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IMB Annual Reports

780 reports 170 establishments 768 with key concerns

780 annual reports from Independent Monitoring Boards covering 170 establishments. IMBs provide independent oversight of prisons, immigration removal centres, and secure training centres. Source: imb.org.uk.

Key findings

Patterns across the corpus

98% of IMB reports flag key concerns. Independent monitors cover 170 establishments across prisons, immigration removal centres and secure training centres.

Annual reports

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2021 PRISON Concerns Swansea
Published 17 Aug 2022
Self-harm: 228 Staff assaults: 26
The IMB report for HMP Swansea (June 2020 – May 2021) notes a safe prison with low violence, reflecting good staff-prisoner relationships despite the COVID-19 restricted regime. Key concerns include insufficient mental health and dental provision, the negative impact of long-term regime restrictions, and challenges related to out-of-area prisoners and foreign nationals. The Board highlights efforts by staff to maintain care during the pandemic while advocating for improved resettlement support, especially concerning accommodation and family contact.
Key concerns identified
  • Length of time prisoners were on remand.
  • Insufficient mental health and dental provision.
  • Detrimental effect of the restricted regime on wellbeing and resettlement.
  • Influx of ‘out of area’ prisoners placing pressure on accommodation.
  • Concerns regarding foreign nationals remaining in custody post-sentence and Home Office support.
  • Poor disability access and antiquated heating/ventilation in the prison estate.
  • Lack of sustainable accommodation for prisoners upon release.
  • Restricted family contact due to absence of in-cell phones.
  • Inconsistent monitoring of CSU admissions and GOOD reviews by the IMB.
2022 PRISON Concerns New Hall
Published 16 Aug 2022 · 324 prisoners
Self-harm: 965 Assaults: 48 Staff assaults: 90
HMP New Hall operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions, with staff commended for their professionalism in maintaining safety. While safety metrics showed a notable increase in self-harm and use of force incidents, many were attributed to a small number of individuals and Covid-related confinement. Key areas for development include estate maintenance on Rivendell Unit and improving the quality of CSIP investigations, alongside addressing consistent prisoner complaints regarding healthcare and property.
Key concerns identified
  • Rivendell Unit requires major work on windows and heating, impacting conditions for prisoners.
  • Weaknesses persist in the quality of investigations and plans within the Challenge, Support and Intervention Plan (CSIP) process, despite a reduction in violence.
  • Property issues, particularly losses in transit and a lack of staff understanding, continue to generate significant complaints.
  • Healthcare complaints consistently account for one-third of all applications to the IMB, indicating ongoing concerns despite high satisfaction rates.
  • The practice of sending women from court to New Hall as a "place of safety" and subsequent escalations to NHSE raises concerns about appropriate placements.
  • The incentives scheme needs re-energising, as there is currently little incentive for prisoners to achieve enhanced status.
2022 PRISON Concerns Send
Published 16 Aug 2022 · 182 prisoners
Self-harm: 837 Assaults: 9 Staff assaults: 19
HMP Send is a closed prison for adult women with an operational capacity of 191, holding 182 prisoners at the end of the reporting year, including 63 ISPs. The Board considers Send a safe prison but highlights a significant increase in self-harm incidents (837) and one death in custody. Key concerns include the need for specialist mental health provision for prolific self-harmers, slow progress on digital in-cell technology, and persistent staffing shortages.
Key concerns identified
  • The government plan for 500 new prison places for women contradicts the female offender strategy.
  • Provision should be made in appropriate secure specialist mental health facilities for very challenging women with complex mental health needs and prolific self-harm.
  • The unjust detention of one IPP prisoner, 11 years past her original short tariff date.
  • Lack of appropriate resettlement accommodation.
  • HMPPS to speed up the plans to roll out digital in-cell technology.
  • Provision of training to address specific needs of female prisoners (trauma-informed care, de-escalation, distraction).
2022 PRISON Concerns Lincoln
Published 14 Aug 2022 · 650 prisoners
HMP/YOI Lincoln is regarded as a well-managed Category B local prison, successfully maintaining a humane regime and significantly reducing violence and self-harm despite operational challenges from its Victorian buildings and the pandemic. The Board noted positive developments in healthcare and staff-prisoner relations, alongside efforts to improve the estate. However, significant concerns persist regarding slow progress on repairs, the high incidence of homelessness among discharged prisoners, and the lack of specialist mental health services for personality disorders.
Key concerns identified
  • Tardy repair and maintenance jobs across the establishment.
  • High level of homelessness for discharged prisoners.
  • A significant group of IPP prisoners held beyond their tariff date.
  • Absence of a comprehensive and readily accessible personality disorder treatment service.
  • Limited disabled access to all parts of the establishment due to building structures.
  • Inadequate provision for prisoners needing education in social and inter-personal skills due to Covid restrictions.
2022 PRISON Concerns Scotland and Northern Ireland Short-Term Holding Facilities
Published 11 Aug 2022
Self-harm: 2
This IMB annual report for Scotland and Northern Ireland's Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHFs) highlights significant welfare concerns for the reporting year ending January 2022. Key issues include widespread disability access shortfalls across the estate, an unacceptable increase in extended detentions in unsuitable airport holding rooms, and the unresolved problem of managing detainees' prescription medication. The Board also notes long-overdue facility upgrades at Larne House and inadequate ventilation systems, particularly concerning Covid-19 risks.
Key concerns identified
  • Most HRs and the residential STHF do not meet current national disability access standards, with particular concerns about wheelchair accessibility and facilities for disabled persons.
  • A significant increase in the number of people detained for more than eight hours, and sometimes overnight, in airport HRs that are unsuitable for extended stays due to cramped size, lack of fresh air, and absence of showering facilities.
  • The Home Office has not resolved the critical issue of managing prescription medication for detainees, posing potential serious health risks.
  • Planned building alterations at Larne House RSTHF to provide separate, dignified facilities for women remain long overdue and incomplete.
  • Ventilation systems in many HRs and the RSTHF are inadequate, with a lack of natural light and air circulation, raising concerns about health and wellbeing, particularly regarding Covid-19.
  • Prestwick airport's holding room is considered totally unsuitable due to inaccessibility, lack of CCTV, and no internal toilet facilities.
2022 PRISON Concerns Erlestoke
Published 8 Aug 2022 · 443 prisoners
Self-harm: 358 Assaults: 78 Staff assaults: 71
The report covers HMP Erlestoke from April 2021 to March 2022, a period significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions that limited out-of-cell time. Despite challenges like staff shortages and high turnover, the Board found prisoners to be relatively safe, though violence increased and self-harm remained high. Key concerns include delays in transfers, inadequate mental health provision, and the slow pace of infrastructure improvements.
Key concerns identified
  • Delay in transfer to category D prisons.
  • The need to address the number of IPP prisoners long over tariff.
  • The chronic national shortage of accommodation for prisoners with complex mental health needs.
  • The need for ministerial review of the daily food budget allowance, which has not increased for five years.
  • Significant delays in completing the replacement of residential wings, impacting the progression regime.
  • The poor IT infrastructure in healthcare, hindering access to medical records and medical input at first ACCT reviews.
2022 PRISON Concerns North Sea Camp
Published 7 Aug 2022 · 264 prisoners
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 1
HMP North Sea Camp is an open Category D male resettlement prison. This report covers the period from March 2021 to February 2022, during which the prison managed a return to a more normal regime following Covid-19 restrictions, demonstrating strong rehabilitative efforts and good healthcare provision. Key concerns persist regarding end-of-life care, inadequate accommodation and accessibility for disabled prisoners, delays in offender management, and issues with contracted maintenance and property transfers.
Key concerns identified
  • There is no suitable facility for end-of-life care or on-site residential healthcare for prisoners with chronic and serious health issues.
  • The decommissioned Harrison and Llewellin accommodation units lack a replacement plan, and the Selby units are temporary.
  • Double rooms in main accommodation units are inadequately sized, often not complying with PSI for two occupants.
