Maidstone

How does the Minister plan to work with the Home Office to require that prisoners are able to sign official documentation either in their own language or in a language they understand?

Advice and guidance for prisoners at HMP Maidstone is published by the Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) Information Hub. This includes factsheets that have been translated into the ten most common spoken languages in prisons. However, the Home Office provides deportation paperwork only in English. To assist FNOs, the Immigration Prison Team (IPT) Immigration Officers (IOs) use interpretation services provided through the Big Word service when needed. At HMP Maidstone, FNOs are scheduled for appointments with IPT staff for interviews, the serving of paperwork, and to raise any concerns. This service allows IOs to explain the paperwork with the help of interpreters to ensure it is fully understood. Immigration Prison Team (IPT) Immigration Officers (IOs) use interpretation services provided through the Big Word when needed. This service allows IOs to explain the paperwork with the help of interpreters, to ensure it is understood. Currently, trials are underway to explore additional digital translation services. Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) are scheduled for appointments with IPT staff for interviews, the serving of paperwork, and to raise any concerns. The appointment system ensures that FNOs are aware of who they will meet and the purpose of the meeting, making it easier to arrange telephone interpreters or Big Word services in advance. There are no strict time constraints, allowing FNOs to fully express their concerns and receive comprehensive answers from the team. This system also provides opportunities for FNOs to discuss any paperwork received from caseworkers or solicitors if they need further clarification. Additionally, Facilitated Removal Scheme leaflets are available in 13 languages. IPT have also created an FNO leaflet, translated into the top ten languages, this is currently undergoing translation and printing.

How will the Minister support the Prison Service to reduce the prevalence of drugs and other illegal items across the estate?

I recognise that drugs and other illegal items seeps into our establishments and I would like to assure the Board we are doing everything possible to reduce the prevalence of all illicit items. There are specialist staff and equipment to stop the smuggling of illicit items and in recent years, establishments have expanded the use of physical security measures such as X-ray body and baggage scanners, and airport-style Enhanced Gate Security at 52 high-risk sites. HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) is also working hard to deter, detect, and disrupt the illegal use of drones using targeted countermeasures including improvements to windows, specialist netting, grilles, and the implementation of Restricted Fly Zones since January 2024. From a demand and supply perspective, HMPPS’ Drug and Alcohol Operational Framework (published in January 2025) offers ten objectives to support delivery against the HMPPS’ priorities for managing drugs and alcohol use: enabling recovery, reducing demand, and restricting supply. Evidence suggests that establishing recovery-oriented systems to address drug and alcohol use across HMPPS can bring many benefits including improved health and wellbeing; reduced social and economic costs; reduction in substance use dependency relapse; public health benefits; enhanced community support; less demand for substance use; and increased accountability. Locally, HMP Maidstone has intensified local intelligence-based searching. The prison has adapted it’s adjudications process to focus more on rehabilitative outcomes to facilitate a reduction in demand. The prison has also increased therapeutic activity through partners, including the use of virtual reality headsets and talking groups.

What steps will the Minister take to support the Prison Service in providing better purposeful activity offerings and resettlement services to prisoners?

