Source · IMB Annual Report
Swaleside
Year: 2021
Published: 3 Sep 2021
Type: Prison · Cat Category B training prison
Population: 989
Recommendations: 21
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP Swaleside experienced a challenging year due to COVID-19, but management and staff were commended for their exceptional response and innovative strategies. The prison maintained a positive trajectory with declining violence and improved humane treatment, though concerns persist regarding resettlement provision and the mental health impact of prolonged lockdown. Key issues include kitchen capacity, access to confidential complaints, and disparities in opportunities for vulnerable groups.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 3 | — |
| Drug finds | 290 | 613 |
Positive findings
The Board reported a positive year for HMP Swaleside, commending management and staff for their exceptional handling of the COVID-19 challenge and innovative strategies. Significant improvements were noted in facilities, including shower refurbishments, E wing window replacements, and the eradication of a rat infestation. Positive initiatives like Purple Visits and the life-limiting illness committee were praised, as was Milton Keynes College for its exemplary in-cell education during the pandemic. Safety trends showed a decline in violence, and residents were treated with respect and empathy.
Key concerns
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The kitchen at Swaleside was originally designed to cater for about 650 residents and is now catering for around 3000 meals daily for both Swaleside and HMP Standford Hill, a situation which has not been remedied despite Standford Hill's new kitchens being budgeted for.
Complaints/Property
The Board must have access to the Governor's confidential complaints (Comp 2 paperwork) to comply with statutory monitoring duties, as current GDPR interpretations mean these forms are not monitored by the IMB.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
Swaleside cannot provide adequate resettlement services for residents released directly into the community, an issue reiterated from last year's report, and increasing numbers of direct releases require more funding or timely transfers to local resettlement prisons.
Other
The Board has major concerns that it may not be able to carry out its monitoring function satisfactorily with the imposed reduction in rota visits.
Equality/Diversity
Inequality of opportunity persists for MCOSO and vulnerable residents, particularly regarding access to activities, employment, common facilities, and education courses, despite some progress.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Workshops are insufficient for the prison's operational capacity, leading to unacceptably low levels of real employment and vocational training, which needs to be remedied post-pandemic.
Healthcare
The lack of in-cell telephony in the Inpatients Department (IPD) remains unaddressed due to delays, disadvantaging residents with limited call times compared to other wings.
Healthcare
The continued occupancy of an end-of-life room in Healthcare by a paraplegic resident whose needs are different is inappropriate and denies the room to other qualifying residents, consuming high resources.
Mental Health
Concerns exist regarding the mental health of residents who have suffered long-term lockdown, with rising instances of self-harm, which could increase further as regimes loosen due to debt-related stress.
Safety
The lack of sufficient Body Worn Cameras for staff needs addressing to properly establish facts after incidents, as evidenced by several cases where no cameras were available.
Staffing
There is pressure placed on public protection staff due to the increased monitoring demands from in-cell telephony and Purple Visits.
Safety
The Board notes an upturn in assaults against staff and self-harm incidents towards the end of the reporting period, requiring analysis to prevent a sustained upward trend.
Substance Misuse
The rising trend in the manufacture of alcoholic substances needs to be addressed.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
A high proportion of adjudications do not proceed due to administrative failures, particularly being ruled ‘out of time’.
Estate/Conditions
Long-term stability in services to H wing is required, as heating and sewerage problems have occurred this year.
Staffing
Efforts must be made to increase the levels of Keywork, which proved beneficial and is fundamental to addressing post-COVID self-harm and violence.
