent decency issues in accommodation, and disproportionate treatment of ethnic minority prisoners in various disciplinary and incentives schemes.

The Board welcomes the enhanced gate security introduced in December 2021, which must have improved safety for prisoners by reducing illicit substances. Refurbishments to many cells made them cleaner and more pleasant. The increase in prisoner forums held this year is seen as a positive step in prison management, fostering understanding of prisoners' needs. The safety team demonstrated particular care for individual prisoners, and the senior management's efforts to provide a predictable regime and open the gym regularly are acknowledged. The chaplaincy department's consistent positive contribution to prisoner wellbeing and the appointment of an occupational therapist were also welcomed. A new Migration Law Clinic is expected to positively assist foreign national prisoners.