Recommendation 1
The Board welcomes the announcement that HMP/YOI Hindley is to be expanded, subject to planning permission being granted. It is important that the funding is fully secured to complete the full project in a timely way.
Source · IMB Annual Report
Hindley
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Hindley is deemed overall safe, though violence and self-harm increased, particularly among young adults. Prisoners are generally treated humanely despite challenges from Covid-19 restrictions, which often led to 23-hour lock-ins. While health needs are met satisfactorily, concerns persist regarding lost property, outdated accommodation, and resettlement support. The Board commends staff efforts and welcomes planned prison expansion.
Year: 2021
Published: 3 May 2022
Type: Prison · Cat C, YOI
Population: 572
Recommendations: 4
Key concerns
Positive findings
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 1 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 375 | 302 |
| ACCT cases opened | 292 | 300 |
| Prisoner assaults | 432 | 230 |
| Assaults on staff | 60 | 63 |
| Use of force | 449 | 372 |
Positive findings
AI-generated summaryHMP/YOI Hindley achieved positive security, living standards, and fire safety audits, and received positive feedback from Ofsted. Staff, particularly the decency and chaplaincy teams, are commended for their professionalism, care, and efforts in supporting prisoners and efficiently managing Covid-19 outbreaks. The Board welcomes significant funding for prison expansion, including new workshops, gymnasium, and kitchen facilities. Overall, the Board believes men feel safe and healthcare services are satisfactory.
Key concerns
A concerning increase in violence and self-harm, notably amongst those under 25 years old.
The original living accommodation (wings A to D) and kitchens are cramped and no longer fit for purpose.
The Board continued to have concerns regarding the robustness of systems and their application to support transition on the release of prisoners.
The Board continues to be very concerned about the amount of property lost within the system, and the negative impact on prisoners’ wellbeing and the disproportionate amount of time spent on resolving matters by staff and the Board.
The Board wishes to register ongoing concerns about the men being locked in their cells for 23 out of 24 hours, and on occasions longer. This is not conducive to their long-term rehabilitation or wellbeing.
The ongoing problem with litter outside F wing and behind window grilles across the prison is not only an eyesore but also a health, safety, and security risk.
The lack of implementation of an updated, understandable IEP as highlighted in the last 2 IMB annual reports.
Source wording under review
Recommendations
Recommendation 2
As raised last year, Covid-19 and the introduction of new contracts have had a negative impact on the information advice and guidance available to men prior to and on release. Resolving this now needs to be a priority to ensure prisoners receive comprehensive support at this time of potential vulnerability.
Recommendation 3
Whilst the Board recognises the need to prevent the spread of Covid-19, it wishes to register ongoing concerns about the men being locked in their cells for 23 out of 24 hours, and on occasions longer. This is not conducive to their long-term rehabilitation or wellbeing.
Recommendation 4
The ongoing problem with litter outside F wing and behind window grilles across the prison is not only an eyesore but also a health, safety, and security risk. The Board urges the Governor to ensure that further action is taken to resolve this matter.
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| OMU | 31 | 23 |
| Property | 46 | 22 |
| Residential | 23 | 11 |
Related inspections & investigations
Other reports for Hindley
· Concerns
Population 599
· Self-harm 558
· Concerns
Population 599
· Self-harm 54
· Concerns
· Self-harm 423
· Concerns
· Concerns