Complaints/Property
A high level of applications to the IMB complained about staff, indicating a need for the Governor to investigate these, as they are at a much higher level than last year.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Board reiterates this year that the kitchen at Swaleside was originally designed to cater for about 650 residents, and was upgraded in its early years to allow for some expansion. However, a further problem arises in having to cater additionally for residents at HMP Standford Hill, bringing the total number of meals prepared to around 3000 daily. The Board understands that new kitchens at Standford Hill are budgeted for, but the work still has not begun. (see section 5.1)
Repeated
Response
I extend my gratitude to HMP Swaleside for the continued use of their kitchen and to the staff who have worked tirelessly over an extensive period to prepare meals for HMP Standford Hill. I would like to reassure the Board that the new kitchen is anticipated to be completed by May 2022 and will provide an adequate catering provision for HMP Standford Hill. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 2 |
The Board must have access to the Comp 2 paperwork handled by the Governor in order to comply with our statutory monitoring duties and in line with the Prison Rules statutory requirement that the Board has right of access to all records of the prison. (see section 8)
Response
Turning to the Board’s comments about having access to non-confidential complaints, I understand the Governor has recently resolved this issue with you and I am pleased to hear you have been given access rights to the information held locally. In terms of policy, the Prisoner Complaints Framework mandates that confidential access complaints (Comp 2), and subsequent replies, must be recorded, but not opened by anyone other than the person they are addressed to. The Board, however, can obtain data on the number of confidential complaints recorded. |
HMPPS | Partial |
| 3 |
The Board reiterates its statement that Swaleside cannot provide adequate resettlement services for residents released into the community. If these numbers continue to rise then more funding will be needed, otherwise these residents should be transferred to a local prison within a reasonable timescale for their release. (see section 3.2)
Repeated
Response
I acknowledge the Board’s continued concern about the provision of resettlement services for those directly released from HMP Swaleside and that transfers to a local resettlement prison are not always timely. Men who are category B need to resettle from a prison appropriate to their security category. It is accepted that those who are recategorised to category C should be moved to an appropriate training or resettlement prison as soon as possible to access relevant resettlement services. If a category B prisoner is approaching their release date, they will be discharged directly from HMP Swaleside, as this is appropriate for their security category. The Board may already be aware that on 26 June 2021 the National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Companies unified to become the Probation Service. The unified Probation Service provides commissioned re-habilitative services for all sentenced people in prison wherever they are held. In the pre-release phase, Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) suppliers will offer support to those who will be released on licence to address accommodation needs and also to offer a mentor to support a successful transition from custody to community. These services will be delivered by CRS suppliers based in the areas where the person will be released to and will continue post-release. Attendance at post-release appointments with CRS Suppliers will be part of mandatory licence appointments. I hope the Board is reassured that the CRS service will be available to all individuals released from resettlement or non-resettlement prisons. For people being released from non-resettlement prisons, accommodation support will be delivered via visits or by phone/video rather than by staff based in the prison. The mentor service will be an in-reach to enable the same person to deliver the service post-release. In terms of resettlement opportunities, the Governor and his team are looking at ways to engage the men and local services to assist with resettlement opportunities. I note you have raised some other local issues of concern in your report which the Governor will continue to keep you aware of as work continues. |
HMPPS | Partial |
| 4 |
The Board has major concerns that it may not be able to carry out its monitoring function satisfactorily with the imposed reduction in rota visits. (see section 8)
Response
I am sorry to hear the Board is concerned about the imposed reduction of visits; my team have forwarded your concerns to the IMB Secretariat and they will respond to you directly. |
HMPPS | Noted |
| 5 |
The inequality of opportunity for MCOSO and vulnerable residents still needs to be addressed, despite progress made in that direction. (see sections 5, 5.4 and 5.5)
Response
HMP Swaleside is hoping to offer a wider catalogue of education and training opportunities for this cohort of men through the Accelerator Prisons Project (a national project aimed at reducing reoffending). |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 6 |
Workshops at Swaleside were originally designed to support a prison with four wings. Swaleside now has eight wings with an operational capacity of 1111. This results in an unacceptably low level of real employment and continued lack of vocational training, which should be remedied by creating more meaningful work for residents, post pandemic. (see section 7.2)
Response