  • Prisoners using wheelchairs face difficulties with travel and overnight accommodation for ROTL, delaying their progression.
  • The Offender Management Unit (OMU) and Community Offender Managers (COMs) cause delays in information provision, OASys assessments, and ROTL paperwork, potentially prolonging sentences.
  • Concerns exist regarding the time taken for routine maintenance jobs and issues with the transfer of prisoners’ property by contracted services, with a lack of penalties for contract failures.
2022 PRISON Concerns Ranby
Published 4 Aug 2022
Self-harm: 258 Assaults: 152 Staff assaults: 41
HMP Ranby, a Category C male training prison, concluded its reporting year ending March 2022 with a CNA of 892 and operational capacity of 1,025. The Board noted improved safety statistics, but highlighted significant concerns regarding prolonged waits for mental health transfers, the effective closure of the resettlement department, and persistent issues with property management for transferring prisoners. The regime was heavily impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, limiting purposeful activity and gym use, while the IMB itself faced operational challenges due to staffing and equipment shortages.
Key concerns identified
  • Prisoners with serious mental health issues are being held too long awaiting transfer to specialist facilities.
  • HMP Ranby is receiving prisoners with short sentences, diverting it from its training prison purpose and making it difficult to offer appropriate courses.
  • The management of prisoners’ property continues to be a considerable concern, with transfers often arriving without all property and issues with the recording system.
  • The resettlement department ceased to operate, significantly impacting support for prisoners nearing release.
  • Lack of accommodation in the category D estate prevents suitable transfers for prisoners.
  • The IMB itself experienced significant operational difficulties due to the lack of a dedicated Clerk and functioning office equipment.
  • Cell sharing remains a concern.
  • Staff communication, cell clearing, and canteen via DHL continue to be problematic.
2022 PRISON Concerns Low Newton
Published 3 Aug 2022 · 242 prisoners
Self-harm: 427 Assaults: 21 Staff assaults: 52
HMP/YOI Low Newton provides a generally safe and humane environment with good staff-prisoner relationships and a supportive regime, despite Covid-19 challenges. The Board commended staff commitment to safety and highlighted positive outcomes in education and various support initiatives. However, significant concerns remain regarding the national shortage of secure mental health places for women, the effectiveness of resettlement accommodation, and the consistent implementation of key worker schemes and use of body-worn cameras.
Key concerns identified
  • Continued inappropriate placement of women with severe mental health issues in prison due to a national shortage of secure psychiatric unit places.
  • Ineffectiveness of current contracts for the resettlement of prisoners without permanent homes upon release.
  • The CCTV system throughout the prison is not always adequate to record incidents in sufficient detail.
  • Inconsistent delivery of the key worker scheme targets.
  • Inconsistent use of body worn cameras during use of force incidents.
  • Scarcity of suitable accommodation for women on discharge, leading to licence failures and reoffending.
2022 PRISON Concerns Maidstone
Published 2 Aug 2022 · 545 prisoners
Self-harm: 143 Assaults: 53
HMP Maidstone, an exclusively foreign national Category C prison, operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions during the reporting year ending February 2022, resulting in a largely restrictive regime. Despite this, the Board found the prison generally safe, with good staff-prisoner relationships and declining self-harm and violence. However, key concerns persist regarding the inhumane impact of the restrictive regime, inadequate collaboration between HMPPS and HOIE affecting foreign national prisoners' immigration status and resettlement, persistent property management issues, and ongoing maintenance challenges within the aging estate.
Key concerns identified
  • The restrictive regime, including long periods of cell confinement, is considered inhumane and problematic for health and rehabilitation.
  • Persistent lack of effective collaboration between HMPPS and HOIE, leading to poor communication, increased IS91 detentions, and Category D prisoners being held inappropriately in a Category C establishment.
  • Insufficient access to education, vocational training, and work, impacting prisoner progression and resettlement.
  • A deficient property management framework resulting in significant loss of prisoner property, particularly during transfers.
  • The ongoing poor state of the establishment's repair, including issues with heating, lighting, hot water, and inadequate shower facilities, which have not improved.
  • Delays in accessing healthcare services, including medications, external hospital appointments, and transfers to specialist mental health units.
  • A serious lack of recreational facilities and upgraded internet bandwidth, hindering purposeful activity and family contact.
2022 PRISON Concerns Oakwood
Published 2 Aug 2022 · 2,048 prisoners
Assaults: 28 Staff assaults: 23
HMP Oakwood has faced challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a restricted regime, but the Board commends staff and management for their commitment and efforts in maintaining safety and humane treatment. Key concerns include persistent delays in transfers to mental health facilities and Category D prisons, a poorly regarded education service, and issues with prisoner property and the complaints system. The Board also highlights a significant decline in successful accommodation referrals for released prisoners.
Key concerns identified
  • Persistent delays in transferring prisoners to external mental health facilities and Category D open prisons.
  • Ongoing national issues with the transfer of prisoner property across the estate and within Oakwood, including after cell searches.
  • Concerns regarding the quality, quantity, and variety of food, servery hygiene, and equipment repairs.
  • The education service is poorly regarded by prisoners, with issues in communication and course access.
  • Problems with the prisoner complaints system, including unclear guidance, unlabelled response letters, and inaccessible healthcare complaint boxes.
  • The new resettlement accommodation support from Nacro is significantly less effective than previous provision.
2022 PRISON Concerns Rye Hill
Published 1 Aug 2022 · 616 prisoners
Self-harm: 240 Assaults: 4
HMP Rye Hill adapted its regime throughout the year due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, maintaining a safe and secure environment with reductions in self-harm and violence. The Board commends the prison's communication strategy and staff efforts, but highlights significant concerns regarding IPP prisoner progression, end-of-life care procedures, and the lack of specialist resettlement support for sex offenders released directly from the prison. Healthcare provision faces challenges with a pending change of provider and long waiting times for care assessments.
Key concerns identified
  • Progress for the IPP cohort remains a significant concern across the estate.
  • Difficulties persist in arranging appropriate end-of-life care and compassionate release, impacting Rye Hill's older population disproportionately.
  • The preparation for release path, including transfers to lower category prisons, frequently does not happen in practice for sexual offenders, leading to release without specialist 'through the gate' support.
  • Issues arise from changes to in-possession property rules, causing unfairness due to items being disallowed without explanation or transition.
  • There is a need for refresher training for key workers once regimes are fully reopened.
  • Prisoners desire a specific appeal form for recategorisation decisions instead of using the general Comp1 process.
2021 PRISON Concerns Liverpool
Published 28 Jul 2022 · 800 prisoners
Assaults: 91 Staff assaults: 43
HMP Liverpool operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions in 2021, leading to prisoners spending only one hour a day out of cell, though the environment remained calm. While healthcare and education were maintained at appropriate levels, significant concerns persisted regarding the holding of mentally ill prisoners in unsuitable conditions and the lack of progress in engaging all prisoners in purposeful activity. The Board also highlighted issues with the use of body-worn cameras, prisoner property management, and the effectiveness of the new resettlement contractor.
Key concerns identified
  • Insufficient use of body-worn cameras by staff during incidents (49% activation rate).
  • Seriously mentally ill prisoners waiting too long for transfer to secure mental health units and being held inappropriately in the CSU.
  • Ongoing issues with the management and transfer of prisoner property, leading to complaints and compensation claims.
  • Lack of significant progress in engaging all prisoners in full-time purposeful activity due to Covid restrictions and workshop development needs.
  • Ineffectiveness of the new resettlement contractor (Seetec) leading to last-minute issues with housing and resettlement planning for releasing prisoners.
  • Rubbish accumulating in gullies around I wing, linked to drone activity.
2022 PRISON Concerns Moorland
Published 27 Jul 2022 · 915 prisoners
Self-harm: 385 Assaults: 60 Staff assaults: 24
HMP/YOI Moorland, a Category C resettlement prison, reported a population of 915 against a reduced operational capacity of 964 for the year ending February 2022. The report noted positive trends with reduced self-harm and violence incidents but highlighted significant concerns regarding the treatment and progression of IPP prisoners and persistent delays in mental health transfers. Staffing shortages affected key worker provision and programme delivery, while long waiting times for dental care were also an issue.
