Source · IMB Annual Report

Five Wells

Year: 2025 Published: 3 Oct 2025 Type: Prison · Cat C Population: 1,735 Recommendations: 42 Key concerns Positive findings

HMP Five Wells, a Category C prison, has experienced positive changes under new leadership and a return to a full 'green' regime, enhancing purposeful activity and staff support. Despite these improvements, the prison faces significant challenges, including a rise in self-harm and violent incidents, widespread illicit substances, and ongoing issues with property management and building design. Concerns also persist regarding healthcare communication, staffing vacancies, and effective resettlement outcomes for prisoners.

Safety statistics

Incidents during reporting year

Indicator	This year	Previous
Deaths in custody	3	—
Self-harm incidents	2,326	1,463
Prisoner assaults	589	526

Positive findings

The new director's appointment in June 2024 has had a positive effect, improving staff support, communication, and inter-departmental cooperation. The return to a 'green regime' in October 2024 positively impacted purposeful activities, and peer-led initiatives are showing positive impacts. Staffing, education, and recruitment have seen positive steps, with a new education provider (Novus) and head of learning and skills having a noticeable positive impact. The standard of accommodation remains good overall, and there have been substantial improvements in serveries on wings. Health needs are generally met, continuity of drug and alcohol support for leavers is good, and overall resettlement activities are effective. Family support remains strong, and reducing reoffending meetings are more frequent.

Key concerns

38 items

Substance Misuse Repeated Illicit substances are still prevalent in the prison, alongside a high rate of positive random drug tests.

Safety The frequency of self-harm incidents has increased during the reporting year and the management of the assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) process, for prisoners at risk of self-harm and suicide, requires improvement, in the Board’s view.

Safety Repeated The frequency of self-harm incidents has increased during the reporting year and the management of the assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) process, for prisoners at risk of self-harm and suicide, requires improvement.

Safety Repeated Use of force incidents continued to be poorly managed, putting staff and prisoners at risk.

Safety Use of force incidents continued to be poorly managed, putting staff and prisoners at risk.

Overcrowding Repeated The Board is still concerned about two prisoners sharing cells designed for one.

Overcrowding Repeated A total of 12 cells have been ‘doubled up’ to cope with the increased prison population. The Board is still concerned about two prisoners sharing cells designed for one.

Estate/Conditions Repeated The building design issues highlighted in our previous report remain. There is no airflow to the houseblock hub and common areas, creating significant discomfort in the warmer months.

Complaints/Property Repeated The Board continues to receive a high number of complaints about property loss. As noted in our previous report, we consider that the national use of a paper-based system, rather than a digital one, is inefficient, and we continue to maintain that a digital system could enable quicker responses.

Education/Purposeful Activity The education department has continued to struggle this year, due mainly to issues surrounding staffing.

Healthcare The Board is concerned that healthcare complaints boxes may be inaccessible to those who rarely leave their wing. Electronic communication between prisoners and the healthcare unit has yet to be introduced.

Healthcare Electronic communication between prisoners and the healthcare unit has yet to be introduced.

Healthcare Many prisoners have told the Board that they do not understand the reasons for changes to their medication or delays in receiving medication on arriving at the prison.

Education/Purposeful Activity The education department has continued to struggle this year, due mainly to issues surrounding staffing.

Regime/Time Out of Cell There is very little activity on offer for the retired community.

Resettlement/Release From the Board’s observations, the overall resettlement activities are good, but outcomes, such as employment and accommodation, are influenced by factors over which the prison has minimal influence.

Mental Health The main mental health issue is that Five Wells does not have a psychologist.

Resettlement/Release During the year, the IMB has noticed an increasing number of recalled prisoners.

Staffing A combination of staffing shortfall for part of the year and the unexpected increase in workload, due to initiatives such as early custody supervised licence (ECSL) and standard determinate sentence (SDS40, which allows prisoners to be released after 40% of their sentence, instead of the usual 50%,to alleviate prison overcrowding) has resulted in the caseload of both prison and probation offender managers being approximately 50% higher than would usually be expected.

Estate/Conditions Repeated Faults in the design of new prisons, such as poor ventilation, lack of facilities, poor physical security, which have been identified in IMB reports.

