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IMB Annual Reports

811 annual reports from Independent Monitoring Boards covering 171 establishments. IMBs provide independent oversight of prisons, immigration removal centres, and secure training centres. Source: imb.org.uk.

811 reports 171 establishments 800 with key concerns

Annual reports

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811 matching reports.

Chelmsford
Published 16 Feb 2022
Self-harm: 787 Assaults: 259 Staff assaults: 246
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Chelmsford, a Category B local prison, faced significant challenges during a reporting year heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, leading to a restricted regime with limited purposeful activity and prolonged cell confinement. Key concerns included persistent overcrowding, a severe rat infestation, and substantial delays in handling prisoner complaints and property issues. The prison also struggled with staffing shortages, particularly affecting the key worker scheme and healthcare provision, alongside high self-harm rates and increased assaults on staff.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Four deaths in custody and a high number of self-harm incidents, with criticisms regarding support for at-risk prisoners.
  • Persistent bullying, debt, and gang activity as underlying causes of much of the violence.
  • An unacceptable infestation of rats in the older parts of the prison (A-D wings).
  • Excessive time taken for the prison to deal with complaints and issues with safeguarding prisoners’ property.
  • Overcrowding, with over 70% of prisoners sharing cells designed for one person, contravening decency standards.
  • Long waiting times for dental appointments, insufficient psychiatric support, and difficulties in transferring mental health prisoners to appropriate establishments.
  • Fewer opportunities for purposeful activity and often understaffed areas due to lockdowns.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Cookham Wood
Published 15 Feb 2022 · 91 prisoners
Self-harm: 29 Assaults: 234 Staff assaults: 132
AI-generated report summary HMYOI Cookham Wood operated with a restricted regime during the reporting year due to Covid-19, leading to boys being locked in their rooms for extended periods and a significant reduction in purposeful activity and education. Staff shortages exacerbated these issues, though staff dedication and the transformation of the resettlement team were noted positives. Key concerns include the continued lack of secure mental health beds, delays in transferring 18+ year-olds, and inadequate IT facilities, all contributing to an environment the IMB deemed detrimental to the boys' wellbeing and development.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • There is a chronic lack of secure mental health hospital beds nationally for children, leading to inhumane delays in transferring boys with significant mental health issues.
  • Delays in transferring boys aged 18+ to the adult estate are inhumane.
  • Cookham Wood suffers from a serious lack of IT facilities and telephone capacity, hindering communication with families and external agencies.
  • Boys were subjected to a severely restricted regime, long periods locked in their rooms, and persistent 'family bubble' restrictions.
  • There are no plans for full-time education to resume, placing boys at a significant disadvantage compared to peers in the community.
  • The YOI faces a lack of leadership continuity with temporary Governor appointments.
  • Difficulties with certain London Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) negatively impact resettlement efforts.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Forest Bank
Published 14 Feb 2022
Self-harm: 998
AI-generated report summary HMP Forest Bank, a Category B male prison, faced a challenging year (Nov 2020-Oct 2021) marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, staff shortages, and a transition to a reception prison. Despite these challenges, the Board noted significant improvements in safety, accommodation, and security, driven by a new management team and a proactive approach to Covid containment. Key positive developments include a new employment hub for resettlement and exceptional catering, while concerns remain regarding property handling, organised crime group activity due to the new reception status, and the long-term sustainability of improvements given staff shortages.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Problems regarding the transfer, handling, storage and accessibility of prisoners’ property.
  • Significant issues arising from the transfer to a reception prison, concerning ongoing activity of organised crime groups.
  • Sustainability of improvements and regime normalisation in the face of ongoing staff shortages.
  • Inability of the dental service to recover high-risk aerosol generating procedures due to ventilation not meeting Covid-19 protocol requirements.
