Dovegate

I understand your growing concern about the loss of prisoners’ property and note unfortunately that applications about property issues represent the largest proportion received by your Board. Regarding the new Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework, the feedback received from operational engagement and internal / external stakeholders has been considered and, where appropriate, adjustments have been made. The framework aims to ensure that property is handled with efficiency, care and respect and that staff and prisoners are clear on the arrangements in place. It provides clear requirements and strengthens guidance on known problem areas. This includes providing stronger guidance to ensure volumetric control limits are respected, so that prisoners do not build up excessive amounts of property. It is now anticipated that the framework will be published this Summer.
While digital improvements to property processes are being explored, the nature of that work means that any digital changes are likely to be longer-term and will not be part of the framework at this stage. However, the planned introduction of digitally recorded Person Escort Records including property tags will enable better tracking of property in transit with Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers and will assist with investigations into the few complaints PECS receives about lost property. I was pleased to hear there are no significant issues relating to property management at HMP Dovegate.

I acknowledge the Board’s concerns about the number of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP) who have completed their mandatory tariff period in prison. Since September 2016 a joint HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and Parole Board IPP Action Plan has been in place, and regularly reviewed, to ensure a range of work streams are delivered, aimed at improving both the efficiency of the parole system and the progression opportunities of IPP prisoners. This commitment has in recent years delivered a substantial reduction in the number of IPP prisoners who have never been released. That number stood at 1,602 at the end of December 2021. This is reduced from 1,849 at the end of December 2020. This is very good progress considering that the population of unreleased prisoners serving IPP sentences was, at its highest in 2012, over 6,000.
Psychology-led reviews have been completed on over 1,300 IPP prisoners who are identified as being the most complex and challenging cases. These detailed reviews have led to improved individual pathways to progression, which are then overseen by the Prison or Community Offender Manager. The Government is providing opportunities for progression, which is evidenced by the continued high positive outcomes at parole hearings for IPP prisoners; in 2020/21 72% of IPP prisoners received either a release decision or a recommendation for a progressive move to open conditions. I acknowledge the amount of people being recalled to prison under the terms of IPP has risen significantly in the last five years. HMPPS is working with the Parole Board to ensure that the post-Recall review and management processes are as efficient and streamlined as possible, to ensure that recalled prisoners are re-released as soon as it is safe to do so. Currently, there are approximately 35 IPP prisoners at HMP Dovegate managed and supported through monthly oversight and assessed according to their most pressing need(s).
More broadly, the Justice Select Committee (JSC) appointed by the House of Commons has launched an inquiry into IPP sentences to explore the possible legislative and policy options available to the Government to further reduce the number of IPP prisoners. We look forward to hearing their recommendations and will be considering them closely. Furthermore, the HMPPS IPP Project Lead who is in regular contact with the prison team, has been impressed by their approach and invited them to contribute best practice ideas to the JSC’s call for written evidence.

I understand your growing concern about the loss of prisoners’ property and note unfortunately that applications about property issues represent the largest proportion received by your Board. Regarding the new Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework, the feedback received from operational engagement and internal / external stakeholders has been considered and, where appropriate, adjustments have been made. The framework aims to ensure that property is handled with efficiency, care and respect and that staff and prisoners are clear on the arrangements in place. It provides clear requirements and strengthens guidance on known problem areas. This includes providing stronger guidance to ensure volumetric control limits are respected, so that prisoners do not build up excessive amounts of property. It is now anticipated that the framework will be published this Summer.
While digital improvements to property processes are being explored, the nature of that work means that any digital changes are likely to be longer-term and will not be part of the framework at this stage. However, the planned introduction of digitally recorded Person Escort Records including property tags will enable better tracking of property in transit with Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS) suppliers and will assist with investigations into the few complaints PECS receives about lost property. I was pleased to hear there are no significant issues relating to property management at HMP Dovegate.

The Board will be pleased to hear that the inpatient unit Healthcare project work is progressing and the bath/shower room upgrade work should be completed by the end of this financial year (2021/22). I note you have raised some local issues of concern in your report which the Director will continue to keep you aware of as work continues.