Source · IMB Annual Report
Hewell Grange
Year: 2020
Published: 2 Jul 2020
Type: Prison · Cat D
Population: 208
Recommendations: 4
Key concerns
Positive findings
This report covers the final six months of HMP Hewell Grange as it underwent a planned closure, ceasing to hold prisoners by 31 March 2020. The Board found the prison generally safe and praised staff for their humane management of the closure, despite unacceptable living conditions. Healthcare provision was inconsistent, and purposeful activity was curtailed due to the closure, though efforts were made to minimise negative impacts on resettlement.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Deaths in custody | 0 | — |
| Self-harm incidents | 0 | — |
| ACCT cases opened | 1 | — |
| Prisoner assaults | 0 | — |
| Assaults on staff | 0 | — |
| Use of force | 0 | — |
| Drug finds | 1 | — |
Positive findings
The Board found Hewell Grange to be a safe environment, with prisoners treated with a high level of fairness and humanity during the closure process. Leadership and staff are commended for managing expectations and fostering a sense of community, resulting in a remarkably uneventful closure. The Board was impressed by the meticulous clearance of the building by prisoners and HMPPS staff.
Key concerns
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Living conditions at Hewell Grange were described as the worst seen in its type of establishment, with the physical building continuing to deteriorate due to minimal maintenance, and prisoners held in substandard accommodation, including issues with rodents.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
Extraordinarily for an open prison, Hewell Grange was found to be poor in both purposeful activity and rehabilitation and release planning prior to its closure.
Healthcare
The provision of healthcare was patchy, frequently adequate but not reliably so, with pharmacy and dentistry services proving particularly inconsistent and problematic, leading to negative impacts for prisoners.
Mental Health
There was no specific mental healthcare provided, despite evident anxiety among some residents during the unsettling closure process.
Equality/Diversity
The specific characteristics of the prisoner population were not adequately reflected in discussions, with distinct needs of minority groups often only met individually on request.
Equality/Diversity
Facilities for disabled prisoners were generally limited, and access throughout Hewell Grange remained a significant difficulty for individuals with mobility problems.
Education/Purposeful Activity
The education department ceased providing courses by the end of 2019, impacting the continuation of learning for prisoners who were transferred to other establishments before completing their courses.
Resettlement/Release
The lack of any other male category D establishment within a radius of 60 miles by road following Hewell Grange's closure inevitably had serious implications for prisoners’ contact with their families.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Board hopes that the Minister is able to find an appropriate way to formally recognise the achievement of management and staff at HMP Hewell in creating a community that worked together to make the closure of Hewell Grange the best it could possibly be.
Response
Turning to some positive points captured in your report, it was encouraging to receive your comments about the marked improvement in staff morale during the Covid-19 lockdown that coincided with changes in Governor. Likewise, I was pleased to hear that HMP Hewell’s response to the virus was managed well and the prison continued to make improvements to cleanliness. I am grateful to the Board for maintaining links with the team at HMP Hewell during a difficult and unprecedent time. |
Ministry of Justice | Noted |
| 2 | The Board believes that, following the closure of Hewell Grange, additional male category D places should be made available within the West Midlands region. | HMPPS | |
| 3 | The closure process adopted at Hewell Grange should be utilised as a case study for senior management development. | HMPPS | |
| 4 |
Management and staff involved in the closure of Hewell Grange should be made aware of the positive view of the closure developed by IMB members.
Response
Turning to some positive points captured in your report, it was encouraging to receive your comments about the marked improvement in staff morale during the Covid-19 lockdown that coincided with changes in Governor. Likewise, I was pleased to hear that HMP Hewell’s response to the virus was managed well and the prison continued to make improvements to cleanliness. I am grateful to the Board for maintaining links with the team at HMP Hewell during a difficult and unprecedent time. |
Governor / Director | Noted |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Total number of applications | 0 | 6 |
Related inspections & investigations
18 Sep 2015
PFD
Liam Smith · State Custody related deaths; Hospital Death (Clinical Procedures and medical management) related deaths
Report details
- Establishment
- Hewell Grange
- Type
- Prison · Cat D
- Report year
- 2020
- Published
- 2 July 2020
- Responsible body
- HMP Hewell
- Recommendations
- 4
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 1 — Serious concern
Population
| Population | 208 |
| Operational capacity | 224 |
| CNA (designed for) | 224 93% |
Service providers
Careers information and advice
Coventry/Solihull/Warwickshire Partnership (CSWP)
Community rehabilitation companies (CRC)
Staffordshire and West Midlands
Escort contractor
GEOAmey
Learning and skills provider
Novus
Library service
Worcestershire County Council
Maintenance
Amey
Mental health provider
Care UK
Physical health provider
Care UK
Substance use treatment provider
Care UK