  • Frustration among chaplains that communal worship has not restarted, despite other activities resuming.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Risley
Published 27 Jan 2022 · 1,100 prisoners
Self-harm: 386 Assaults: 145 Staff assaults: 67
AI-generated report summary HMP Risley demonstrates high safety standards with reductions in self-harm and violence, good healthcare provision, and strong equality and diversity initiatives. However, the Board raises significant concerns about long repatriation times for foreign nationals and property management issues. The pandemic severely impacted regime, education, and Key Worker scheme delivery, leading to limited time out of cell and restricted activities.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Long repatriation/deportation timeframes for foreign national prisoners
  • Frequent instances of prisoners being transferred to establishments that cannot facilitate required courses for sentence management and rehabilitation
  • Ongoing issues with loss of prisoners’ property during transfers and inefficient property provision within the prison
  • Board not being called to serious incidents, particularly out of hours, and not being regularly notified of deaths in custody
  • Absence of provision of books and/or magazines in reception
  • Complaints processes not consistently handled or explained, and inconsistent delivery of induction information (e.g., Board's role, Samaritans, emergency evacuation)
  • Cell vents on F wing being inoperable and in need of repair
  • Vulnerable prisoners with mental health issues held in the CSU, requiring more appropriate accommodation
  • High level of bullying and/or victimisation experienced by prisoners with disabilities
  • Lack of intervention programmes for prisoners convicted of sexual offences, requiring transfers to other establishments
  • Continual complaints from prisoners about lack of contact with their allocated Offender Managers (POMs)
  • Significant delays in telephone call monitoring with no improvement
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Feltham
Published 13 Jan 2022 · 243 prisoners
Self-harm: 89 Assaults: 129 Staff assaults: 89
AI-generated report summary HMP & YOI Feltham faced continued challenges during the reporting year, particularly regarding its dilapidated estate which limited purposeful activity. While Covid-19 restrictions led to a safer environment with reduced violence and self-harm, access to mental health support and effective resettlement planning remained areas of concern. Staff dedication was highly commended amidst these difficulties, but the Board noted significant issues with property handling and the collapse of the Listener scheme.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The poor state of the built environment and dilapidated workshops significantly limit purposeful activity and negatively impact prisoners' living conditions.
  • Delays in transferring prisoners with serious mental health needs to appropriate care settings.
  • Inadequate progression towards resettlement for young adults on Feltham B due to insufficient funding for infrastructure and opportunities, and last-minute resettlement arrangements.
  • The exercise yard on the Care, Separation and Reintegration Unit (CSRU) is unfit for purpose due to chronic pigeon infestation and unhygienic conditions.
  • The collapse of the Listener scheme leaves vulnerable prisoners without essential peer support.
  • Persistent issues with the loss and delayed return of prisoner property, particularly during transfers and with external partners.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
East Sutton Park
Published 12 Jan 2022 · 76 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP East Sutton Park is an open prison for women, commended by the Board for being a safe and well-run establishment during a period affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Key strengths include strong healthcare provision, effective resettlement preparation with good accommodation and employment outcomes, and valuable educational programmes. Challenges persist with ensuring prisoners are transferred with sufficient time to serve, effectively utilizing the IEP scheme for disruptive behaviour, and managing weekend medication administration.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The Prison Service needs to ensure prisoners transferred to HMP East Sutton Park have enough time left to serve to maximise resettlement benefits and value for money.
  • Closed female establishments must progress suitable women to HMP East Sutton Park for its resettlement regime.
  • The Governor should make greater use of the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme to address disruptive prisoner behaviour and encourage harmony.
  • Quality of prisoner inductions has been patchy due to frequent changes in induction orderlies.
  • Ongoing problems with the administration of medications during weekends.
  • Disruption to chaplaincy services and forums following the unexpected resignation of the prison chaplain.
  • A significant rise in complaints, largely driven by one prolific prisoner.
  • Key services (education, employment advice, family support) are still not fully functioning as prior to the pandemic.
  • Conflict between outside paid employment and attending in-prison education classes.
  • Frustration among prisoners regarding the length of time taken to access support from Ixion (employment advice).
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Hewell
Published 12 Jan 2022
Self-harm: 380
AI-generated report summary HMP Hewell, a Category B local prison, showed significant improvements in safety, security, and cleanliness during a year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions. Despite these positive shifts and a reduction in self-harm and assaults, systemic concerns persist regarding the treatment of IPP prisoners, transfers for those with severe mental health needs, and inadequate facilities for disabled individuals. The Board highlighted overcrowding and prisoner discontent with healthcare as ongoing challenges.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The continued indefinite detention and despair of IPP prisoners, leading to self-destructive behaviour and challenges to discipline.
  • Difficulties in transferring prisoners with severe mental health/behavioural issues to appropriate external environments.
  • Inadequate accommodation and accessibility for prisoners with physical disabilities and mobility issues within the prison.
  • The ongoing issue of overcrowding, with most cells designed for one prisoner housing two, leading to dignity and safety concerns.
