Recommendations 10 items · 2 repeated
Recommendations were extracted from the report by AI, and responses and their status from the ministerial response by AI. Each recommendation shows whether its wording has been checked against the report.
Addressee: Other, minister · Topic: Substance Misuse
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The Board is concerned that the Independent Review of Progress of June 2025 found that illicit drug availability at HMP/YOI Rochester posed a major threat to safety and security. What further national support will the Minister provide to help the prison reduce the supply and use of illicit drugs, including through strengthened security measures, improved testing capacity and stronger collaboration with relevant partners, and how will the effectiveness of these interventions be monitored and evaluated?
Addressee: Other, minister · Topic: Healthcare
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The new cohort of PCoSO prisoners at HMP/YOI Rochester has led to a sharp increase in social care needs among older and more vulnerable prisoners. There is an urgent need for a social care provider to be in place to provide the care and support that some of these prisoners need to maintain their dignity, manage daily life safely and take part meaningfully in their rehabilitative activities. What reassurances can the Minister give the Board that the local authority will put this in place?
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Estate · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The Board welcomes the progress made in improved living conditions at HMP/YOI Rochester, including refurbished wings, cleaner communal areas and reduced vermin levels. However, living conditions, particularly in the care and separation unit, remain below acceptable standards in many areas, according to the findings of an HMIP Inspection. What assurances can HMPPS provide that the necessary investment will be made available to complete these essential improvements and ensure that all accommodation meets acceptable standards of decency?
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Administration · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The Board notes that property complaints once again remain the most common issue raised by prisoners and that the lack of effective volumetric control during transfers continues to cause avoidable loss and frustration. Whilst these concerns have been acknowledged and some improvements made; progress has been slow. When will HMPPS implement the fundamental and systematic changes needed to ensure property is handled accurately, consistently and with proper accountability across the estate? If such changes are not planned, could HMPPS explain why this is the case?
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Progression and Resettlement
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The Board remains concerned about the limited rehabilitative provision available to PCoSOs and the consequent impact on their rehabilitation. What steps is the Prison Service taking to increase programme availability and ensure that prisoners can complete their sentence plan requirements, and provision to meet identified need?
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Safety
Recommendation (the Board's words)
Whilst the Board acknowledges that officers are using body worn video cameras (BWVCs) more frequently, their use is still not routine. On occasion, video cameras are not activated in time, resulting in crucial evidence being missed. What action will be taken to ensure that moments of conflict are captured consistently and that BWVCs are used routinely?
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Substance Misuse
Recommendation (the Board's words)
What specific actions will the Governor take to reduce the widespread availability of drugs and other illicit substances across the site, and how will the effectiveness of these measures be monitored and demonstrated?
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Fair Treatment
Recommendation (the Board's words)
Too many adjudications are remanded because of missing paperwork, absent BWVC footage or prisoners refusing to attend. These avoidable delays waste time and resources and compromise the smooth running of the prison. What action will the Governor take to prevent these issues from continuing to undermine the adjudication process?
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Family Contact
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The Board remains concerned about delays in prisoners receiving their PIN numbers allowing them to stay in touch with family, friends, and legal representatives. What action will the Governor take to ensure delays in approving numbers and technical glitches are minimised to ensure prisoners have access to their PIN numbers on arrival in the prison?
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Safety
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The Board has observed on several occasions that Mains prisoners and PCoSOs arrive at the prison in shared transport. With only one holding area in reception, this mixing of cohorts creates difficulties in managing new arrivals and increases the risk of unrest. What assurances can the Governor provide that all reasonable steps are being taken to prevent this occurring?