Resettlement/Release Although there is no readily available date to show the reasons for recall, there has been an increase during the year in the number of prisoners who have been recalled.

Other Repeated Poor recruitment record for IMB members.

Resettlement/Release Repeated During the year, the number of prisoners arriving without a sentence plan has varied: in March 2025, there were 36. At the end of the reporting year, there were 116 prisoners who had no offender assessment system (OASyS, which assesses the risks and needs of prisoners) completions.

Resettlement/Release As the composition of the prison population has changed, is there any plan to change the designation of Five Wells as a resettlement prison?

Complaints/Property Repeated The Board remains concerned that little progress has been made in introducing a system that reduces the problems of loss of property during transfer from another establishment.

Substance Misuse Repeated The Board remains concerned about the ingress of illicit items into the prison. More robust methods of detection need to be authorised.

Resettlement/Release Improvements are needed to ensure all men arrive at Five Wells with a robust and up-to-date sentence plan.

Estate/Conditions The low mobility cells are not yet made safe and brought into full use.

Regime/Time Out of Cell The policy on the use of vapes for both staff and prisoners is not consistently enforced.

Mental Health The main mental health issue is that Five Wells does not have a psychologist.

Regime/Time Out of Cell Concerns continue to be raised about the time taken for men to be allocated to meaningful activity.

Resettlement/Release The planned targets for prisoners being granted Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) for outside employment have not been achieved.

Education/Purposeful Activity The Building Choices programme has a delivery capability for only 100 course completions during the year, despite an estimated 85% of prisoners who would benefit.

Resettlement/Release Repeated There is still no facility for the provision of photographic ID on release.