  • Prisoners' consistent discontent with general healthcare services, particularly mental health provision, and the lack of suitable alternative arrangements for complex cases.
  • Lack of management appetite to investigate subtle discrimination and low prisoner confidence in the DIRF system for addressing equalities issues.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Werrington
Published 11 Jan 2022
Self-harm: 37 Assaults: 10 Staff assaults: 17
AI-generated report summary HMYOI Werrington operated with significant challenges during the reporting year, marked by the ongoing pandemic, major refurbishment, and a sharp increase in violence and disruption in the latter months. The Board raised serious safety concerns, noting restricted time out of room and staff shortages led to inhumane treatment. While healthcare was proactive and efficient, education struggled amidst disruptions, and the Board highlighted issues with the use of Rule 49 and long remand waiting times.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • YOI Werrington has been unsafe for young people and staff since July 2021, with a sharp increase in violence.
  • Young people are not treated humanely due to restricted time out of room and staff shortages.
  • The educational provision is considered inadequate, partly due to facilities and outbreaks of violence.
  • Rule 49 is being used for young people who cannot be found suitable placement in a group, raising questions about its correct use and fairness.
  • Young people are not allowed to display photographs of themselves with their family in their rooms due to security issues.
  • There are unacceptably long waits at court for institutional allocation, with some young people waiting over four hours.
  • The Board is concerned about the regular outbreaks of violence, exemplified by the hostage-taking incident in the art room and the high number of fashioned weapons found.
  • The lack of a conventional route for solving problems after the conflict resolution team was disbanded.
  • A worrying lack of trained negotiators at Werrington.
  • Many young people's rooms are not fit for habitation, lacking basics like curtains, clean toilets, and walls.
  • The laundry process still results in significant lost property.
  • The virtual campus for online education has not commenced, and learners are not allowed their own email addresses.
  • Young people could be held for many months without trial, raising concerns about their innocence and the length of remand periods.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wetherby
Published 4 Jan 2022 · 164 prisoners
Self-harm: 646 Assaults: 72 Staff assaults: 100
AI-generated report summary This report highlights HMYOI Wetherby's effective management of the Covid-19 pandemic and positive staff-prisoner relationships, alongside significant improvements in facilities and family contact. However, it raises serious concerns, particularly the chronic shortage of secure mental health beds, delays in transferring young adults, and persistent issues with maintenance. The Board also notes challenges in staffing stability, ACCT application, and high levels of violence, urging action from the Minister, Youth Custody Service, and Governor.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The acute and persistent lack of secure mental health hospital beds, leading to deteriorating mental health for young people in custody.
  • Unacceptable delays in transferring young people aged 18 and over to the adult estate, causing heightened anxiety and management challenges.
  • Lengthy and continuing delays in essential maintenance work, including cell repairs and the kitchen floor, raising concerns about cleanliness.
  • A significant lack of permanence and stability within the senior management team, impacting leadership continuity.
  • Concerns about the accuracy and understanding of the ACCT process, with persistent errors and non-mandatory training.
  • High levels of violence between young people and against staff, compounded by a concerning number of weapons finds and inconsistent activation of body-worn cameras.
  • Male prisoners' disquiet over perceived preferential treatment of female prisoners, and inadequate access to Barnardo's advocacy support.
  • Unacceptable time out of cell for vulnerable young people on Keppel unit, and ongoing issues with temperature extremes and meal delivery on Anson wing.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
The Verne
Published 24 Dec 2021 · 557 prisoners
Self-harm: 54 Assaults: 22
AI-generated report summary HMP The Verne experienced a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a major outbreak, significant staff absences, and disruption to the prison regime, including education, work, and visits. Despite these challenges, the prison maintained a very safe environment with low violence, and the Board commended staff dedication and the strong ethos of mutual respect. Key concerns persist regarding the provision of 24-hour social and healthcare for the ageing population, slow progress on a proposed hospital unit, and the need for more purposeful activity.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Lack of 24-hour provision for frail, elderly residents needing regular personal care.
  • The need for prison staff to be treated as a priority group in respect of vaccination in any future pandemic.
  • Delays in establishing a 'community hospital' and a facility enabling 24-hour social care at The Verne.
