Swansea

I fully understand your concerns about the number of prisoners with significant mental health issues and the particular challenges faced in meeting the needs of those serving short-term sentences. You reported positively about HMP Swansea now having a dedicated mental health team and I was pleased to be informed by the Prison Group Director that this team has facilitated better communication and collaboration with community mental health services and hold weekly meetings at which all new referrals are discussed. The needs of men being released are managed through these meetings to ensure that timely referrals are made to community mental health services and continuous mental health support can be put in place.
I am aware that for many, a short time in custody can start a life of reoffending and can be ineffective in terms of either deterrent or rehabilitation. The Government has recently launched an Independent Review of Sentencing which delivers on our commitment to bring sentencing up to date and to ensure sentencing frameworks are consistent. The Review will take a ‘fresh look’ at sentencing options, which will include examining the use and impact of short custodial sentences and all potential alternatives to them. This is a positive and timely review which will inform an approach to sentencing that will aim to address many of the Board’s concerns. I am also advised that HMP Swansea is working alongside colleagues in Probation to better support men serving short sentences. National standards and assurance have been introduced to improve the quality of the contact between the Prison Offender Manager and the prisoner with the aim of making this as productive as possible by ‘starting the sentence right’. Prison Offender Managers are trained to deliver interventions in relationships and thinking skills, including those specifically for those under 25 years old. Any work started in custody can be continued or built upon in the community as a requirement of licence supervision.

I note you have raised three local issues of concern in your report which the Governor will continue to keep you aware of as work continues. HMPPS comments in response to other issue raised in your report are set out in the attached annex.
Maintenance Performance
HMPPS has spent around £10,000 on continued works for the cell refurbishment programme at HMP Swansea for the removal and addition of cell dividers in B and C wings which was completed in May 2024. In addition, a smoke control system project is currently in development and will be retendered as soon as commercial proceedings with the administrators have concluded, at which point a revised timetable for delivery will be understood. With regards to holding Amey Projects to account there is a system through which Defect Notices can be issued, which can result in the imposition of financial penalties, should work not be carried out to required specifications.

Safe and stable accommodation plays a critical role in reducing reoffending and enhancing public protection. While challenges remain, HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in Wales is committed to building on initiatives to address these issues. HMPPS in Wales is supporting the Welsh Government’s action plan to end homelessness, actively focused on early intervention and prevention measures, including targeted work with Local Authorities and other stakeholders. Since the expansion of a 12-week transitional accommodation service, (known as Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 or CAS3), into Wales in June 2022, grant agreements are now in place for up to 174 bed spaces marking an increase from the previous year. Swansea Local Authority has increased use of CAS3 temporary accommodation for prison leavers and a new grant agreement with Neath Port Talbot has further expanded direct access to accommodation for individuals leaving HMP Swansea. This strategic collaboration enables HMPPS to secure stable environments for individuals on release. In addition, the Commissioned Rehabilitative Service (CRS) accommodation service in HMP Swansea continues to provide accommodation support services, including through specialist knowledge and support for prisoners in obtaining or maintaining existing accommodation/tenancies. CRS services work alongside Prison teams to prevent homelessness on release. In addition to sentenced prisoners, these services were recently extended to all men held in custody on remand. This additional service will focus on providing urgent and timely accommodation support for those entering custody to maintain tenancies and to address any immediate needs presented by remanded prisoners to prevent homelessness.

I was very interested to read about the work and vocational training opportunities available to the men at HMP Swansea and links with relevant employers before release. The development of a construction academy at the prison, which is forging links with local education providers and employers in the construction industry is a positive and exciting initiative.