Key concerns identified
  • Delays in transferring mentally ill prisoners to psychiatric hospitals due to a national shortage of beds.
  • A profound sense of helplessness and hopelessness among IPP prisoners due to lack of progression, clear action plans, and specific support.
  • Significant backlog in the provision of offending behaviour programmes, hindering progression towards safe release for many prisoners.
  • The failure to consistently provide meaningful key worker sessions due to staffing shortages and the limited availability of officers.
  • Extremely long waiting lists for dental care (up to a year) and frequent cancellations of specialist pain clinic appointments.
  • Reduced educational and employment opportunities, often part-time, with limited vocational qualifications available.
2022 PRISON Concerns Onley
Published 26 Jul 2022 · 650 prisoners
Self-harm: 227 Assaults: 47 Staff assaults: 61
HMP Onley, a Category C prison, operated under pandemic restrictions for the reporting year ending March 2022, with an average population of 650. Despite staff shortages and challenges in regime delivery, the prison maintained stability and reported no deaths in custody. Key concerns highlighted include persistent delays in prisoner transfers, insufficient access to offending behaviour programmes, ongoing issues with property management, and a need for improved mental health support and estate maintenance. The Board also noted challenges with food provision and medication access.
Key concerns identified
  • Pressing need for increased capacity in Category D prisons, leading to Category D prisoners remaining at Onley.
  • Shortage of officers and probation staff, impacting recruitment and retention.
  • Delays in moving non-category C prisoners (C to B in segregation, C to D for open conditions).
  • Lack of access to offending behaviour programmes, hindering progression and reoffending risk reduction.
  • Significant problems with prisoner property management, causing distress.
  • Poor state of windows in older parts of the prison affecting decency standards.
  • Delay in the arrival and operationalisation of the Enhanced Gate Security (EGS) bag scanner.
  • Complaints about food quality, small portions, and lack of wing cooking facilities.
2022 PRISON Concerns Nottingham
Published 25 Jul 2022 · 900 prisoners
Self-harm: 869 Assaults: 262 Staff assaults: 89
HMP Nottingham operated under pandemic restrictions for most of the reporting year, gradually easing, with effective governance despite management flux. While self-harm incidents decreased, violence between prisoners increased significantly. Key concerns include the ongoing situation for IPP prisoners, the lack of separation for remand and convicted prisoners, and inadequate mental health facilities, alongside regime restrictions and low education attendance.
Key concerns identified
  • Address the ongoing situation in relation to IPP prisoners who are many years beyond their minimum term.
  • The required separation of remand and convicted prisoners is widely ignored and needs structural attention, especially after a decision to change was reversed.
  • There was a concerning rise in violence between prisoners (15.7% increase) during the reporting year.
  • Allocation of in-patient mental health facilities does not meet prisoners' needs, often leading to extended segregation periods for mentally unwell individuals.
  • Unresolved issues with cells being too hot or too cold persist from the previous year, causing discomfort for prisoners.
  • Low attendance rates in education, with only 51% of available places attended at one point, impacting progression.
  • Foreign nationals awaiting deportation experience distressing delays and lack of contact with immigration/Home Office staff.
2022 PRISON Concerns Swaleside
Published 19 Jul 2022 · 1,038 prisoners
Self-harm: 860
HMP Swaleside experienced a challenging year (May 2021 - April 2022), marked by severe staff shortages, a restricted regime due to Covid-19, and a high number of deaths in custody and self-harm incidents. The Board highlighted significant concerns regarding staffing, the impact of new prisoner allocations, and the lack of essential equipment like body-worn cameras. Positive developments included excellent education provision, effective outreach services, and improvements in discrimination incident reporting, though overall challenges to prisoner welfare and safety persist.
Key concerns identified
  • The continuing low numbers of staff and inability to recruit, severely impacting prisoner well-being and regime provision.
  • The number of deaths in custody during the year, requiring a national investigation.
  • The unacceptably long periods some prisoners spend in the Care, Separation and Reintegration Unit (CSRU).
  • The detrimental impact of the new prisoner flow and allocation system, mixing young, short-sentence prisoners with older, long-term residents.
  • The lack of working body-worn cameras for operational staff.
  • The continued reliance of HMP Standford Hill on Swaleside's kitchen, causing major issues and overstretching resources.
2022 PRISON Concerns Thorn Cross
Published 18 Jul 2022
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 1 Staff assaults: 3
HMP/YOI Thorn Cross experienced a challenging year due to the pandemic and staffing issues but maintained a safe and humane environment. The Board found the prison's rehabilitative culture and healthcare provision to be strong, with positive staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns include budget pressures, delays in high-risk transfers, persistent property issues, and the need to improve data collection on protected characteristics and reduce absconds.
Key concerns identified
  • Ensuring the prison budget keeps pace with inflationary pressures.
  • Undue delays caused by ministerial oversight of high-risk prisoner transfers.
  • Continuing issues with missing property during transfers.
  • Lack of decent fire-retardant seating for prisoners' rooms.
  • Sending prisons failing to complete prisoner records fully.
  • The need to reduce the increasing number of absconds.
  • Insufficient analysis of prison activity data by protected characteristics.
  • Mandatory drug testing remaining below pre-pandemic levels.
2022 PRISON Concerns Norwich
Published 12 Jul 2022 · 710 prisoners
Self-harm: 181
HMP/YOI Norwich faced significant challenges in 2021-2022 due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and chronic staff shortages, impacting regime, safety, and humane treatment. Despite dedicated local leadership and staff efforts, the prison grappled with high self-harm incidents, violence, and inadequate ACCT management. Key issues highlighted include overcrowding, dilapidated facilities, insufficient rehabilitative programmes for long-term prisoners, and concerns regarding the detention of individuals with severe mental health needs and foreign nationals past their sentences.
Key concerns identified
  • Persistent staff shortages leading to curtailed regimes and safety risks.
  • High rates of self-harm and violence, exacerbated by inadequate ACCT management and training.
  • Overcrowding and dilapidated estate infrastructure, including issues with cleanliness, basic equipment, and fire safety.
  • Inhumane treatment concerns for new arrivals, those with severe mental health issues, and foreign nationals held past sentence expiry.
  • Lack of rehabilitative programmes for long-term and IPP prisoners, alongside insufficient funding for increased prisoner numbers.
  • Difficulties with property management, access to healthcare (dental, GP, mental health transfers), and communication for non-English speakers.
2022 PRISON Concerns Leicester
Published 8 Jul 2022
Self-harm: 272 Assaults: 49 Staff assaults: 63
HMP Leicester maintained its status as a well-run establishment during the reporting year, demonstrating strong leadership and staff commitment despite ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Safety remained a high priority, with reductions in violence and self-harm, improved security, and good management of Covid cases. However, the Board raised significant concerns regarding the long waits for mental health transfers, the management of IPP prisoners, and the impact of a high remand population on resettlement, alongside persistent issues with staff recruitment and retention.
Key concerns identified
  • The transfer of seriously mentally ill prisoners due to insufficient secure hospital places and long waits.
  • The management of prisoners serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP), including their recall.
  • The new arrangements for resettlement services, particularly the lack of clear specification for remand prisoners.
  • The increasing number of prisoners waiting for court hearings, which has led to an 80% reception population and compromises the prison's resettlement function.
  • The continued poor performance of Amey Commercial in contract delivery and oversight.
  • The re-introduction of key working being critically dependent on addressing issues of staff recruitment and retention.
  • The need to prioritise HMP Leicester for the installation of in-cell information technology to support education and purposeful activity.