  • The need for the Governor to continue the search for further employment opportunities for Verne residents.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Parc
Published 21 Dec 2021
Self-harm: 1,193
AI-generated report summary The reporting period at HMP Parc (March 2020 – February 2021) was profoundly shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a highly restrictive regime with prisoners confined to cells for up to 23 hours daily and no physical IMB visits. Despite these challenging conditions, the Board praised staff's exceptional efforts in maintaining safety, preventing Covid-19 deaths, and achieving reductions in assaults and use of force incidents. Key concerns highlighted included the continued entry of illicit drugs, excessive waiting times for dental and specialist healthcare, and the withdrawal of secondary mental health services.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Drugs and mobile phones continued to enter the prison, affecting stability and leading to bullying and debt.
  • The government's decision not to prioritise prisoner and staff vaccinations was seen as prolonging an inhumane regime and contributing to mental health problems.
  • Excessive waiting lists developed for dental, optician, and podiatrist services, and secondary mental health care was withdrawn.
  • Transfers to Parc occurred without prior Covid-19 testing or isolation from originating prisons, posing infection risks.
  • Insufficient telephones hindered healthcare staff's ability to provide appropriate services.
  • Issues persisted with prisoners not wearing correct clothing in serveries and equipment cleanliness.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Aylesbury
Published 17 Dec 2021 · 209 prisoners
Self-harm: 115 Assaults: 108 Staff assaults: 34
AI-generated report summary This report covers a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic at Aylesbury YOI, which saw a reduced prisoner population of around 209. Despite a severely curtailed regime and poor education provision, the prison maintained stability, low infection rates among prisoners, and provided daily showers and exercise. Key concerns include the lack of mental health beds, the weakening of the key worker scheme, and the risk that post-pandemic priorities will shift from prisoner outcomes to risk management as population numbers increase.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The lack of a stronger national commitment to young adult prisoner rehabilitation, supported by research and sufficient resourcing, is a key strategic concern.
  • An urgent need for more emergency mental health beds for prisoners, to prevent seriously mentally ill individuals from being inappropriately held in prison, particularly in segregation.
  • HMPPS's post-pandemic rebalancing of priorities risks diminishing focus on prisoner outcomes in favour of risk management as prisoner numbers rise.
  • Education and training provision has been poor and lacked clear national targets and business-like contract management for third-party providers.
  • The impact of gang culture, exacerbated by a lack of professional mediation training, severely curtails opportunities for prisoners to engage in out-of-cell activities.
  • Persistent issues with property management, including loss during transfers and restrictions on family parcels.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Dartmoor
Published 16 Dec 2021 · 617 prisoners
Self-harm: 96
AI-generated report summary HMP Dartmoor, a Category C training prison, generally maintained safety and humane treatment during the reporting year despite Covid-19 challenges. The Board commended staff efforts in managing the pandemic and providing support. However, significant concerns persist regarding the detrimental impact of the impending closure on investment, staffing, and the regime, leading to extended lock-up times and inadequate infrastructure. Long waiting times for mental health transfers and dental care, alongside insufficient support for IPP prisoners, are also key issues.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The lack of clarity regarding the prison's closure is detrimentally impacting investment, staffing, recruitment, and the prisoner regime.
  • Insufficient investment in infrastructure, security, kitchens, laundry, and other equipment leads to substandard amenities and regimes for prisoners.
  • Unacceptably long waiting times for psychiatric hospital placements for prisoners with complex mental health issues.
  • Lack of clear pathways and support for IPP prisoners, particularly concerning their release and preventing recall.
  • Inconsistent availability of complaint forms on wings and inadequate processing and follow-up within the discrimination incident report form (DIRF) system.
  • Challenges in providing 24-hour health and social care support for prisoners with complex needs due to the unsuitable physical environment.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Brinsford
Published 15 Dec 2021
AI-generated report summary Despite a severely restricted Covid-19 regime, HMP/YOI Brinsford is deemed a safe prison where prisoners are treated fairly. While incidents of violence, self-harm, and substance misuse have reduced due to lockdown, persistent issues include delays in transferring prisoners with mental health needs and an education contract that largely failed to meet prisoner requirements for much of the reporting period.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The information technology (IT) at Brinsford is old and failing, making it difficult for staff to do their jobs.
  • Prisoners held on immigration status are kept far too long before transfer.
  • The fabric of Brinsford is in a poor state and requires significant investment.
  • There are too few education and work-based activity places for prisoners, particularly for those over 21.
  • Excessive prisoner transfers, particularly during the pandemic, exacerbate gang problems and make urgent moves difficult.