The expansion of the engineering workshop has taken the number of meaningful employment placements from 25 to 50, enabling employed prisoners to complete accredited courses. Public Sector Prison Industries currently has no plans to increase capacity of this workshop further or introduce additional workshops. The Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMP Swaleside has developed a number of new work and training opportunities and continues to review the capacity and utilisation of workshop facilities. It is recognised there needs to be a strong mix of skilled and less skilled work so that men of varying skill and education levels can access appropriate work and vocational training opportunities. |
HMPPS | Partial |
| 7 |
The lack of in-cell telephony in the inpatients department (IPD) still needs to be addressed. (see sections 5.4 and 6.1)
Response
As the Board are aware, most cells were fitted with in-cell telephony. Unfortunately, some handsets and cable trunking have been damaged by prisoners. Replacement of the in-cell telephony will be installed differently, with greater protection of cable trunking to ensure repairs can take place faster and at less expensive. This is a priority action for the Governor. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 8 |
Despite being quite low, the number of residents released directly into the community is rising. Those directly released deserve to have the appropriate help to achieve similar employment and accommodation opportunities afforded to those residents released from resettlement prisons. This does not happen. In our report last year, we mentioned that it is essential that residents are provided with resettlement services, preferably in a prison nearer to their home as they reach the end of their sentences. This service has not been provided from Swaleside. Though there were only 26 residents released from the prison in the last year, it was an increase from previously. (see sections 3.2)
Repeated
Response
I acknowledge the Board’s continued concern about the provision of resettlement services for those directly released from HMP Swaleside and that transfers to a local resettlement prison are not always timely. Men who are category B need to resettle from a prison appropriate to their security category. It is accepted that those who are recategorised to category C should be moved to an appropriate training or resettlement prison as soon as possible to access relevant resettlement services. If a category B prisoner is approaching their release date, they will be discharged directly from HMP Swaleside, as this is appropriate for their security category. The Board may already be aware that on 26 June 2021 the National Probation Service (NPS) and Community Rehabilitation Companies unified to become the Probation Service. The unified Probation Service provides commissioned re-habilitative services for all sentenced people in prison wherever they are held. In the pre-release phase, Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) suppliers will offer support to those who will be released on licence to address accommodation needs and also to offer a mentor to support a successful transition from custody to community. These services will be delivered by CRS suppliers based in the areas where the person will be released to and will continue post-release. Attendance at post-release appointments with CRS Suppliers will be part of mandatory licence appointments. I hope the Board is reassured that the CRS service will be available to all individuals released from resettlement or non-resettlement prisons. For people being released from non-resettlement prisons, accommodation support will be delivered via visits or by phone/video rather than by staff based in the prison. The mentor service will be an in-reach to enable the same person to deliver the service post-release. In terms of resettlement opportunities, the Governor and his team are looking at ways to engage the men and local services to assist with resettlement opportunities. I note you have raised some other local issues of concern in your report which the Governor will continue to keep you aware of as work continues. |
HMPPS | Partial |
| 9 |
The Board has concerns regarding the mental health of residents who have suffered long-term lock-down. (see sections 5 and 6.2)
Response
There is a national and regional focus by NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE/I) Health and Justice on adapting health and wellbeing services to individual’s mental health (MH) needs following lockdowns in secure estates. For the south east including HMP Swaleside, this includes commissioning regular, independent reviews from the service user providers throughout the pandemic and following lockdown on the long-term MH impact. Recommendations are jointly actioned by NHSE/I and HMPPS to address these needs, for example increasing the number of group peer support sessions, adapting the MH model of provision and where necessary, increasing resources. This issue remains a high priority for the Governor and he is working closely with the Head of Psychology and the mental health teams. The Governor is committed to meeting with the IMB Chair regularly to discuss progress. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 10 |
The lack of sufficient Body Worn Cameras needs addressing. (see sections 3.1, 4.5 and 5.2)
Response
The next generation of BWVCs will be rolled out in early 2022 which will see a substantial uplift of camera numbers available to the entire public prison estate. The aim is to equip each establishment with a sufficient supply of BWVCs for every Band 3 to 5 prison officer and staff in certain other prisoner facing roles, to have a BWVC whilst on duty. The cameras will have a pre-record facility to constantly record and overwrite footage, which is saved once the recording function on the camera is activated. This helps to capture the build-up of spontaneous incidents and to record evidence. A review of the current BWVC Prison Service Instruction 04/2017 is being undertaken to formulate a new policy framework that reflects the new best practice. The maintenance contract remains in place with the current BWVC supplier, including a battery refresh of current stock to minimise faulty units. The Physical Safety Team is also available to offer support to prisons and help them with BWVC equipment should it be needed. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 11 |