Recommendations

42 items · 19 repeated

#	Recommendation	Addressee	Status
1	During the year, the IMB has noticed an increasing number of recalled prisoners. What is being done nationally to improve the monitoring and support for newly released prisoners, to reduce the likelihood that they are recalled for minor indiscretions? Response I have read your report with care and understand the Board’s concerns around the increase in number of recalled prisoners. The decision to recall a person to custody is never taken lightly and is guided by rigorous thresholds based on licence compliance and the ability to manage escalating risk in the community. Nationally, we recognise that good resettlement planning is key to reducing the likelihood of recall, particularly for minor breaches. However, challenges such as securing suitable accommodation can hinder successful reintegration. In response, the East of England region has undertaken a review of recall cases over the past 12 months to identify common themes and addressable issues. We are also strengthening pre-release planning and expanding the role of peer mentors, including initiatives where mentors meet individuals at the gate to provide immediate support. Prison and probation colleagues are collaborating more closely to improve communication at the point of recall, ensuring that timely and accurate information is shared to support individuals effectively. This includes the use of a standardised proforma to ensure timely information sharing, particularly for those on fixed-term recalls, enabling us to better identify and meet resettlement needs and support individuals towards successful re-release.	Ministry of Justice	In progress
2	What improvements are planned to remedy faults in the design of new prisons, such as poor ventilation, lack of facilities, poor physical security, which have been identified in IMB reports? Repeated Response With reference to the Board’s concern of improvements to the design of new prisons, we are committed to learning from experience and continuously improving the design and delivery of new prisons. The Ministry of Justice is actively applying lessons from across the New Prisons Programme to ensure that each successive build addresses previously identified weaknesses. For example, at HMP Fosse Way, built following HMP Five Wells, 84 additional interview rooms were incorporated as well as seven large group rooms, and air-conditioning in the staff training space to improve working conditions. Unfortunately, there are no immediate plans to make physical improvements to HMP Five Wells as there are a number of competing demands for maintenance across the prison estate and HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) must prioritise work based on risk to life, capacity and decency.	Ministry of Justice	Noted
3	What steps will the Minister take to improve the poor recruitment record for IMB members? Repeated Response I recognise the importance of a strong and diverse Board and appreciate the difficulties that you have had in recruiting suitable candidates. I am pleased to say that the IMB Staff is taking active steps to improve recruitment processes and outcomes. The IMB recruitment process is currently under review to streamline procedures and improve efficiency. This includes updating guidance for both applicants and interview panels to ensure high-quality candidates are attracted and appointed. It is also developing a new database and application system to make it easier for individuals to apply and for vacancy managers to track progress through each stage of recruitment. The IMB Staff’s next national campaign is scheduled to launch in January 2026, and as with all campaigns, it will target promotional efforts to support establishments facing recruitment challenges, such as HMP Five Wells. It also has regionally based staff dedicated to local outreach, community engagement, and tailored advertising to ensure as broad and representative a pool of potential volunteers as possible can be reached.	Other	In progress
3	What steps will the Minister take to improve the poor recruitment record for IMB members? Repeated Response I understand your concerns regarding the difficulties in recruiting new Board members, especially as you have faced particular challenges monitoring a large and complex prison with only six members in place at the end of the reporting year. I was pleased to hear that, since March 2024, there have been further appointments to the Five Wells Board; that you now have a team of 10; and that you have recently been part of a further recruitment campaign, obtaining two more applicants. Other initiatives to attract new applicants are in place, such as using local radio stations so that members can share their invaluable experience about the role more widely. I am aware that the process of appointing new Board members can sometimes be a lengthy one, and that this can cause frustration. The IMB Staff Group (formerly the ‘Secretariat’) continues to seek improvements to its recruitment processes, including exploring ways to fill vacancies more quickly. There are no plans to make the IMB Staff Group a completely separate entity to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). I appreciate this may be disappointing to you. However, IMB staff will continue to operate with full independence from the MoJ under the overall leadership of the IMB National Chair. The vital and important role that IMB members play in scrutinising places of detention is formally distinguished from other ‘volunteer’ roles by their status as Ministerially made Public Appointments. It is of the utmost importance that these appointments are made using the appropriate selection processes, to ensure that the most suitable candidates are placed in these roles and the high standards of qualitative monitoring and integrity can be maintained. I would, again, like to extend my gratitude to you and all the HMP Five Wells Board members for your continued exemplary work.	Ministry of Justice