  • Delays in moving recategorised prisoners cause frustration.
  • The education contract is not fit for purpose, with a lack of accountability for the provider.
  • The management of prisoner property, both within the establishment and during transfers, continues to cause significant problems.
  • The key worker scheme needs to be improved and restored to pre-pandemic levels, requiring more support and training for officers.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wormwood Scrubs
Published 14 Dec 2021 · 1,080 prisoners
Self-harm: 282 Assaults: 152 Staff assaults: 106
AI-generated report summary HMP Wormwood Scrubs faced a challenging year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions, leading to widespread 23-hour confinement and significant impacts on prisoners' well-being and regime. While safety initiatives saw a reduction in violence and use of force, and the prison successfully managed Covid-19 outbreaks, persistent concerns remain regarding staffing shortages, the breakdown of the key worker scheme, and the efficacy of the complaints system. Healthcare, particularly mental health provision, suffered significantly, with increased referrals and a lack of psychology services, while basic needs like food quality and accommodation standards also continued to be problematic.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Funding cuts jeopardising safety progress, particularly for interventions previously shown to be effective.
  • Inconsistent and inadequate use of Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVCs) by staff, hindering evidence collection and deterrence.
  • The efficacy and responsiveness of the internal complaints system remain poor, with significant delays and inadequate responses.
  • Initial admission processes require urgent reform, a long-standing issue highlighted by a death in custody shortly after arrival.
  • Persistent poor condition of many prison facilities and ongoing overcrowding, with 118 prisoners sharing cells designed for one.
  • Chronic issues with the quality, quantity, and nutritional value of food, compounded by broken kitchen equipment and difficulties in providing specialist diets.
  • The breakdown of the key worker scheme due to pandemic staffing pressures, impacting continuous support for prisoners.
  • A significant gap in psychology services and a long waiting list for therapeutic interventions following key staff departures.
  • The continued suspension of mandatory drug testing, diverting resources from addressing substance misuse.
  • The detrimental impact of prolonged confinement on young prisoners, who face limited activity, social contact, and poor conditions.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Manchester
Published 13 Dec 2021 · 683 prisoners
Self-harm: 327 Assaults: 49 Staff assaults: 56
AI-generated report summary HMP Manchester's reporting year (ending Feb 2021) was defined by the COVID-19 pandemic and its re-categorisation to a Category B training prison. While the reduced population saw a positive decrease in violence and self-harm, the pandemic severely impacted the regime, leading to curtailed purposeful activity and extended periods of cell confinement. The Board expressed significant concern over the mental health of prisoners awaiting secure hospital transfers, highlighting unacceptable waiting times.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Mental Health transfers / Prolonged segregation of vulnerable prisoners
  • Persistent loss of prisoner property and poor record-keeping
  • Inconsistent property rules regarding catalogue items and property windows
  • Continued issue of drug packages being thrown over the perimeter wall
  • Lack of transparency and record-keeping for healthcare triage appointments
  • Extended periods without heating and hot water on residential wings
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Bristol
Published 10 Dec 2021 · 500 prisoners
Self-harm: 570 Assaults: 138 Staff assaults: 102
AI-generated report summary HMP Bristol successfully managed Covid-19, implementing strong infection control and a good vaccination programme. The prison saw significant improvements in accommodation and the general environment, alongside a reduction in self-harm and violence. However, the Board remains concerned about inconsistent key work delivery, staffing shortfalls, persistent issues with disability access, and the appropriate placement of vulnerable prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Lack of consistent support and understanding for prisoners with neurodivergent conditions.
  • Persistent problems with disability access, particularly to the healthcare building, due to the prison's Victorian architecture.
  • Inconsistent delivery of key work and significant staff shortfalls impacting regime delivery and prisoner support.
  • Delays and loss of prisoner property during transfers between establishments.
  • Challenges in providing mental health and substance misuse programmes due to a lack of suitable rooms and staff availability for escorts.
  • The continued presence of elderly, vulnerable, or immigration detainees inappropriately placed in a local prison setting, leading to prolonged, unclear detention for some.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Morton Hall IRC
Published 9 Dec 2021 · 87 prisoners
AI-generated report summary This final report covers the last 203 days of Morton Hall IRC's operation before its closure on 23 July 2021. The Board found the centre largely safe with professional staff and well-delivered healthcare, but noted concerns regarding slow lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and significant delays in bail releases. Staff managed the closure process exceptionally well, ensuring fair and humane treatment of detainees.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Continued significant delays in detainees being released from the centre even after a judge had awarded bail.