The provision of purposeful activity is an aspect of rehabilitation I am passionate about. HMPPS’ New Futures Network continues to do good work in this area across the estate, whilst Governors (and Directors in private prisons) are able to commission education provision that is line with their annual needs analysis. This ensures more prisoners can make progress in skills to engage with employment and thrive in their communities on release. HMP Maidstone now has a new Creative Woodwork shop producing items for a local charity and for the prison, and there is also a new site maintenance team staffed by prisoners called Ragstone Renovations that provides skilled prisoners with further development and work experience with a view to employment on release. HMPPS provides full resettlement services for prisoners released in the UK. For prisoners subject to removal or deportation, the Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme provides a diverse range of flexible services, including comprehensive and immediate assistance on arrival at the airport. This is alongside longer-term and sustainable packages of reintegration support to further enhance wider returns packages currently available for returnees. This coherent package of support seeks to ensure that the individuals being returned quickly resettle and become self-sufficient, enabling them to make any future migration decisions a choice and not solely out of necessity. In addition to the strategic position detailed in the Minister’s letter above, work is ongoing to create reading areas in residential units that will provide a suitable environment for prisoner-led activities. Further ideas for a bicycle repair shop and a call centre are also ongoing but in the early stages. Functional Skills places for English and mathematics will expand from April 2025 to accommodate the increased demand due to population changes and this is being achieved without compromising the ESOL provision, which is essential in a foreign national prison. Plans are at an advanced stage to introduce new IT equipment into the printshop to start digital design services to cater across HMPPS and other government organisations, with accredited qualification options being discussed with the provider. Discussions are underway to introduce additional servery work to accommodate the end of the centralised catering contract for drinks and breakfast items. Other options for completing this work are available and is being explored to find the optimal solution.

Articulate a clear plan to reduce the prevalence of drugs within the prison estate, both from a demand and supply perspective, and provide guidance and resources for prisons to tackle this endemic problem.

I recognise that drugs and other illegal items seeps into our establishments and I would like to assure the Board we are doing everything possible to reduce the prevalence of all illicit items. There are specialist staff and equipment to stop the smuggling of illicit items and in recent years, establishments have expanded the use of physical security measures such as X-ray body and baggage scanners, and airport-style Enhanced Gate Security at 52 high-risk sites. HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) is also working hard to deter, detect, and disrupt the illegal use of drones using targeted countermeasures including improvements to windows, specialist netting, grilles, and the implementation of Restricted Fly Zones since January 2024. From a demand and supply perspective, HMPPS’ Drug and Alcohol Operational Framework (published in January 2025) offers ten objectives to support delivery against the HMPPS’ priorities for managing drugs and alcohol use: enabling recovery, reducing demand, and restricting supply. Evidence suggests that establishing recovery-oriented systems to address drug and alcohol use across HMPPS can bring many benefits including improved health and wellbeing; reduced social and economic costs; reduction in substance use dependency relapse; public health benefits; enhanced community support; less demand for substance use; and increased accountability. Locally, HMP Maidstone has intensified local intelligence-based searching. The prison has adapted it’s adjudications process to focus more on rehabilitative outcomes to facilitate a reduction in demand. The prison has also increased therapeutic activity through partners, including the use of virtual reality headsets and talking groups.

Support HMP Maidstone in providing more meaningful and purposeful activity and the resource to expand the soft skills offering.

The provision of purposeful activity is an aspect of rehabilitation I am passionate about. HMPPS’ New Futures Network continues to do good work in this area across the estate, whilst Governors (and Directors in private prisons) are able to commission education provision that is line with their annual needs analysis. This ensures more prisoners can make progress in skills to engage with employment and thrive in their communities on release. HMP Maidstone now has a new Creative Woodwork shop producing items for a local charity and for the prison, and there is also a new site maintenance team staffed by prisoners called Ragstone Renovations that provides skilled prisoners with further development and work experience with a view to employment on release. HMPPS provides full resettlement services for prisoners released in the UK. For prisoners subject to removal or deportation, the Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme provides a diverse range of flexible services, including comprehensive and immediate assistance on arrival at the airport. This is alongside longer-term and sustainable packages of reintegration support to further enhance wider returns packages currently available for returnees. This coherent package of support seeks to ensure that the individuals being returned quickly resettle and become self-sufficient, enabling them to make any future migration decisions a choice and not solely out of necessity. In addition to the strategic position detailed in the Minister’s letter above, work is ongoing to create reading areas in residential units that will provide a suitable environment for prisoner-led activities. Further ideas for a bicycle repair shop and a call centre are also ongoing but in the early stages. Functional Skills places for English and mathematics will expand from April 2025 to accommodate the increased demand due to population changes and this is being achieved without compromising the ESOL provision, which is essential in a foreign national prison. Plans are at an advanced stage to introduce new IT equipment into the printshop to start digital design services to cater across HMPPS and other government organisations, with accredited qualification options being discussed with the provider. Discussions are underway to introduce additional servery work to accommodate the end of the centralised catering contract for drinks and breakfast items. Other options for completing this work are available and is being explored to find the optimal solution.