2022 PRISON Concerns Lewes
Published 7 Jul 2022 · 568 prisoners
Self-harm: 347 Assaults: 144
Throughout the reporting year, HMP Lewes operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions, severely limiting the regime and leading to an overwhelmingly poor experience for prisoners. The Board identified an inhumane regime with prisoners often locked in cells for nearly 23 hours a day, alongside a concerning deterioration in healthcare provision due to staffing shortages and overreliance on agency staff. Key issues included an inadequate induction process, persistent decency issues in accommodation, and disproportionate treatment of ethnic minority prisoners in various disciplinary and incentives schemes.
Key concerns identified
  • The inhumane regime, with prisoners often locked in cells for almost 23 hours a day, has had a detrimental impact on physical and mental welfare.
  • Disproportionate treatment of ethnic minority prisoners in areas such as use of force, adjudications, and the incentives and earned privileges scheme.
  • The induction process is inadequate, leaving new prisoners vulnerable and ill-informed.
  • Main residential areas are often not decent, suffering from persistent problems like broken showers, windows, lack of toilet lids, and pigeons on wings.
  • Deterioration in physical and mental health service delivery due to inadequate staffing and overreliance on agency staff, leading to medication issues and long waiting lists.
  • Insufficient education and work places, combined with a backlog in sentence plans and transfer delays, hinder prisoner progression and resettlement.
2022 PRISON Concerns Hull
Published 6 Jul 2022
Assaults: 175 Staff assaults: 43
This report for HMP Hull, ending February 2022, highlights a challenging period marked by the ongoing impact of Covid-19 restrictions, which limited IMB monitoring capacity and led to significant staff absences. While safety metrics showed reductions in violence, self-harm, and use of force, serious concerns remain regarding healthcare provision, which was deemed failing by HMIP and led to contract termination. Other critical issues include insufficient cell capacity, restricted key worker support, and ineffective resettlement pathways due to poor external agency communication.
Key concerns identified
  • Insufficient capacity resulting in inadequate double cells for privacy and dignity.
  • Healthcare provision is failing due to contractual issues and staff shortages, leading to inconsistent service delivery and long periods without a GP.
  • Key worker support remains limited, hindering crucial prisoner interactions and welfare checks.
  • The effectiveness of the complaints system is compromised by slow responses, lost applications, and complex language.
  • Outside contractors for resettlement are not effectively communicating with the in-prison team, impacting prisoners' preparation for release.
  • Disabled prisoners face basic access issues within the establishment, particularly with showers and cell facilities.
2022 PRISON Concerns London Heathrow and City Airports
Published 29 Jun 2022
Self-harm: 0
This IMB report for Heathrow and City Airports' Short-Term Holding Facilities covers February 2021 to January 2022. It highlights ongoing concerns regarding extended detention times, inadequate facilities—especially for families in Terminal 5—and a critical lack of Wi-Fi and consistent access to medication across all sites. Despite these issues, the Board notes positive developments such as improved access to medical support at Heathrow, updated religious provisions, and generally respectful interactions from staff, while urging further improvements in staffing, infrastructure, and detainee welfare.
Key concerns identified
  • Inadequate facilities for families and children in Terminal 5, lacking integrated toilet, shower, and baby-changing facilities.
  • Insufficient Border Force staff leading to unnecessarily extended periods of detention in controlled waiting areas and holding rooms.
  • Frequent lack of access to showers due to non-provision (Terminal 5) or poor maintenance (Terminals 2 and 3).
  • Detainees, especially at London City and Eaton House, cannot access their prescribed medication.
  • Lack of Wi-Fi and internet access in all holding rooms, inhibiting communication and access to personal information.
  • Delays in Thebigword interpreting service and DCOs assuming English comprehension during inductions.
  • Erratic temperatures in holding rooms, causing discomfort.
  • Long waiting times for transport and transfers, particularly at reporting centres and for asylum seekers.
  • Problematic situations arising from a lack of separate accommodation for men and women, leading to anxiety and inappropriate placements.
  • Depleted, dirty, and un-audited supply of toys and books for children.
  • Frequent long periods when BT payphones are out of order.
2021 IRC Concerns Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre
Published 28 Jun 2022 · 400 prisoners
Self-harm: 104 Assaults: 47 Staff assaults: 21
The IMB report for Heathrow IRC (Jan-Dec 2021) identifies generally safe conditions but raises serious concerns regarding the management of Short-term Holding Facility (STHF) detainees, particularly South Coast Arrivals (SCAs), which compromised safety and humane treatment. Significant issues include the inappropriate detention of individuals with severe mental health needs, a critical lack of engagement from the Detention Engagement Team (DET), and unacceptably prolonged detention periods for many. The Board calls for urgent policy reviews, capital investment in infrastructure, and improved communication and service provision to address these systemic problems.
Key concerns identified
  • The arrival and management of South Coast Arrivals (SCAs) in the Short-term Holding Facility (STHF) areas severely compromised safety, leading to overcrowding, truncated health assessments, and the inhumane use of the domestic visits hall as a makeshift dormitory.
  • Detainees with severe mental health issues continue to be held in the IRC, which is deemed an inappropriate environment for their needs. Failings of the Detention Engagement Team (DET) to engage effectively with detainees contributed to frustration and self-harm incidents.
  • A significant number of detainees, including those on the Adults at Risk (AAR) register (level 3) and Time Served Foreign National Offenders (TSFNOs), are held for unacceptably prolonged periods without an imminent prospect of removal or suitable bail accommodation being secured.
  • The ongoing lack of face-to-face contact and systematic tracking of engagement by DET officers is unfair and a major concern.
  • The repeated use of the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) to manage vulnerable detainees with mental health issues for prolonged periods is inappropriate and unfair.
  • Persistent issues with the heating, ventilation, and the reliability of the core lift in Harmondsworth site require major capital investment from the Home Office.
  • Complaints about the range, quality, and presentation (lack of photos) of food, particularly from the Albanian population, remain a concern, indicating difficulty in catering to diverse dietary preferences.
2021 PRISON Concerns Charter Flight Monitoring Team (CFMT)
Published 24 Jun 2022
The IMB Charter Flight Monitoring Team (CFMT) report for 2021 found that while many returnees were treated with respect and efforts were made for infection control, significant concerns persisted regarding the fairness and humanity of the removal process. Key issues included prolonged in-vehicle confinement for returnees, inconsistent use of restraints, and communication gaps due to a lack of interpreters. The report also highlighted deficiencies in the provision of welfare items and information, especially for vulnerable individuals, and repeated recommendations on issues like distant airports and privacy on flights.
Key concerns identified
  • Prolonged and inhumane confinement of returnees in vehicles during transit to distant airports, a concern repeatedly raised and unaddressed.
  • Inconsistent and inappropriate application of restraints and force, including blanket use of guiding holds and waist restraint belts without individual risk assessment.
  • Deficiencies in the training, welfare provision, and conduct of Rapid Response Team (RRT) escorts.
  • Lack of professional interpreting services for non-English speakers, leading to significant communication gaps and a lack of understanding for returnees.
  • Inconsistent recording of vital information in Person Escort Records (PERs) and the failure to consistently provide important details to returnees.
  • Persistent issues including uncashable postal orders for returnees, patchy provision of compression socks, and the demeaning blanket denial of privacy when using lavatories on flights.
2021 IRC Concerns Gatwick IRC
Published 23 Jun 2022 · 107 prisoners
The 2021 report covers the first year of the combined Gatwick IRC (Brook House and Tinsley House) under merged IMB oversight and Serco management, with the year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions, unprecedented Channel crossing arrivals through Tinsley House, and ongoing Home Office case management failures leading to prolonged and often unnecessary detention. While Serco staff generally treated detained men with respect and compassion, systemic failings in mental health support, access to legal advice, property management, and Home Office communication remained serious and in many cases repeated concerns.