  • Covid-19 restrictions on well-being, faith, and recreational facilities were not lifted at the same pace as in the wider community or non-HMPPS IRCs.
  • The £1 per hour rate of pay for paid activities, unchanged since 2008, is derisory.
Report year 2021 IRC Concerns
Bullingdon
Published 1 Dec 2021 · 1,034 prisoners
Self-harm: 916 Assaults: 403
AI-generated report summary HMP Bullingdon faced significant challenges during the reporting year (July 2020 – June 2021), exacerbated by Covid-19 restrictions which led to extensive in-cell time and impacted various services. The Board noted chronic overcrowding, an increase in self-harm incidents, and persistent issues with staff experience levels and the provision of mental healthcare. Progression and resettlement efforts were hindered by a high turnover of prisoners, predominantly those on remand or serving short sentences, while the effectiveness of drug interception measures remains a concern.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The prison is not equipped to cope with prisoners with severe mental health issues, leading to long segregation stays and repeated self-harm.
  • There is a high proportion of inexperienced staff, impacting role effectiveness and adaptation to post-Covid regimes.
  • The increasing churn of remand and short-sentence prisoners frustrates progression and resettlement efforts, including education and vocational training completion.
  • Chronic overcrowding persists, with many single-occupancy cells housing two prisoners, incompatible with humane treatment, especially given extensive in-cell time due to Covid-19.
  • There are concerns about the availability and use of drugs despite recent interventions like scanners and sniffer dogs.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Hatfield
Published 30 Nov 2021 · 282 prisoners
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 2 Staff assaults: 1
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Hatfield operated safely and humanely during a challenging year (Apr 2020 - Mar 2021) impacted by COVID-19. The Board found healthcare, education, work provision, and resettlement efforts to be good, despite pandemic restrictions. Staff morale remained high and strong leadership was noted. Key challenges included the impact of COVID-19 on ROTL and family visits, property issues on transfer, and reduced face-to-face service for some healthcare and equality functions.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • COVID-19 had a significant impact on ROTL and Parole Boards.
  • The age and wear of accommodation units D and E were a long-standing concern, though a replacement project is now planned.
  • Property issues for prisoners transferring into Hatfield, with some property occasionally left behind by escort contractors.
  • Reduced IMB visits to the establishment due to COVID-19 restrictions, hindering direct monitoring.
  • Reduced healthcare provision for routine Long-Term Conditions and delayed hospital outpatient referrals due to COVID-19.
  • Cessation of regular dental services and limited access to other healthcare appointments (GP, optometry, podiatry, physiotherapy).
  • Suspension of the Equalities and Fairness committee meetings during the pandemic.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Ranby
Published 29 Nov 2021 · 1,092 prisoners
Self-harm: 336 Assaults: 156
AI-generated report summary For the reporting period ending March 2021, HMP Ranby operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions, including a 22-hour lockdown. Despite this, the prison commendably controlled Covid-19 outbreaks and saw significant reductions in self-harm and violence. However, the Board highlighted recurring concerns regarding mental health provision, cell sharing, resettlement issues, and deficiencies in prisoner complaint handling and transfer processes.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The continued housing of prisoners with mental health problems in the segregation unit due to lack of appropriate facilities.
  • The ongoing practice of cell sharing in single cells, contributing to overcrowding.
  • The high percentage of prisoners released to no fixed abode and restrictions on home releases.
  • Issues with prisoner property during transfers and the lack of due process for those returned from Category D prisons.
  • Persistent problems with late replies to prisoner complaints and lapses in the cell clearance process.
  • The inability of suitable prisoners to transfer to Category D establishments.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Bedford
Published 26 Nov 2021 · 370 prisoners
Self-harm: 138
AI-generated report summary HMP Bedford operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions, largely maintaining safety against the virus. However, the prison continues to face significant challenges with unacceptably high violence levels, exacerbated by overcrowding and prolonged cell confinement. While healthcare provision was generally good, mental health services remained a concern, and resettlement planning was ineffective. Staffing issues, including an inexperienced workforce, also impacted overall performance during this challenging period.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Unacceptably high levels of violence (prisoner-on-prisoner and staff assaults) and repeated failures in ACCT processes linked to deaths in custody.
