Source · IMB Annual Report
Low Newton
Year: 2026
Published: 12 Jun 2026
Type: Prison · Cat YOI, Women's
Population: 278
Recommendations: 3
Key concerns
Positive findings
HMP/YOI Low Newton, a women's prison, has implemented positive changes to its regime and culture, with strong commendations from HMIP. However, the reporting year saw a significant rise in self-harm, violence, and use of force, alongside persistent concerns regarding the transport of women to the prison and the inappropriate placement of severely mentally unwell individuals in a custodial environment. The Board noted good staff professionalism and effective rehabilitation programmes, but highlighted ongoing challenges with staffing shortages and resettlement support.
Safety statistics
| Indicator | This year | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Self-harm incidents | 1,595 | 999 |
| ACCT cases opened | 439 | 337 |
| Prisoner assaults | 58 | 36 |
| Assaults on staff | 133 | 81 |
| Use of force | 574 | 304 |
Positive findings
HMP/YOI Low Newton has been recognised by HMIP as ‘setting the benchmark to which other prisons should aspire’ for its regime and culture changes. The Board observed improvements in maintaining family contact and high levels of resettlement support. Reception processes are well-managed and designed to be calm, with good support mechanisms for new arrivals, including peer support and healthcare staff. The management of young offenders is a notable strength, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Staff professionalism and resilience in managing challenging behaviors, including self-harm and violence, are consistently commended. Wings are generally clean, orderlies enjoy their work, and positive relationships are observed among staff and prisoners, particularly in the J wing and the outdoor environment. The tuck shop and kitchen are popular and well-run, providing varied and enjoyable food. The chaplaincy team provides integral support, offering a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space. Healthcare staffing levels are generally good, and the prison offers a range of psychology programs and a palliative care service. The Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Team (DART) offers extensive support, and there's a growing emphasis on soft skills and creative arts through partnerships with charities like Junction 42 and Fine Cell Work. Education attendance is strong, with many women achieving qualifications, and vocational training provides valuable skills for release. Key work officers are upskilled, using the effective CRISS model for recording prisoner sessions.
Key concerns
Safety
The Board is concerned about the significant rise in self-harm, violence and use of force over the reporting year.
Estate/Conditions
Ongoing issues with unclean conditions in the care and separation unit (CSU).
Other
Repeated
There continue to be ongoing issues with the transport of women to the establishment, resulting in mixed-sex journeys, inadequate toilet and sanitary provision and lengthy journeys.
Mental Health
Repeated
The IMB at HMP/YOI Low Newton has, for several years, raised concerns about the number of severely mentally unwell women sent to prison.
Resettlement/Release
The Board has concerns about the number of women who are released without accommodation to go to.
Estate/Conditions
A major gas leak in the establishment resulted in the loss of heating and hot water.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Lack of available storage space has had an unfortunate impact on access to the Hive, an incentivised association space.
Staffing
Ongoing staff shortages continue to affect the regime, limiting opportunities to build and maintain effective relationships and potentially negatively impacting prisoners' mental health and overall wellbeing.
Mental Health
Waiting times for mental health transfers to secure hospital settings have been lengthy.
Resettlement/Release
Concerns about the necessary resources that may or may not be available in the community to support women who are released with severe issues or in distress, especially regarding accommodation.
Resettlement/Release
Courts sentencing women to short sentences and early release schemes either mean work cannot be started or sometimes disrupt ongoing work.
Safety
Access to the Listener service has not always been available.
Recommendations
| # | Recommendation | Addressee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The IMB at HMP/YOI Low Newton has, for several years, raised concerns about the number of severely mentally unwell women sent to prison. We are aware of the Health of People in Prison, on Probation and in the Secure NHS Estate in England report and have read the executive summary and recommendations published in November 2025. When will these recommendations be implemented in full, and what steps are being taken to ensure this happens without further delay?
Repeated
Response
A Mental Health and Justice Strategic Advisory Group is being developed, alongside a joint NHS England and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) Women’s Health and Social Care Review. A Women’s Justice Board has been created, and the Mental Health Bill is progressing. The Compass programme is also showing promising signs in reducing the frequency and the severity of acts of self-harm. |
Ministry of Justice | |
| 2 |
The Board has continued to closely monitor transport of women to the prison. Whilst there was a short-lived improvement in the service, there continue to be issues, resulting in the Board writing to the Acting Director of PECS detailing our concerns. GeoAmey appears to operate to tight targets, but when these are not met, the consequences can be catastrophic, in our view. Mixed-sex transport continues to be used (a recent HMIP inspection report of the establishment recommended single-sex transport), toilet and sanitary provision remains inadequate and some women continue to experience lengthy journeys of up to seven hours. When will the Prison Service take decisive action to address these longstanding failings and commit to including operational staff and others with direct experience of women’s transport in any review of transport and before the next contract takes effect?
Repeated
Response
HMPPS has placed emphasis on the performance of the transport provider to meet contractual obligations. Improved tracking continues and local measures to ensure robust accountability to address unacceptable delays and behaviours. |
HMPPS | |
| 3 |
Building on the last two years of change and innovation, will the Governor and the senior management team provide the Board with a clear and candid assessment of what has been achieved and where significant progress is still required?
Repeated
Response
The Governor will continue to keep us aware of progress. Board members observe briefings and meetings, which helps to ensure oversight of issues within the establishment. Good working relationships and transparency also continue. |
Governor / Director |
Applications to the IMB
| Category | Current | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 45 | 38 |
| Bail | 3 | 2 |
| Complaints (internal prison) | 23 | 18 |
| Daily Living (e.g., regime, food, showers) | 34 | 29 |
| Discrimination | 1 | 0 |
| Diversity | 0 | 0 |
| Early Release | 6 | 5 |
| Education | 7 | 6 |
| Family (e.g., visits, contact with children) | 12 | 10 |
| Healthcare | 41 | 35 |
| Legal (e.g., solicitors, court dates) | 15 | 12 |
| Money | 4 | 3 |
| Other | 18 | 14 |
| Property | 19 | 15 |
| Safety (including bullying, self-harm) | 27 | 22 |
| Staff | 9 | 7 |
| Total | 269 | 220 |
| Work/Pay | 5 | 4 |
Related inspections & investigations
Other reports for Low Newton
Report details
- Establishment
- Low Newton
- Type
- Prison · Cat YOI, Women's
- Report year
- 2026
- Published
- 12 June 2026
- Responsible body
- HMP Low Newton
- Recommendations
- 3
- MoJ rating (2024/25)
- 3 — Good
Population
| Population | 278 |
| Operational capacity | 298 |
Service providers
Education and vocational training
Novus
Employment coaching
People Plus
Prison Escort and Custody Service
GeoAmey