4	The original designation of Five Wells was as a resettlement prison for men in their last two years in custody. As the composition of the prison population has changed to accommodate a significant number of men who are not in their last two years of custody and on current projected availability of programme delivery capability, is there any plan to change the designation of Five Wells as a resettlement prison? Response There are currently no immediate plans to change the designated function of HMP Five Wells. However, the contract for the prison was designed with flexibility in mind, recognising the need to adapt to pressures within the wider prison system and operational requirements on site. As such, while the primary function remains resettlement, the cohort has been flexed in response to system-wide capacity demands. Notably, in January 2024, a trainer cohort was introduced, and as of August 2025, the population at Five Wells comprises approximately 56% resettlement and 39% trainer. Looking ahead, the HMPPS Estate Configuration Review, alongside the Independent Sentencing Review and the Independent Review of Criminal Courts, will inform future decisions about prison functions and offender flows across the estate. A 2027 Configuration Ambition has been agreed as a holding position, which for HMP Five Wells includes a model of 85% Resettlement C and 15% Trainer C, ensuring the prison continues to meet the evolving needs of the system while maintaining its core resettlement focus.	HMPPS	Partial
4	The original designation of Five Wells was as a resettlement prison for men in their last two years in custody. As the composition of the prison population has changed to accommodate a significant number of men who are not in their last two years of custody and on current projected availability of programme delivery capability, is there any plan to change the designation of Five Wells as a resettlement prison?	HMPPS
5	What steps are the prison service undertaking to improve the system for recording and transferring prisoner property? Repeated Response We take the concerns raised about the handling and transfer of prisoner property seriously and are actively working to improve systems and accountability in this area. In response to the findings of the IMB national thematic report and the Independent Prisoner Complaint Investigations review, HMPPS has actively reminded Governors and senior leaders of key property handling responsibilities, including adherence to volumetric control limits. While digital transformation in this area remains constrained by wider pressures, we have embedded the use of the digitally recorded Person Escort Record (dPER), which includes a property section that accurately logs sealed items transferred with the prisoner and supports investigations into any loss. Additionally, the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services (PECS) contract includes regular complaint reviews and has introduced a new vehicle fleet with increased capacity to carry additional property. We continue to consult with prisons on further improvements and remain committed to strengthening the integrity and traceability of prisoner property handling across the estate.	HMPPS	In progress
5	What steps are the prison service undertaking to improve the system for recording and transferring prisoner property? Repeated Response HMPPS notes the Board’s continuing concerns about the handling of prisoners’ property and is aware that the Board raised this as an issue in last year’s annual report. This is an area to which HMPPS is currently giving further attention. Careful consideration will be given to the findings in the recently received IMB national thematic report on how property loss impacts prisoners, as well as those due to be received from Independent Prisoner Complaint Investigations, following a thematic review of the property complaints they have received in the last five years. As the Board identifies, a common area for problems is when excess prisoner property is forwarded on when a prisoner transfers. It is, therefore, key that prisoners comply with volumetric control limits, since anything within those limits will transfer with them. HMPPS is focusing on what more can be done to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Framework. HMPPS also notes the Board’s concerns about the lack of digital improvements on property handling. While it is recognised this will be disappointing, other pressures around digital changes mean it is not anticipated that an electronic property card will be in place in the immediate future. At HMP Five Wells specifically, the complaints about property handling largely emanate from prisoners transferring into the prison. During the last 12 months, there has been one complaint received regarding loss of property when a prisoner was transferring out of HMP Five Wells, which was attributed to the escort contractor. This indicates that HMP Five Wells is complying with the transfer control limits when prisoners are moved.	HMPPS
6	The Board remains concerned about the ingress of illicit items into the prison. Can more robust methods of detection be authorised? Repeated Response The Managing Conveyance of Unauthorised and Illicit Items Policy Framework, published in July 2024, provides instructions and guidance for prisons. The policy is structured on five key areas of conveyance, which includes the gate, reception, visits, correspondence and perimeter. Governors must assess the risk of conveyance in these areas using an evidence-informed risk assessment. Any risks highlighted via the evidence-informed assessment must be mitigated against with local procedures and outlined in the prison’s Local Security Strategy. The Director and senior leadership team at HMP Five Wells are exploring additional methods to better prevent and detect the ingress of illicit items that will be supported by additional CCTV, which is due to be installed on the perimeter of the prison. Methods of reducing ingress by employing drone detection systems are also being considered.	HMPPS