Key concerns identified
  • No time limit on immigration detention; one man detained for 343 days with no removal prospect
  • Home Office Detention Gatekeeper failing to prevent detention of men with serious mental health needs
  • Frequent involuntary wing moves due to Covid cohorting causing tension and distress
  • Inadequate mobile phone reception undermining meaningful access to legal advice
  • 53% of men leaving Brook House released rather than removed, raising questions about lawfulness of detention
  • Complaints process not operating fairly: 13% success rate, high withdrawal rate, frontline officers as investigators
  • Systemic loss of property between Dover and Tinsley House with no effective tracing system
  • 51 age disputes May–December; systems not adequate to prevent children being detained
  • Bail accommodation delays leaving men in detention beyond bail grant dates
  • 41% of Tinsley House departures between 9pm and 7am
2021 PRISON Concerns Huntercombe
Published 22 Jun 2022 · 447 prisoners
Self-harm: 100 Assaults: 40
HMP Huntercombe is a Category C prison for foreign national adult men, with a population of 447 and an operational capacity of 480 at the end of 2021. The year was marked by Covid-19 restrictions, which limited the regime but were commendably managed by staff, who also rolled out in-cell telephony and enhanced video calls. Key concerns include the continued detention of IS91 prisoners under inappropriate conditions, issues with property, and the need for improved healthcare information sharing.
Key concerns identified
  • The continued detention of men under immigration powers (IS91s) in convicted criminal conditions after their sentence expiry date, a situation considered unfair and discriminatory.
  • The lack of a robust system for sharing appropriate medical information about individual prisoners between healthcare providers and prison staff.
  • The unsatisfactory condition of showers across all locations, marked by poor water pressure and fluctuating temperatures.
  • The need for a more robust audit system for the complaints log, ensuring complaints beyond their response date are consistently pursued.
  • Persistent issues with the loss or misplacement of prisoners' property, particularly during transfers between establishments.
  • The challenges in the timely issuing of IS91 notifications by the Home Office, leading to delays in deportation and release processes.
  • The high number of foreign national prisoners without an OASys assessment, exacerbated by POM staffing shortages and the national requirement for full Layer 3 OASys for this group.
2022 PRISON Concerns Lowdham Grange
Published 21 Jun 2022 · 880 prisoners
Self-harm: 528 Assaults: 124 Staff assaults: 79
HMP Lowdham Grange, a Category B training prison, experienced a challenging year marked by the continued impact of Covid-19 restrictions, which limited board visits and significantly affected the regime. The prison leadership was successful in controlling infections, and healthcare provision was largely efficient despite severe staffing shortages. However, the report highlights a significant increase in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and self-harm, alongside critical concerns regarding delayed inquests, inadequate mental health transfers, and a persistent lack of resolution for property management issues during transfers.
Key concerns identified
  • Significant increase in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults (almost 50%) and self-harm (10%), with four deaths in custody, meaning the prison feels less safe.
  • Prisoners were not given adequate opportunities to attend adjudications in person for 11 months, raising concerns about fair treatment.
  • The mental and emotional wellbeing of prisoners is a significant concern due to prolonged periods of time spent in cells.
  • Healthcare staffing is critically low (60% of funded posts), leading to increased risk to wellbeing and unacceptable lack of night nursing cover.
  • Significant delays in holding coroners' inquests for deaths in custody, with some families waiting four years for answers.
  • Persistent and significant delays in finding appropriate treatment and secure beds for prisoners with severe mental health disorders, leading to extended segregation.
  • No improvement in the management and handling of prisoners' property during transfers, causing distress and frustration.
  • Continuing concerns about the availability of psychoactive and other illicit substances within the prison.
  • Significant shortage of probation staff meant many prisoners did not receive sentence planning/reviews.
2021 PRISON Concerns High Down
Published 17 Jun 2022 · 1,021 prisoners
Self-harm: 779 Assaults: 182 Staff assaults: 97
HMP High Down's 2021 report highlights the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the regime, limiting time out of cell and sentence progression, compounded by leadership instability. While assaults decreased, concerns persist regarding drugs, staff BWVC use, and estate issues like heating. Healthcare faces mental health support shortages and long GP waiting times. The prison is preparing for recategorisation to Category C, but struggles with a lack of purposeful activity and resettlement challenges, including a high number of releases to no fixed abode.
Key concerns identified
  • Insufficient body-worn video cameras (BWVCs) for all staff and inconsistent use.
  • Continued ready supply of drugs available within the prison.
  • Ongoing issues with inadequate heating in winter and overheating in summer in cells on some house blocks, which is a recurring issue.
  • Limited availability of mental health support and increasing waiting times for GP appointments and mental health transfers.
  • Lack of activity spaces, purposeful activity, and offending behaviour courses, raising concerns for successful recategorisation.
  • Significant numbers of prisoners released with ‘no fixed abode’.
  • Continued issues with lost and missing property within High Down and during prison transfers.
  • Problems with canteen supply and delays with issue of refunds.
2022 PRISON Concerns The Mount
Published 16 Jun 2022 · 1,017 prisoners
Self-harm: 359 Assaults: 78 Staff assaults: 76
HMP The Mount experienced a second year of restricted Covid regimes (March 2021 – February 2022), leading to prisoners often being locked down for 23 hours a day, significantly impacting their mental and physical health. Despite challenges, the prison's management effectively controlled Covid outbreaks, and the new healthcare provider delivered a satisfactory service. Key concerns include insufficient Category D places, high staff turnover and low key worker engagement, inadequate estate maintenance, and persistent issues with property transfers and dentistry access.
Key concerns identified
  • Lack of Category D places, with approved prisoners facing months of waiting or being released without placement.
  • Ineffective appraisal of new recruits' suitability, contributing to high turnover and wasted resources, compounded by a lack of experienced officer mentoring.
  • Substandard remaining showers and outdated heating/hot water systems requiring significant refurbishment and replacement.
  • Insufficient investment in education programmes and workshops, limiting prisoners' access to meaningful employment and qualifications.
  • Persistent problems with property transfers between prisons, resulting in lost or delayed items and avoidable claims.
  • The Segregation Unit (CSU) is unsuitable for prisoners with serious mental health issues, who are often placed there while awaiting transfer to appropriate facilities.
2022 PRISON Concerns Leyhill
Published 15 Jun 2022 · 447 prisoners
HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, maintained a safe and humane environment despite Covid-19 challenges. While healthcare and education provisions were generally positive, significant concerns persisted regarding the slow resettlement of IPP prisoners, a lack of Approved Premises delaying releases, and a perceived reduction in rehabilitation services post-Catch 22. The Board also highlighted issues with lost property during transfers and limited external work opportunities, though noted improvements in ROTL provision towards the year's end.
Key concerns identified
  • The speed of resettlement for prisoners serving IPP sentences, many of whom have spent far longer in custody than recommended in their indicative tariffs.
  • The lack of spaces in approved premises, leading to many prisoners facing incarceration beyond their release dates.
  • The quality of rehabilitation services following the closing of the community rehabilitation company.
  • The recurring problem of property lost or mislaid during transfer from other prisons.
  • The limited opportunities for prisoners to experience external work placements.
  • The need to build on recent improvements in the provision of opportunities for Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).
2022 PRISON Concerns Lancaster Farms
Published 14 Jun 2022 · 560 prisoners
Self-harm: 220 Assaults: 49 Staff assaults: 32
HMP Lancaster Farms, a Category C resettlement prison, successfully managed Covid-19 risks and saw reductions in violence and self-harm during the reporting year. However, the Board remains concerned by prolonged periods of in-cell confinement, limited purposeful activity, and significant challenges in mental healthcare provision exacerbated by staffing shortages and difficulties in specialist transfers. Persistent issues include property transfer problems, inadequate toilet screening in double cells, and inconsistent communication with prisoners.
Key concerns identified
  • High levels of self-harm continue among a small number of prisoners with complex mental health needs, who often remain at the establishment due to a lack of specialist facilities.
  • Enforced confinement in cells for over 20 hours per day, a consequence of the pandemic regime and staffing shortages, is inconsistent with humane treatment and negatively impacts prisoners' mental health and access to purposeful activity.
  • The estate has ongoing maintenance issues including poor ventilation, drainage, and lack of decency in double cells (missing toilet screens/seats).
  • The provision of mental healthcare services is hindered by staffing shortages and the cessation of group therapies, while transfers to specialist mental health facilities remain difficult and slow.
