Recommendation 1
The loss or delay of prisoners’ property in transfer between establishments is still an issue of concern. The Board again asks for an urgent review into the handling of prisoners’ belongings.
Source · IMB Annual Report
Highpoint
AI-generated report summary HMP Highpoint is a male Category C training and resettlement prison. The reporting year saw a positive reduction in self-harm and violence, with staff commended for humane Covid management. Key concerns include persistent issues with property transfers, under-resourcing in contracted services like mental health and education, poor maintenance by GFSL, and the ongoing security vulnerability from unrepaired netting.
Year: 2021
Published: 10 Jun 2022
Type: Prison · Cat C
Recommendations: 9
Key concerns
Positive findings
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 0 | 1 |
| Self-harm incidents | 357 | 499 |
| ACCT cases opened | 323 | 379 |
| Prisoner assaults | 108 | — |
| Assaults on staff | 95 | — |
| Use of force | 345 | 371 |
Positive findings
AI-generated summaryThe Board noted a positive reduction in self-harm, violent incidents, disorder, and ACCT cases. Staff and Governor were commended for humane management of Covid restrictions, maintaining time out of cell, and supporting vulnerable prisoners. The mental health team was praised for high-level care, and the appointment of an advanced nurse practitioner and family worker improved support. Vocational courses, social visits, and a full-time Job Centre Plus worker also enhanced progression routes.
Key concerns
The loss or delay of prisoners’ property in transfer between establishments is still an issue of concern. The Board again asks for an urgent review into the handling of prisoners’ belongings.
In the interests of reducing reoffending and supporting prisoners’ progression, the Board asks for consideration of stable funding strategies for the provision of therapeutic initiatives (e.g. music/drama) across the prison estate.
The service provided by GFSL is still a major cause for concern. The Board requests an urgent review of the works maintenance contract to ensure it fully meets the ongoing needs of a challenging prison environment.
The effects of under-resourcing in contracted areas is having a significant impact on outcomes for prisoners. The Board wishes to draw attention in particular to recruitment and retention of tutors (People Plus), and mental health providers (Forward Trust) within HMP Highpoint.
Prisoner progression has been badly affected by Covid restrictions. D category applications, Parole Board hearings, and the availability of offending behaviour programmes (OBPs) are examples of this. The Board asks if some form of ‘catch up’ strategy could be considered for prisons where there is a substantial need.
The netting that blew down in the storm over a year ago at HMP Highpoint, and which has still not been mended or replaced, remains a security and safety issue. This prison is vulnerable to throw-overs, and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
restricted access to the library is negatively impacting on opportunities for prisoner education and progression. The Board therefore asks for consideration to be given to facilitating increased access to this area.
It is hoped, with the decrease in Covid restrictions, that the key worker scheme can be reintroduced in support of the prisoners, in the way it was originally conceived.
Recommendations
Recommendation 2
In the interests of reducing reoffending and supporting prisoners’ progression, the Board asks for consideration of stable funding strategies for the provision of therapeutic initiatives (e.g. music/drama) across the prison estate.
Recommendation 3
The service provided by GFSL is still a major cause for concern. The Board requests an urgent review of the works maintenance contract to ensure it fully meets the ongoing needs of a challenging prison environment.
Recommendation 4
The effects of under-resourcing in contracted areas is having a significant impact on outcomes for prisoners. The Board wishes to draw attention in particular to recruitment and retention of tutors (People Plus), and mental health providers (Forward Trust) within HMP Highpoint.
Recommendation 5
Prisoner progression has been badly affected by Covid restrictions. D category applications, Parole Board hearings, and the availability of offending behaviour programmes (OBPs) are examples of this. The Board asks if some form of ‘catch up’ strategy could be considered for prisons where there is a substantial need.
Recommendation 6
The netting that blew down in the storm over a year ago at HMP Highpoint, and which has still not been mended or replaced, remains a security and safety issue. This prison is vulnerable to throw-overs, and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
Recommendation 7
The Board recommends that in the interests of fairness and safety the increased use of body-worn video cameras is strongly encouraged.
Recommendation 8
Whilst the Board is aware of successful and effective regime changes, restricted access to the library is negatively impacting on opportunities for prisoner education and progression. The Board therefore asks for consideration to be given to facilitating increased access to this area.
Recommendation 9
It is hoped, with the decrease in Covid restrictions, that the key worker scheme can be reintroduced in support of the prisoners, in the way it was originally conceived.
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 45 | 38 |
| Discipline/Adjudication | 19 | 32 |
| Drugs & Alcohol | 2 | 0 |
| Food | 1 | 1 |
| Healthcare | 18 | 10 |
| Offending Behaviour Programme | 4 | 5 |
| Other | 14 | 10 |
| Property | 34 | 56 |
| Regime | 17 | 21 |
Related inspections & investigations
Safety 3
· Respect 4
· Activity 1
· Release 2
Mark Penfold · Natural causes
Levi Cronin · State Custody related deaths
Other reports for Highpoint
Population 1,300
· Self-harm 419
· Concerns
Population 1,300
· Self-harm 449
· Concerns
Population 1,300
· Self-harm 585
· Concerns
· Self-harm 322
· Concerns
Population 1,048
· Self-harm 499
· Concerns