6	The Board remains concerned about the ingress of illicit items into the prison. Can more robust methods of detection be authorised? Repeated Response The Managing Conveyance of Unauthorised and Illicit Items Policy Framework, published in July 2024, provides instructions and guidance for prisons. The policy is structured on five key areas of conveyance, which includes the gate, reception, visits, correspondence and perimeter. Governors must assess the risk of conveyance in these areas using an evidence-informed risk assessment. Any risks highlighted via the evidence-informed assessment must be mitigated against with local procedures and outlined in the prison’s Local Security Strategy. The Director and senior leadership team at HMP Five Wells are exploring additional methods to better prevent and detect the ingress of illicit items that will be supported by additional CCTV, which is due to be installed on the perimeter of the prison. Methods of reducing ingress by employing drone detection systems are also being considered.	HMPPS
7	What improvements can be made to ensure all men arrive at Five Wells with a robust and up-to-date sentence plan? Repeated Response Since opening in 2022’ HMP Five Wells has had a high number of new receptions and for this cohort of prisoners it is not possible or expected that a sentence plan is in place on their arrival. For the majority of prisoners who are serving a determinate sentence of over ten months, the Prisoner Offender Manager (POM) should complete an initial OASys assessment (incorporating the sentence plan) within ten weeks of being sentenced. There is a strategy in place to maximise compliance to this timeframe, but due to continued churn it is recognised that there remains an ongoing but reducing backlog; the number for the end of September 2024 was 71. The vast majority (95%) of the population have now had a start of custody OASys completed. Initiatives that have been introduced, such as having dedicated POMs focusing on OASys completions, are helping to keep the backlog low. As identified by the Board, the backlog has reduced and is being managed by appropriately giving priority to OASys completion for those men closest to release.	HMPPS
7	What improvements can be made to ensure all men arrive at Five Wells with a robust and up-to-date sentence plan? Response Since opening in 2022’ HMP Five Wells has had a high number of new receptions and for this cohort of prisoners it is not possible or expected that a sentence plan is in place on their arrival. For the majority of prisoners who are serving a determinate sentence of over ten months, the Prisoner Offender Manager (POM) should complete an initial OASys assessment (incorporating the sentence plan) within ten weeks of being sentenced. There is a strategy in place to maximise compliance to this timeframe, but due to continued churn it is recognised that there remains an ongoing but reducing backlog; the number for the end of September 2024 was 71. The vast majority (95%) of the population have now had a start of custody OASys completed. Initiatives that have been introduced, such as having dedicated POMs focusing on OASys completions, are helping to keep the backlog low. As identified by the Board, the backlog has reduced and is being managed by appropriately giving priority to OASys completion for those men closest to release.	HMPPS
8	What steps will the prison take to reduce the frequency of self-harm incidents? Response Improving the management of ACCT cases has remained a key issue for the prison throughout the reporting year. A quality assurance process has now been introduced to identify remaining weaknesses and improve staff awareness and documentation standards. Frequent self-harming prisoners and those with complex needs are the subject of a weekly review by a multi-disciplinary group, and this process has improved during the year.	Governor / Director
8	What steps will the prison take to reduce the frequency of self-harm incidents? Repeated Response Improving the management of ACCT cases has remained a key issue for the prison throughout the reporting year. A quality assurance process has now been introduced to identify remaining weaknesses and improve staff awareness and documentation standards. Frequent self-harming prisoners and those with complex needs are the subject of a weekly review by a multi-disciplinary group, and this process has improved during the year.	Governor / Director
9	How will the prison engage with staff and prisoners to reduce instances of violence and use of force? Repeated Response Detailed analysis of both violent and use of force incidents have resulted in frequent individual and group communications about incident management and the use of body worn video cameras. Further work is needed to embed best practice and consistently meet current standards for control and restraint.	Governor / Director
9	How will the prison engage with staff and prisoners to reduce instances of violence and use of force? Repeated Response Detailed analysis of both violent and use of force incidents have resulted in frequent individual and group communications about incident management and the use of body worn video cameras. Further work is needed to embed best practice and consistently meet current standards for control and restraint.	Governor / Director
10	What additional security measures will be taken to limit the number of illicit items found on the premises? Repeated Response Although there have been notable finds of illicit items during the year, the positive rate for mandatory drugs tests remains high and suggests that significant quantities of illicit items are still available in the prison. Efforts to reduce demand, such as the drug rehabilitation unit (DRU), appear to have had only a modest impact. The prison’s approach to security measures has not changed significantly during the year.	Governor / Director
10	What additional security measures will be taken to limit the number of illicit items found on the premises? Repeated Response Although there have been notable finds of illicit items during the year, the positive rate for mandatory drugs tests remains high and suggests that significant quantities of illicit items are still available in the prison. Efforts to reduce demand, such as the drug rehabilitation unit (DRU), appear to have had only a modest impact. The prison’s approach to security measures has not changed significantly during the year.	Governor / Director
11	What steps will be taken to improve the airflow in houseblocks? Repeated Response There have been no changes made during the year to improve airflow.	Governor / Director
11	What steps will be taken to improve the airflow in houseblocks? Repeated Response There have been no changes made during the year to improve airflow.	Governor / Director