  • Severe overcrowding and prolonged periods of cell confinement (up to 23.5 hours/day) exacerbated by an antiquated infrastructure, leading to dehumanising conditions.
  • Persistent concerns about the effectiveness of mental health services and issues with medication dispensing and missed healthcare appointments.
  • Significant staffing challenges, including high turnover, a predominantly inexperienced workforce, and the non-operational key worker scheme.
  • Ineffective resettlement planning due to lack of face-to-face work and problems with property management and new accommodation contracts.
  • The deeply unsatisfactory conditions of the subterranean Care and Separation Unit (CSU) and its delayed relocation.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wayland
Published 23 Nov 2021
Assaults: 118 Staff assaults: 116
AI-generated report summary HMP Wayland's reporting year was dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a severely restricted regime with prisoners often locked in cells for up to 22 hours daily, and a virtual halt to education and purposeful activity. The Board raised significant concerns about critically low staffing levels and inexperience, alongside a substantial minority of prisoners feeling unsafe and declining trust in staff. While improvements were noted in use of force management and new drug detection methods, the Board struggled to monitor healthcare due to exclusion from meetings.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Insufficient and inexperienced staff, negatively impacting prisoner management and rehabilitation efforts.
  • A severely impoverished regime due to the pandemic, resulting in a near-total cessation of education, training, and purposeful activity, thereby failing to address rehabilitative needs.
  • A significant proportion of prisoners (22%) report feeling unsafe, compounded by low trust in other prisoners and declining trust in staff.
  • Ongoing deterioration of the prison estate, particularly new-build wings and issues with leaking roofs, alongside poor cell cleanliness and acceptance procedures.
  • The Board's inability to effectively monitor healthcare provision, including mental health support, due to exclusion from key meetings.
  • Persistent prisoner dissatisfaction with food quality, attributed to a very low per diem allowance.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Buckley Hall
Published 19 Nov 2021
AI-generated report summary The reporting year at HMP Buckley Hall (Aug 2020 - July 2021) was largely defined by Covid-19, leading to significant operational challenges and a restrictive regime. Despite these difficulties, the IMB judged the prison to be safe, with dedicated leadership and staff, and good healthcare provision. Key concerns persist regarding prisoner progression, funding for new initiatives, and some basic decency issues such as secure in-cell medication storage and shower quality.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The absence of an independent adjudicator.
  • Delays in transfers to open and resettlement prisons.
  • Lack of secure in-cell medication facilities.
  • Issues with transferring prisoner monies between prisons.
  • Insufficient key worker sessions and engagement opportunities.
  • Deteriorating wing showers and laundry facilities.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Liverpool
Published 18 Nov 2021 · 800 prisoners
Self-harm: 315 Assaults: 123
AI-generated report summary HMP Liverpool faced significant challenges during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a restricted regime with prisoners spending limited time out of cell. Despite these restrictions, the prison was generally considered safe with reduced violence and self-harm incidents, and healthcare services were largely maintained. Key concerns persisted around the delayed transfer of mentally ill prisoners, property issues, infrastructure problems, and significant dental waiting times.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Delays in transferring seriously mentally ill prisoners to appropriate secure facilities.
  • Persistent issues with prisoners' property, causing stress and anxiety.
  • Ongoing infrastructure problems, including an erratic heating system, broken cell windows on I wing facilitating drone drops, and severe vermin infestation in gullies.
  • Significant delays in processing telephone PIN numbers, hindering prisoners' ability to contact family.
  • Considerable delays in dental treatment, with an average waiting list of 30 weeks.
  • Insufficient use of body worn cameras to record incidents involving use of force.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Usk and Prescoed
Published 17 Nov 2021
Self-harm: 16 Assaults: 10 Staff assaults: 3
AI-generated report summary HMP Usk (Category C) and HMP Prescoed (Category D) operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions during the reporting period, leading to an atypical regime. Despite these challenges, the Board considers them to be safe, well-run prisons with low levels of violence and self-harm, effectively managed by staff. Key achievements include the early rollout of vaccinations and successful maintenance of off-site work placements for Prescoed prisoners, though concerns remain regarding education funding, OASys document quality, staffing retention, and telephone access.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Stage 4 lockdown had significant consequences for vulnerable prisoners, requiring higher vaccination priority for officers and men.
  • Concerns about an effective decrease in education funding negatively impacting prisoner outcomes.