Enable HMP Maidstone to provide a ROTL facility.

Further to last years’ response, the Governor was unable to trial a pilot scheme as planned but remains committed to exploring options when capacity allows. There are no policy restrictions that are preventing such prisoners from accessing ROTL as the primary objective is to provide rehabilitative benefits to prisoners through purposeful activity. Under the ROTL framework, prisons must obtain information about the immigration status of Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) who are liable to be removed from the United Kingdom from Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) before making any ROTL decision. This information ensures that the nature and duration of any ROTL for FNOs are appropriate, given their immigration status.

Provide funding for CCTV across HMP Maidstone and for enhanced gatehouse security.

Bids for various security-related projects across the site have been submitted. These projects encompass the upgrade and expansion of the CCTV system, replacement of cell windows, repair of the perimeter and boundary walls, and installation of window mesh throughout the site. Funding for the CCTV project has been approved but HMPPS is unable to provide a date for completion at this time. There are still no plans to introduce Enhanced Gate Security at HMP Maidstone and the prison was not selected for consideration for this project. This decision was based on the current National Risk Assessment of Establishments. However, HMP Maidstone has been provided with an X-ray body scanner to offer additional support. As the Board will be aware, demands for maintenance are much greater than the available funding. Therefore, once a bid for a project is received, HMPPS must prioritise works very carefully to make best use of that funding, focusing on risk to life and risk to capacity and decency.

Improve access to translation services for foreign nation prisoners, so that papers served, and information served, can be viewed in their native languages.

Advice and guidance for prisoners at HMP Maidstone is published by the Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) Information Hub. This includes factsheets that have been translated into the ten most common spoken languages in prisons. However, the Home Office provides deportation paperwork only in English. To assist FNOs, the Immigration Prison Team (IPT) Immigration Officers (IOs) use interpretation services provided through the Big Word service when needed. At HMP Maidstone, FNOs are scheduled for appointments with IPT staff for interviews, the serving of paperwork, and to raise any concerns. This service allows IOs to explain the paperwork with the help of interpreters to ensure it is fully understood. Immigration Prison Team (IPT) Immigration Officers (IOs) use interpretation services provided through the Big Word when needed. This service allows IOs to explain the paperwork with the help of interpreters, to ensure it is understood. Currently, trials are underway to explore additional digital translation services. Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) are scheduled for appointments with IPT staff for interviews, the serving of paperwork, and to raise any concerns. The appointment system ensures that FNOs are aware of who they will meet and the purpose of the meeting, making it easier to arrange telephone interpreters or Big Word services in advance. There are no strict time constraints, allowing FNOs to fully express their concerns and receive comprehensive answers from the team. This system also provides opportunities for FNOs to discuss any paperwork received from caseworkers or solicitors if they need further clarification. Additionally, Facilitated Removal Scheme leaflets are available in 13 languages. IPT have also created an FNO leaflet, translated into the top ten languages, this is currently undergoing translation and printing.

Increase the number of officers trained to quality assure use of force incidents to avoid delaying the scrutiny of incidents.

Reduce illicit substances and items entering the establishment.