  • Ineffective communication with prisoners, particularly regarding complaints, programme availability, and recategorisation decisions, causes frustration.
  • Frequent loss and delays in transferring prisoners' property, particularly between establishments, causes significant stress and absorbs scarce resources.
  • Educational, vocational, and offending behaviour programs have been severely reduced due to pandemic restrictions and staffing issues, impeding resettlement and progression.
  • The Board is not consistently informed about critical incidents, such as PAVA deployment, deaths in custody, or special cell use, despite agreed processes.
  • Food hygiene logs are not consistently completed, and food temperatures are not routinely logged.
2021 PRISON Concerns Highpoint
Published 10 Jun 2022
Self-harm: 357 Assaults: 108 Staff assaults: 95
HMP Highpoint is a male Category C training and resettlement prison. The reporting year saw a positive reduction in self-harm and violence, with staff commended for humane Covid management. Key concerns include persistent issues with property transfers, under-resourcing in contracted services like mental health and education, poor maintenance by GFSL, and the ongoing security vulnerability from unrepaired netting.
Key concerns identified
  • Loss or delay of prisoners’ property during transfer between establishments remains an issue.
  • Lack of stable funding strategies for therapeutic initiatives like music/drama.
  • Poor service by GFSL for works maintenance, impacting the challenging prison environment.
  • Significant under-resourcing and recruitment/retention issues in contracted areas like education tutors and mental health providers.
  • Prisoner progression severely affected by Covid restrictions, impacting D category applications, Parole Board hearings, and offending behaviour programmes, with no 'catch-up' strategy.
  • Damaged security netting, un-repaired for over a year, creates a vulnerability to throw-overs and contraband.
  • Restricted library access negatively impacts prisoner education and progression opportunities.
  • The key worker scheme has not been reintroduced as originally conceived due to Covid restrictions.
2021 PRISON Concerns Holme House
Published 9 Jun 2022 · 1,200 prisoners
Assaults: 126 Staff assaults: 39
HMP Holme House experienced a year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions, yet saw notable improvements in overall ambiance, cleanliness, and reduced violence. While healthcare services generally improved and key worker compliance increased, significant concerns persist regarding unacceptable dental waiting times, inadequate education provision, and unscreened toilets in cells. The Board highlights issues with property transport and the lack of clarity surrounding external service provider contracts, calling for action from the Minister, Prison Service, and Governor.
Key concerns identified
  • The continued unsatisfactory level of unscreened toilets in cells, particularly shared ones, which remains non-compliant with national standards for decency.
  • Unacceptable dental services, with a waiting list of one year and 40 weeks for regular appointments, a significant deterioration since 2019.
  • Education and training provision requires improvement, being less effective than in previous years, with poor uptake of in-cell learning and limited classroom attendance.
  • Lack of clarity and access to contracts with external service providers, impeding the Board's monitoring of standards and causing issues like unclear property transport constraints.
  • Delays in essential repairs, particularly for education areas like the bistro ventilation and engagement centre toilets, which prevented progress.
  • Healthcare complaint responses failing to meet timescales over several months, with a call for comparable scrutiny and response targets to general prison complaints.
2022 PRISON Concerns North and Midlands Short Term Holding Facilities
Published 8 Jun 2022
This IMB annual report for North & Midlands Short-Term Holding Facilities highlights ongoing concerns regarding healthcare provision, particularly the lack of access to prescribed medication and the absence of full-time medical professionals in most facilities. The Board's ability to monitor airside holding rooms remains compromised by issues with airport passes. Despite these challenges, the Board observed humane and dignified treatment of detainees by staff.
Key concerns identified
  • Detained individuals are still being denied access to their prescribed medication in holding rooms and reporting centres.
  • Most facilities lack a full-time medical professional, relying on ambulance services for medical advice.
  • The Board is unable to conduct visits to airside areas at Manchester and Birmingham Airports due to persistent issues with airside pass issuance.
  • The IMB Board remains under-strength, and delays in the ministerial appointment process for new members compromise the Board's viability.
2021 PRISON Concerns Yarl’s Wood
Published 7 Jun 2022
Self-harm: 16 Staff assaults: 0
This IMB annual report for Yarl’s Wood IRC covers 2021, a challenging year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and the transition to accommodate predominantly male detainees. The Board commends the centre's management for maintaining a safe environment with low Covid-19 cases, high quality healthcare, and generally fair treatment. However, significant concerns remain regarding the identification and support of vulnerable individuals, the clarity of induction for short-stay detainees, and the comprehensive tracking and resolution of complaints.
Key concerns identified
  • Vulnerable adults may not be properly identified and may be released without appropriate support.
  • Procedures for notification, investigation, and resolution of complaints are concerning.
  • RSTHF detainees often do not fully understand their situation, leading to anxiety and anger.
  • High numbers of arrivals make it challenging to identify vulnerable individuals and lead to limited communication.
  • Trafficking victims are likely under-identified due to high throughput and short stays.
  • The centre struggles with language issues, preventing clear communication of procedures.
2022 PRISON Concerns Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Lunar House
Published 1 Jun 2022 · 1,041 prisoners
The IMB report for Gatwick, Stansted, Luton airports and Lunar House covers the period ending January 2022, noting a significant increase in detained individuals. While C&C officers are generally compassionate, the Board highlights ongoing concerns about the inadequacy of holding rooms at all locations for increasing numbers, extended stays, and vulnerable individuals. Key issues include limited space, lack of natural light, absence of showers, and persistent problems with access to onsite healthcare professionals and timely medication.
Key concerns identified
  • Inadequate size and capacity of holding rooms at Luton and Stansted for increasing detainee numbers.
  • Unsuitability of C&C offices at Luton and Stansted for inductions due to limited space and privacy, especially for translation services.
  • Inadequate facilities at Gatwick’s North Terminal for accommodating families, children, and vulnerable individuals.
  • General unsuitability of STHFs for extended detention, particularly for children and vulnerable individuals, owing to small size, lack of adequate sleeping facilities, and absence of showers.
  • Insufficient provision and recognition of needs for detainees with limited mobility, sensory impairments, or other physical limitations.
  • Concerns regarding the adequate assessment of detainees' mental health in a challenging environment.
  • Persistent issues with detainees' access to prescribed medication and the absence of onsite healthcare professionals, leading to delays and potential danger.
  • Lack of secure storage for detainees' luggage and personal effects at Gatwick Airport.
  • Procedure for notifying the IMB when Gatwick South Terminal facility is opened has not always been followed.
2021 PRISON Concerns Kirklevington Grange
Published 30 May 2022
Self-harm: 2 Assaults: 7 Staff assaults: 1
HMP/YOI Kirklevington Grange is a Category D open prison operating in a year significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. The report highlights the prison's successful management of the pandemic, leading to a safe environment, high ROTL success, and good healthcare provision. Key concerns include reduced operational capacity, delays in new accommodation, issues with property transfers, and difficulties with prisoners obtaining debit cards, alongside an altered perception of the open regime due to restrictions.
Key concerns identified
  • Reduced Category D capacity due to unit closures and delays in new build.
  • Lost or delayed prisoner property during transfer between establishments.
  • Ongoing issues with prisoners obtaining debit/credit cards for use on release.
  • Prisoners' perception that complaining may lead to return to closed conditions.
  • New admissions feeling Kirklevington Grange does not feel like a Category D establishment due to restrictions and the perimeter fence.
  • Increased waiting times for mental health group sessions and outside appointments due to Covid-19 restrictions.
  • Difficulties with video calls for family contact due to technical failures.
  • Woodwork workshop remaining closed due to staffing issues.
2022 PRISON Concerns Lindholme
Published 27 May 2022 · 925 prisoners
Self-harm: 362 Assaults: 84 Staff assaults: 60
HMP Lindholme continued to operate under COVID-19 restrictions, limiting regime and purposeful activity, yet saw the successful implementation of digital infrastructure and in-cell phones. While healthcare provision improved with reduced waiting times in most areas, significant concerns remain regarding persistent overcrowding, the high number of IPP prisoners, and the inadequate provision of resettlement services. Issues with the timely handling of prisoner complaints and property also need further attention.