12	What plans are there to make cells which have been ‘doubled up’ more appropriate for use by two prisoners. Repeated Response This situation has not been addressed since the previous IMB annual report. Concerns continue to be raised about privacy and storage.	Governor / Director
12	What plans are there to make cells which have been ‘doubled up’ more appropriate for use by two prisoners. Repeated Response This situation has not been addressed since the previous IMB annual report. Concerns continue to be raised about privacy and storage.	Governor / Director
13	When will the policy be enforced on the use of vapes for both staff and prisoners? Response Policy is clear but enforcement is not always consistent across the prison.	Governor / Director
13	When will the policy be enforced on the use of vapes for both staff and prisoners? Response Policy is clear but enforcement is not always consistent across the prison.	Governor / Director
14	What steps are being taken to introduce electronic communication between the healthcare unit and prisoners? Response The healthcare department is due to move to electronic communication by 31 July 2025 and is setting up the system log-ins for all staff.	Governor / Director
14	What steps are being taken to introduce electronic communication between the healthcare unit and prisoners? Response The healthcare department is due to move to electronic communication by 31 July 2025 and is setting up the system log-ins for all staff.	Governor / Director
15	How is contacting the prisoners via their tablets improving communication?	Governor / Director
15	How is contacting the prisoners via their tablets improving communication?	Governor / Director
16	How can the healthcare unit improve prisoner understanding of changes to their medication? Response The healthcare department is holding medication forums, and the head of healthcare is communicating the process for medication changes. This is also discussed in the prison council.	Governor / Director
16	How can the healthcare unit improve prisoner understanding of changes to their medication? Response The healthcare department is holding medication forums, and the head of healthcare is communicating the process for medication changes. This is also discussed in the prison council.	Governor / Director
17	How are the new lockable lockers having an impact on the dispensing of medication?	Governor / Director
17	How are the new lockable lockers having an impact on the dispensing of medication?	Governor / Director
18	How are all parties ensuring the safety of pharmacists and men at the dispensary hatches?	Governor / Director
18	How are all parties ensuring the safety of pharmacists and men at the dispensary hatches?	Governor / Director
19	Will there be an increase in the delivery capability of the building choices programme in the future? Response Vocational training is currently providing 16 accredited courses. Whilst the Building Choices programme may indirectly assist securing employment, it is estimated that it will only be able to be provided to 100 prisoners next year.	Governor / Director
19	Will there be an increase in the delivery capability of the building choices programme in the future? Response Vocational training is currently providing 16 accredited courses. Whilst the Building Choices programme may indirectly assist securing employment, it is estimated that it will only be able to be provided to 100 prisoners next year.	Governor / Director
20	What steps are being taken to ensure that prisoners do not remain unallocated for long periods before being assigned to meaningful activity? Response Concerns continue to be raised about the time taken for men to be allocated.	Governor / Director
20	What steps are being taken to ensure that prisoners do not remain unallocated for long periods before being assigned to meaningful activity? Response Concerns continue to be raised about the time taken for men to be allocated.	Governor / Director
21	What is being planned to ensure all men are in meaningful employment for at least 28 hours a week? Repeated Response The position has improved and meaningful employment now exceeds 25 hours a week.	Governor / Director
21	What is being planned to ensure all men are in meaningful employment for at least 28 hours a week? Response The position has improved and meaningful employment now exceeds 25 hours a week.	Governor / Director
22	Accepting the factors constraining ROTL for outside employment, is it envisaged that any prisoners will be granted ROTL in the next or subsequent years? Repeated Response The changed population negatively impacted the possibility for granting ROTL in 2024-2025, with the result that only a total of five prisoners were employed for a short period and none since October.	Governor / Director
22	Accepting the factors constraining ROTL for outside employment, is it envisaged that any prisoners will be granted ROTL in the next or subsequent years? Response The changed population negatively impacted the possibility for granting ROTL in 2024-2025, with the result that only a total of five prisoners were employed for a short period and none since October.	Governor / Director

Applications to the IMB

Category	Current	Previous
Accommodation, including laundry, clothing	31	—
Accommodation, including laundry, clothing,	31	—

Related inspections & investigations

2 Jan 2024 HMIP · Unannounced Safety 2 · Respect 2 · Activity 1 · Release 3

— PPO fatal incident Kenneth Grubb

— PPO fatal incident Kevin Golby · Unascertained

— PPO fatal incident Anthony Foster · Natural causes

— PPO fatal incident Reece Pryce · Other non-natural

— PPO fatal incident John Boswell

Other reports for Five Wells

2024 Published 16 Oct 2024 Population 1,700 · Concerns

2023 Published 12 Sep 2023 Population 1,200 · Concerns

Report details

Establishment: Five Wells
Type: Prison · Cat C
Report year: 2025
Published: 3 October 2025
Responsible body: HMP Five Wells
Recommendations: 42
MoJ rating (2024/25): 2 — Concern

Population

Population	1,735
Operational capacity	1,715
Time out of cell	7.2h/day

Service providers

Education

Novus

Healthcare

Practice Plus Group

Management

G4S

Reading charity

Shannon Trust

Vocational training

Salvation Army

Source links

IMB report page → imb.org.uk →