I recognise that drugs and other illegal items seeps into our establishments and I would like to assure the Board we are doing everything possible to reduce the prevalence of all illicit items. There are specialist staff and equipment to stop the smuggling of illicit items and in recent years, establishments have expanded the use of physical security measures such as X-ray body and baggage scanners, and airport-style Enhanced Gate Security at 52 high-risk sites. HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS) is also working hard to deter, detect, and disrupt the illegal use of drones using targeted countermeasures including improvements to windows, specialist netting, grilles, and the implementation of Restricted Fly Zones since January 2024. From a demand and supply perspective, HMPPS’ Drug and Alcohol Operational Framework (published in January 2025) offers ten objectives to support delivery against the HMPPS’ priorities for managing drugs and alcohol use: enabling recovery, reducing demand, and restricting supply. Evidence suggests that establishing recovery-oriented systems to address drug and alcohol use across HMPPS can bring many benefits including improved health and wellbeing; reduced social and economic costs; reduction in substance use dependency relapse; public health benefits; enhanced community support; less demand for substance use; and increased accountability. Locally, HMP Maidstone has intensified local intelligence-based searching. The prison has adapted it’s adjudications process to focus more on rehabilitative outcomes to facilitate a reduction in demand. The prison has also increased therapeutic activity through partners, including the use of virtual reality headsets and talking groups.

Improve relationship and collaboration with HOIE to ensure better communication with prisoners.

Immigration Prison Team (IPT) Immigration Officers (IOs) use interpretation services provided through the Big Word when needed. This service allows IOs to explain the paperwork with the help of interpreters, to ensure it is understood. Currently, trials are underway to explore additional digital translation services. Foreign National Offenders (FNOs) are scheduled for appointments with IPT staff for interviews, the serving of paperwork, and to raise any concerns. The appointment system ensures that FNOs are aware of who they will meet and the purpose of the meeting, making it easier to arrange telephone interpreters or Big Word services in advance. There are no strict time constraints, allowing FNOs to fully express their concerns and receive comprehensive answers from the team. This system also provides opportunities for FNOs to discuss any paperwork received from caseworkers or solicitors if they need further clarification. Additionally, Facilitated Removal Scheme leaflets are available in 13 languages. IPT have also created an FNO leaflet, translated into the top ten languages, this is currently undergoing translation and printing.

Continue to increase the quantity and quality of key work sessions and to produce quality assurance information.

Work with the Prison Service to secure resources to provide more purposeful activities and expand the education offering.

The provision of purposeful activity is an aspect of rehabilitation I am passionate about. HMPPS’ New Futures Network continues to do good work in this area across the estate, whilst Governors (and Directors in private prisons) are able to commission education provision that is line with their annual needs analysis. This ensures more prisoners can make progress in skills to engage with employment and thrive in their communities on release. HMP Maidstone now has a new Creative Woodwork shop producing items for a local charity and for the prison, and there is also a new site maintenance team staffed by prisoners called Ragstone Renovations that provides skilled prisoners with further development and work experience with a view to employment on release. HMPPS provides full resettlement services for prisoners released in the UK. For prisoners subject to removal or deportation, the Home Office Returns Reintegration Programme provides a diverse range of flexible services, including comprehensive and immediate assistance on arrival at the airport. This is alongside longer-term and sustainable packages of reintegration support to further enhance wider returns packages currently available for returnees. This coherent package of support seeks to ensure that the individuals being returned quickly resettle and become self-sufficient, enabling them to make any future migration decisions a choice and not solely out of necessity. In addition to the strategic position detailed in the Minister’s letter above, work is ongoing to create reading areas in residential units that will provide a suitable environment for prisoner-led activities. Further ideas for a bicycle repair shop and a call centre are also ongoing but in the early stages. Functional Skills places for English and mathematics will expand from April 2025 to accommodate the increased demand due to population changes and this is being achieved without compromising the ESOL provision, which is essential in a foreign national prison. Plans are at an advanced stage to introduce new IT equipment into the printshop to start digital design services to cater across HMPPS and other government organisations, with accredited qualification options being discussed with the provider. Discussions are underway to introduce additional servery work to accommodate the end of the centralised catering contract for drinks and breakfast items. Other options for completing this work are available and is being explored to find the optimal solution.