Recommendations 12 items · 5 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.
Response: In progress
Addressee: Ministry of Justice · Topic: Resettlement · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation (the Board's words)
As the Board has stated in its previous annual reports, missing, mislaid and delayed prisoner property continues to be a problem, particularly on transfer between prisons.
Government response (as published)
I acknowledge the Board’s continued concerns regarding the handling of prisoners’ property and appreciate that this must be an ongoing frustration. Over the past year, this issue has received further focused attention across His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). In response to both the Independent Monitoring Board’s national thematic report and a separate review by the Independent Prisoner Complaint Investigations team, Governors and senior leaders have been re-engaged on the key responsibilities involved in managing property effectively. Progress has been made in reinforcing the importance of maintaining compliance with volumetric control limits, as this remains central to ensuring property is successfully transferred with prisoners between establishments. In addition, HMPPS is now actively consulting with prisons on operational themes raised in the recent reviews to support practical improvements and reduce recurrence of loss or delay.
Response: In progress
Addressee: Ministry of Justice · Topic: Estate · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation
The windows and window frames across the establishment are in a poor condition and an entry point for drone packages and rats. The Minister should arrange for these windows to be replaced, as they are no longer fit for purpose, are an easy target for drone drops and endanger the ongoing security and stability of the establishment.
Government response (as published)
I recognise that you are also raising a repeat concern in regard to the condition of the windows and frames and the risks to security this presents. I can confirm that the major capital project commissioned to replace the windows and doors in A to E, G and H wings is progressing and will be considered for funding to begin delivery in the 2026/27 financial year. As referred to in my response to last year’s report, the provision of local funding has enabled progress to begin sooner on specific elements of this work. This includes the manufacturing and fitting of some new window grills on I Wing. Reactive repairs remain ongoing, and the windows identified as vulnerable to pest access have been secured. I hope the Board is reassured that these matters are receiving the attention they warrant, both locally and nationally.
Response: Noted
Addressee: Ministry of Justice · Topic: Staffing
Recommendation
Delays in the vetting process are impacting on non-operational appointees taking up employment. The Minister should address these delays.
Government response (as published)
Regarding the delays in recruitment due to security vetting, I understand the operational pressures this can cause. However, I must stress that vetting is a critical safeguard for our institutions. Current data indicates that most pre-employment checks are completed in a timely manner with the majority of cases concluded within a matter of days once all required applicant information is provided. I appreciate that the local vetting process at HMP Onley does not permit for prioritisation, but I am reassured that the team monitors applications closely and engages regularly with vetting services to reduce avoidable delay wherever possible.
Response: In progress
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Safety · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation (the Board's words)
What additional support can be provided to reduce drone activity at HMP Onley?
Government response (as published)
Drone incursions remain a complex and evolving threat, which are increasingly linked to organised criminal activity. At HMP Onley, targeted upgrades are underway to address this risk. Funding has been secured for a site-wide upgrade of the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system, which is expected to be complete by March 2026. In tandem, and as outlined in the Ministerial response above, a project to replace all the windows across the older wings is progressing and will be considered for funding to allow delivery to begin in the 2026/27 financial year. These upgrades will complement the prison’s existing security arrangements. Nationally, we are investing £40 million in enhanced physical security across multiple establishments, including the introduction of anti-drone measures such as grilles, reinforced windows and perimeter defences. Trials of anti-drone wire solutions are also underway, specifically tailored to high-security environments. While not all tactics can be publicly detailed, this is a high priority across the estate.
Response: In progress
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Mental_health
Recommendation (the Board's words)
The increase in prisoners with severe mental health issues puts considerable strain on the staff. What additional support can be provided for such prisoners or what alternative, more suitable accommodation can be found for them?
Government response (as published)
The challenges of managing prisoners with severe mental illness are acknowledged and recognised at every level. Within the Midlands, NHS England leads regular multi-agency meetings to review patient cases and to manage the prioritisation for secure hospital transfers. National work also progressing to evaluate demand for mental health inpatient beds across the estate. Legislative change is being pursued to address delays in transfers. The Mental Health Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, includes a statutory 28-day transfer deadline for individuals requiring treatment under the Mental Health Act. This will bring best practice onto a legal footing and help drive operational reform. Alongside this, the Mental Health and Justice Strategic Advisory Group has been convened to oversee delivery, monitor timeliness and address persistent obstacles in the system.
Response: In progress
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Estate
Recommendation
The state of the floors, showers and cells on some wings and areas of the establishment is poor. The Prison Service should ensure that prisoners are living in a dignified environment.
Government response (as published)
To uphold standards of decency, funding has been secured to deliver new flooring on L Wing with works due to begin in August 2025. These will be delivered outside of core hours over a 12-week period to reduce disruption. Elsewhere, a Clean, Rehabilitative, Enabling and Decent (CRED) painting programme will be improving the conditions on residential wings, supported by newly recruited decorators. Whilst shower facilities on A to E wings have already been modernised in recent years, J and K wings have been redecorated, and additional improvements will continue through the rolling maintenance schedule and reactive repair system until a full refurbishment can take place.
Response: Partially accepted
Addressee: HMPPS · Topic: Regime
Recommendation
The Board’s view is that one washing machine for wings housing 60-100 prisoners is inadequate. The Board is also of the view that the choice of domestic washing machines over commercial washing machines is adding to the problem of frequent washing machine breakdowns. The Prison Service should address the inadequacy of laundry facilities.
Government response (as published)
The Board’s concerns about the adequacy of the laundry equipment are noted. Where industrial machines were not viable due to infrastructure constraints, domestic machines were introduced. Some machines have also had to be replaced which the prison has funded with domestic machines installed. While there are no current plans to replace these with industrial machines, a national project bid has been submitted for future consideration. In the meantime, HMP Onley will continue to replace machines as needed and has reviewed its Clothing Exchange Stores processes to increase the frequency and reliability of the kit that is provided to the wings.
Response: In progress
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Regime
Recommendation
The Governor should do more to ensure the clothing exchange store (CES) is supported to receive and consistently maintain adequate stocks of issued clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Government response (as published)
In the meantime, HMP Onley will continue to replace machines as needed and has reviewed its Clothing Exchange Stores processes to increase the frequency and reliability of the kit that is provided to the wings.
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Estate · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation
The Governor should do more to improve the condition of the external exercise yards so that they provide a safe, dignified and fit for purpose environment for prisoners.
Government response (as published)
Dedicated teams were employed to tidy up the yards.
Response: Implemented
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Education · Repeated from a previous year
Recommendation
The Governor should do more to enhance prisoner engagement with activities and increase the availability of meaningful activities.
Government response (as published)
I was pleased to note the Board’s recognition of HMP Onley’s efforts to motivate prisoners to participate in the regime and engage with purposeful activity. The introduction of the incentives-led activities policy in February 2025, alongside the growing popularity of the library with membership reaching 73% of the population by year-end demonstrates a clear and positive shift toward rehabilitation through structured education, skills development and meaningful work.
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Healthcare
Recommendation
The Governor should provide support to reduce the long waiting times for general practitioner and dental appointments.
Addressee: Governor / Director · Topic: Food
Recommendation (the Board's words)
Essential kitchen equipment is frequently out of order. What can be done to • ensure that repairs are carried out speedily?