The continued occupancy of the life limited room in Healthcare by one paraplegic resident whose needs are different, whilst there are a number of other residents who qualify for the use of this room. (see sections 3.1 and 6.1)
Response
HMPPS acknowledges the Board’s concerns about the continued occupancy of the life limited room in healthcare by one prisoner. A long-term solution has been sought and an agreement is in place to move the individual to another prison. We are unable to indicate when the move might take place as this is subject to the availability of a suitable cell and transport arrangements. The Governor will be able to discuss this with the IMB Chair in more detail. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 12 |
The continued reliance of Standford Hill on Swaleside’s kitchen for the preparation of its food. (see section 5.1)
Response
I extend my gratitude to HMP Swaleside for the continued use of their kitchen and to the staff who have worked tirelessly over an extensive period to prepare meals for HMP Standford Hill. I would like to reassure the Board that the new kitchen is anticipated to be completed by May 2022 and will provide an adequate catering provision for HMP Standford Hill. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 13 |
There is some concern regarding the pressure placed on public protection staff given in-cell telephony and Purple Visits. (see sections 4.4 and 7.4)
Response
Prisoner secure video calls were introduced across the estate in the summer and autumn of 2020 in response to the suspending of face-to-face visits as part of our Covid-19 response. It is the additional monitoring that comes with video calls that has created extra demand on staff. HMPPS are currently reviewing what resources are needed to undertake this work. In the short-term, the ceasing of the weekly credit to all prisoner PIN phone accounts and introducing a restriction on the number of video calls a prisoner can make monthly, should lessen the burden placed on staff. This is an element of the broader Covid-19 recovery strategy to reintroduce purposeful and active regimes across the estate. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 14 |
It is hoped that stable staffing and management can be maintained over what could be a difficult couple of years as we transition from COVID regimes to more of a ‘normal state’. (see sections 3.2)
Response
It is encouraging that the Board acknowledges the continued success of the management team at HMP Swaleside in managing a large and complex prisoner population. The Board has been invited to the meetings regarding building back after the lockdowns, and the Governor will continue to keep the Board informed of developments. The safety of all those living and working at HMP Swaleside is a top priority for the Governor, and it is therefore important that the prison progresses slowly and safely based on stability concerns that were highlighted in previous annual reports. |
HMPPS | In progress |
| 15 | The continued downward trends in safety measures are noted, however, at the very end of the reporting period there has been evidence that assaults against staff and incidents of self-harm have risen. These figures need analysis in order to establish the cause and prevent any upward trend setting in. (see sections 4.2 and 4.3) | Governor / Director | |
| 16 | The rising trend in the manufacture of alcoholic substances must be addressed. (see sections 4.6 and 6.4) | Governor / Director | |
| 17 | The number of adjudications not proceeded with due to administrative failures. (see 5.2) | Governor / Director | |
| 18 | There must be long-term stability in the services to H wing. Heating and sewerage problems have occurred this year and it is hoped that solutions are permanent. (see sections 3.2 and 5.1) | Governor / Director | |
| 19 | Efforts must be made to increase the levels of Keywork. This proved itself to be extremely beneficial and will be fundamental to addressing the issues that could result in self-harm and violence post-COVID. (see sections 3.2 and 5.3) | Governor / Director | |
| 20 | The Board asks the Governor to note the high level of applications we have received complaining about staff. These should have translated into complaints sent to him and the DDC, and are at a much higher level than last year. (see section 8) | Governor / Director | |
| 21 |
There needs to be more emphasis on equal opportunity across the prison. The Board commends efforts made so far, and recognises that with a Vulnerable resident wing and an MCOSO wing, there are logistical difficulties. These efforts must continue. (see sections 5, 5.4 and 5.5)
Response
HMP Swaleside is hoping to offer a wider catalogue of education and training opportunities for this cohort of men through the Accelerator Prisons Project (a national project aimed at reducing reoffending). |
Governor / Director | In progress |
Related inspections & investigations
15 Dec 2025
HMIP · Urgent Notification
11 Sep 2023
HMIP · Announced
Safety 2
· Respect 2
· Activity 2
· Release 2
Other reports for Swaleside
Report details
- Establishment
- Swaleside
- Type
- Prison · Cat Category B training prison
- Report year
- 2021
- Published
- 3 September 2021
- Responsible body
- HMP Swaleside
- Recommendations
- 21
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 1 — Serious concern
Population
| Population | 989 |
| Operational capacity | 1,111 |
| CNA (designed for) | 1,111 89% |
Service providers
Drug and Alcohol Treatment
Forward Trust
Education
Milton Keynes College
Family Support
Spurgeons
GP Services
Minster Medical Practice
Healthcare
Integrated Care 24 (IC24)
Maintenance
Government Facility Services Limited (GFSL)
Mental Health (Inreach)
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Optical Services
Pen Optical