Key concerns identified
  • The continued presence of men on indeterminate Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences, which the Board considers iniquitous.
  • Persistent overcrowding issues, impacting staff and prisoner mental health, with a call for short-term solutions.
  • The significant investment required for industrial areas to enable HMP Lindholme to fully develop its role as a training prison.
  • The lack of a satisfactory resettlement service for prisoners released directly from HMP Lindholme, with many not receiving a structured pre-release programme.
  • Issues with the timely and effective handling of prisoner complaints and the management of their property, especially during transfers.
  • The limited reintegration of library attendance into the weekly regime and the low physical attendance by prisoners.
  • The high and increasing number of organised crime group (OCG) prisoners posing a constant threat to security and safety.
2021 PRISON Concerns Northumberland
Published 26 May 2022 · 1,338 prisoners
Self-harm: 312 Assaults: 120
HMP Northumberland, a Category C prison, successfully managed the Covid-19 pandemic during 2021, maintaining a safe and humane environment with commendable staff dedication. While the regime was restricted, efforts were made to provide in-cell activities and gradually reopen purposeful activity. Key concerns remain around the lasting impact on prisoner mental health, insufficient opportunities for rehabilitation, and the unacceptable issue of prisoners being released into homelessness.
Key concerns identified
  • Limited opportunities for learning, employment and training to mitigate the disadvantages of lockdowns and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on preparation for release.
  • Uncertainty about the full effect of the pandemic on prisoner mental health, requiring assurance of a fully funded infrastructure for mental health support.
  • Men are released into homeless situations due to inadequate housing stock and inter-agency communication issues.
  • Continuing shortage of places on specialist units in the area for those with significant mental health needs.
2021 PRISON Concerns Gartree
Published 25 May 2022
Self-harm: 223 Assaults: 39 Staff assaults: 43
HMP Gartree, a Category B prison, faced significant challenges during a Covid-19 restricted reporting year (Dec 2020 – Nov 2021). While the Board commended the effective management of the pandemic, leading to low infection rates, it raised serious concerns about the detrimental impact of prolonged lock-up on prisoner mental health and rehabilitation. Key issues highlighted include a declining estate infrastructure, recruitment and retention problems in healthcare, and persistent frustrations among IPP prisoners.
Key concerns identified
  • Detrimental impact of long periods of restricted regime on prisoner mental health and rehabilitation.
  • Seriously declined infrastructure and unacceptable shower conditions due to lack of investment, with promised works unstarted.
  • Recruitment and retention issues in healthcare, leading to increased waiting times and reduced access to services.
  • Difficulty in obtaining performance data from the healthcare provider to monitor service quality.
  • Ongoing frustrations among IPP prisoners who remain years over their tariff.
  • Persistent issues with broken kitchen equipment and delays in repair or replacement.
  • High number of complaints regarding prisoners' property going missing or unclear property policies.
  • Sub-optimal physical conditions and brutal exercise yard in the Segregation and Progression Unit (SAPU).
2021 PRISON Concerns Humber
Published 24 May 2022 · 960 prisoners
Self-harm: 344 Assaults: 104 Staff assaults: 37
HMP Humber navigated 2021 under significant Covid-19 restrictions, with commendations for management and staff for maintaining stability and low violence. However, the Board expresses grave concerns about the long-term mental health impact of extended lock-up, critical staffing shortages, and issues with healthcare access. Resettlement efforts were hampered by probation service changes, and property loss remained an unresolved, recurring problem.
Key concerns identified
  • Grave concerns about the potential for long-term damage to prisoners from continued restrictions.
  • The Prison Service is losing operational staff faster than it can recruit due to uncompetitive pay and conditions.
  • The loss of probation services within the prison is a grave concern for resettlement outcomes.
  • Disappointment that there has been little practical response to previous report comments.
  • Rigid adherence to national stages of recovery, rather than allowing HMP Humber greater autonomy.
  • Proposal to increase shared cells is considered indecent.
  • Continuing unacceptable levels of prisoner property loss, a repeated concern.
  • Lack of available accommodation in Category D establishments causes a backlog of eligible prisoners (38 awaiting transfer).
  • Key worker effectiveness compromised by Covid-19 restrictions and staff shortages.
  • Need for robust assurance checks on the quality of responses to prisoner complaints.
2021 PRISON Concerns Garth
Published 20 May 2022 · 790 prisoners
Assaults: 60 Staff assaults: 69
HMP Garth faced significant challenges during a reporting year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions, which impacted regimes, staffing, and purposeful activity. Despite this, the Board commended staff for maintaining safety, providing good healthcare, and improving education access. Key concerns remain around poor maintenance by contractor Amey, staff recruitment and retention, inadequate food budgets, and critical issues affecting resettlement and the welfare of IPP and elderly prisoners.
Key concerns identified
  • The consistently poor service and delayed maintenance provided by the contractor Amey, impacting all aspects of prison life for both prisoners and staff.
  • The ongoing plight of prisoners serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP), which the Board believes is a great injustice requiring urgent legislative change for their release.
  • Significant challenges with staff recruitment and retention across the prison, attributed to the erosion of staff salaries and conditions of service, leading to an inexperienced workforce and redeployment of staff from key roles like the key worker scheme.
  • The inadequacy of the food budget, which urgently needs to be increased to maintain quality provision amidst rising prices.
  • A serious shortage of appropriate beds across the prison estate for prisoners with complex needs or those who are difficult to manage, resulting in excessively long periods in the segregation unit.
  • The serious limitation of the Probation Service's involvement, including delayed Community Offender Manager allocation, lack of routine pre-sentence reports, and diluted OASys assessments, which hinders effective sentence planning and resettlement.
  • Confusion and rising costs regarding the provision of mobility and other aids for the increasing number of elderly prisoners, highlighting a need for clarity on responsibility between agencies.
2021 PRISON Concerns Isis
Published 18 May 2022 · 600 prisoners
Self-harm: 412 Assaults: 228 Staff assaults: 132
HMP/YOI Isis, a training prison for young adults, faced significant challenges during 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic and its transition to a younger population. Self-harm and violence incidents rose considerably, though some safety measures like ACCT cases decreased. The Board expressed ongoing concerns about property issues, delays in mental health transfers, and the impact of reduced face-to-face education and purposeful activity on rehabilitation.
Key concerns identified
  • The Minister is required to deliver the long-promised policy framework for handling prisoners’ property.
  • The Prison Service needs to publish the new property policy framework referred to in the response to the 2020 annual report.
  • Prisons receiving prisoners from the courts should be required to complete an OASys report before transfer to Isis.
  • Arrangements need to be in place to allow category D prisoners to move to category D prisons without undue delay.
  • The Prison Service should support Isis to find a long-term solution to the broken cell windows.
  • The prison needs to reinstate an induction programme for new arrivals as soon as Covid-19 measures allow.
  • The Governor should work proactively with education and vocational training providers to drive up engagement and motivation.
2021 PRISON Concerns Bure
Published 5 May 2022 · 618 prisoners
Self-harm: 226 Assaults: 18 Staff assaults: 10
HMP Bure, a Category C prison for men convicted of sexual offences, operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions during the reporting period, leading to extensive lockdowns and reduced regime. Despite these challenges, the Board found generally good staff-prisoner relationships, an outstanding safer custody team, and fully staffed healthcare. Key concerns include the lack of rehabilitative interventions for IPP prisoners, the absence of in-cell telephony, persistent estate issues such as heating and ventilation, significant staffing shortages in offender management, and limitations on family contact.
Key concerns identified
  • 58 IPP prisoners lack access to offending behaviour programmes for progression towards release.
  • No progress has been made on providing in-cell telephony, severely limiting communication for prisoners.
  • Heating problems persist on residential unit 7, requiring a boiler and system replacement.
  • Poor ventilation and air quality in residential units 1-6 due to undredged ducting and unreplaced filters.
  • Cramped conditions in 32 cells on residential unit 7, where double bunk beds remain despite an end to doubling-up.
  • The quality and variety of food have declined due to reduced kitchen orderlies and external sourcing.
  • The prison is unable to offer palliative and end-of-life care for its ageing population.
  • A significant shortage of staff (as low as 67%) in the Offender Management Unit impacts prisoner progression.
  • Limited family contact via restricted Purple Visits and reduced face-to-face visits affects prisoner wellbeing and resettlement.
2021 PRISON Concerns Exeter
Published 4 May 2022 · 406 prisoners
Assaults: 256 Staff assaults: 128
HMP Exeter, a Category B local and resettlement prison, averaged 406 prisoners with an operational capacity of 431, and continued to operate under restricted regimes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The prison experienced high levels of violence (256 prisoner assaults, 128 staff assaults) and a return to very high self-harm rates (monthly average around 70 incidents towards year-end). Key concerns include persistent staff shortages and high turnover, particularly within the SMT, the ineffectiveness of CSIPs, and the inadequacy of resettlement opportunities. Despite these challenges, the Board noted improvements in use of force management, cleanliness, and ACCT procedures.
Key concerns identified
  • The Secretary of State needs to exert influence to help the retention of prison officers by recognising their work and ensuring parity with other public servant roles.
  • There is a need for increased human and financial resources to more effectively support the rehabilitative and resettlement role of local prisons.
  • Efforts must be intensified to support individuals at risk of homelessness on release and improve accommodation outcomes through local authorities and the Probation Service.
  • The Prison Service must urgently support Governors to reduce the backlog in staff training, particularly C&R basic, refresher, and advanced training.
  • Improvements are needed in systems, processes, and expectations for the management of prisoners’ property, which often reflects insufficient care and attention.
  • The arrangements for procurement of maintenance work need improvement to ensure Governors can confidently schedule changes impacting prisoners' access to services or amenities.
  • Investment is required in IT infrastructure, hardware, and technical support to enable prisons to function more effectively and communicate diversely with stakeholders.
  • Arrangements for external seconded and temporary SMT cover should be improved to ensure stability and continuity in leadership.
  • The Governor needs to review and improve prisoner induction arrangements, especially for young adults, ensuring all essential information is provided, including about the IMB.
  • The effectiveness, management, and oversight of Challenge, Support and Intervention Plans (CSIPs) must be improved.
  • Systems and processes for the receipt, recording, and distribution of prisoners’ property should be reviewed to ensure effective communication and respectful, timely distribution.
  • The recording of prisoner complaints needs review to ensure consistency of data categorisation for analytical purposes.
  • Plans for prisoner progression and the resettlement role of the prison must be prioritised to improve outcomes in education, training, and workshop opportunities.
  • Communication with and feedback opportunities for prisoners require improvement.
2021 PRISON Concerns Hindley
Published 3 May 2022 · 572 prisoners
Self-harm: 375 Assaults: 432 Staff assaults: 60
HMP/YOI Hindley is deemed overall safe, though violence and self-harm increased, particularly among young adults. Prisoners are generally treated humanely despite challenges from Covid-19 restrictions, which often led to 23-hour lock-ins. While health needs are met satisfactorily, concerns persist regarding lost property, outdated accommodation, and resettlement support. The Board commends staff efforts and welcomes planned prison expansion.
Key concerns identified
  • Increased violence and self-harm, especially among young adults.
  • Cramped, outdated accommodation and kitchens, exacerbated by prolonged 23-hour lock-ins.
  • Persistent and significant problem with lost prisoner property during transfers.
  • Inadequate information, advice, and guidance for resettlement due to new contracts and Covid-19.
  • Ongoing issue with litter accumulation creating health, safety, and security risks.
  • Outdated and unreliable body-worn camera technology impacting incident monitoring.
2021 PRISON Concerns Full Sutton
Published 29 Apr 2022 · 575 prisoners
Self-harm: 144 Assaults: 29 Staff assaults: 30
HMP Full Sutton, a high-security prison, navigated 2021 with constantly changing COVID-19 restrictions, maintaining safety and generally meeting prisoner health needs despite challenges. While the regime ensured basic provisions, purposeful activity and education were severely limited, and staffing was tight, impacting some functions like drug testing and key worker sessions. The Board noted progress in complaint handling and praised the Covid team, but highlighted ongoing concerns regarding work provision, the STEP unit's funding, equality forums, and delays in Category A reviews.
Key concerns identified
  • Significant limitations in the provision of meaningful work and breadth of education due to pandemic restrictions and delays in opening new workshops.
  • The STEP unit's intended role in breaking the cycle of segregation is not fully realised due to funding issues and a lack of clear referral systems.
  • Equality forums and action groups have not resumed, and an advisory group for staff understanding of BAME issues is delayed, contributing to some BAME prisoners feeling treated differently.
  • Inconsistent quality and fairness in responses to prisoners' complaints, with a persistent minority of unsatisfactory replies lacking respect or clarity.
  • Staffing levels are insufficient to consistently carry out all forms of drug testing (random, suspicion, reception), leading to concerns about staff being deterred from reporting suspicions.
  • Delays in Category A reviews due to the pandemic resulted in gaps of up to 18 months for some prisoners.
  • A significant minority (43%) of prisoners reported difficulty accessing telephones, impacting family contact.
2021 PRISON Concerns Kirkham
Published 28 Apr 2022 · 469 prisoners
Self-harm: 3 Assaults: 9 Staff assaults: 3
HMP Kirkham, a Category D open prison, faced significant challenges during the reporting period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting regime consistency and leading to periods of lockdown and outbreak declarations. While the prison maintained fair and humane treatment and received commendations for its healthcare provision and resettlement efforts through the accelerator project, key concerns remain. These include the continued transfer of unsuitable prisoners, high drug use, infrastructure deficiencies, and issues with senior management cohesion and dedicated staffing for diversity and resettlement.
Key concerns identified
  • Concerns persist regarding the continued transfer of prisoners unsuitable for an open establishment, contributing to high drug use, absconds, and issues with prisoner behaviour.
  • Infrastructure challenges remain, including persistent poor lighting, delays in maintenance, recurring heating and hot water problems, and an outdated IT system, coupled with uncertainty over the funding for a new gym.
  • Significant issues in resettlement planning, particularly concerning the lack of dedicated staff for finance, banking, and debt management, and the failure of new service providers (SeeTec) to adequately secure accommodation for releasing prisoners, leading to releases to no fixed abode.
  • A perceived lack of cohesion within the Senior Management Team (SMT) and insufficient dedicated resources for a full-time, Kirkham-based Diversity and Inclusion Manager.
2021 PRISON Concerns Springhill
Published 27 Apr 2022 · 255 prisoners
Self-harm: 2 Assaults: 4 Staff assaults: 2
HMP Springhill, an open Category D prison, held a population of around 255 men in 2021, operating below its Certified Normal Accommodation of 335. The Board noted positive developments in safety indicators, improved equality and diversity monitoring, and enhanced healthcare provision. However, significant concerns remain regarding the dilapidated state of much of the accommodation, the impact of delayed building projects on resettlement, and persistent issues with external probation services affecting ROTL and release outcomes.
Key concerns identified
  • The condition of most of the huts is not decent and does not support Springhill’s resettlement objectives, with planned works from 2019 yet to be delivered for the reception area.
  • Late delivery of building projects, including new accommodation, severely impacted some men's access to Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL), education, and work opportunities.
  • The open estate has not been allocated body scanners, missing an opportunity to improve the detection of illicit items, especially compared to neighbouring HMP Grendon.
  • The budget for resident pay and food has remained unchanged for many years, making it difficult to sustain standards and keep pace with inflation.
  • Issues with outside probation are causing significant delays for residents in accessing ROTL and securing appropriate accommodation on release.
  • There is a lack of a clear understanding of actual levels of mental ill-health within the prison, with many residents reporting deteriorating emotional wellbeing and communication issues with staff.
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