  • Up to 50% of OASys documents received in HMP Usk vary in quality or are incomplete, a repeated concern from 2020.
  • Ways need to be explored to retain experienced and effective officers in HMPPS.
  • The Board supports concerns regarding the decision to no longer nationally report ligature making as a self-harm incident.
  • Efforts should be expanded to improve telephone access for men in Usk.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Bronzefield
Published 16 Nov 2021 · 495 prisoners
Self-harm: 2,640 Assaults: 108
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Bronzefield operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions, impacting prisoner well-being and regime delivery, exacerbated by staff absences. Despite these challenges, the prison managed the pandemic effectively, improved mental health transfers, and achieved Hepatitis C elimination. However, concerns remain regarding escalating self-harm incidents, a high number of prisoners released without accommodation, the prison's use as a 'place of safety' for mentally unwell women, and persistent drug ingress.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The escalating number of self-harm incidents, reaching an average of 220 per month in the reporting year, places a high level of risk on the prison.
  • A high and increasing percentage (77%) of sentenced prisoners are released without safe and secure accommodation, exacerbated by the removal of in-prison accommodation services.
  • The prison is continuously used as a 'place of safety' for women with serious, complex, and enduring mental health conditions, exerting severe pressure on healthcare and residential staff.
  • Significant volumes of drugs continue to enter the prison despite 100% searching and swabbing of incoming mail and parcels.
  • The severe Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, amplified by staff absences and inexperienced officers, have compromised the humane treatment of prisoners and limited their time out of cell.
  • Canteen prices at HMP/YOI Bronzefield are up to 15% more expensive than comparable prisons.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Doncaster
Published 15 Nov 2021
AI-generated report summary HMP Doncaster experienced significant operational challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a restricted regime and impacting IMB monitoring. While staff professionalism was acknowledged and improvements in DIRF and healthcare complaint processes were noted, key concerns included self-harm risks from the restricted regime, persistent drug use, and timely access to adequate healthcare, particularly mental health support. The Board made recommendations for research into the pandemic's impact on prisoners and their families to inform future planning.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The negative impact of a restricted Covid regime, including reduced family contact, contributing to additional risks of self-harm.
  • Ongoing drug use within the prison leading to acute and longer-term health issues and immediate risks to life.
  • Not all prisoners' physical and mental health needs being met in a timely and effective manner.
  • Insufficient mental health staffing capacity, impacting timely access to professional support.
  • Difficulties for prisoners in accessing appropriate healthcare due to issues with the appointment system and awareness of complaint procedures.
  • The critical need for all lessons learned from internal investigations and PPO reports into deaths in custody to be fully actioned.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Ashfield
Published 12 Nov 2021
Self-harm: 67 Assaults: 13 Staff assaults: 3
AI-generated report summary HMP Ashfield is judged to be a well-managed Category C prison for sex offenders, maintaining high standards and humane treatment despite significant COVID-19 challenges. The prison effectively managed the pandemic, achieving low infection rates and progressively easing restrictions to maximize purposeful activity. Key concerns include persistent difficulties in securing suitable accommodation for released prisoners, a severe reduction in offending behaviour programme places, and issues with mental health support and equality and diversity monitoring.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Difficulties in securing appropriate and timely accommodation for prisoners released, especially for those convicted of sexual offences.
  • Severe reduction in Offending Behaviour Programme (OBP) places due to COVID-19, causing anxiety and potential parole delays for prisoners.
  • Concerns about the planned reduction of Category D places at HMP Leyhill and the limited geographical availability of other open prisons for sex offenders.
  • The prison does not routinely collect ethnicity data for behaviour warnings, hindering investigation into perceived disproportionality for BAME prisoners.
  • Ineffective Diversity and Equality Action Team (DEAT) meetings due to untimely scheduling and insubstantial minutes.
  • Lack of access to neurodiverse specialists, impacting support for prisoners with conditions like ADHD, Asperger's, and autism.
  • Significant decline in prisoner satisfaction with catering quality and portion sizes since the change of supplier.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Altcourse
Published 11 Nov 2021 · 1,113 prisoners
Assaults: 252 Staff assaults: 96
AI-generated report summary HMP Altcourse was judged a safe prison during the reporting year, demonstrating low levels of self-harm and violence despite pandemic restrictions. The Board noted significant improvements in food quality and strong staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns include the persistent delays in transferring seriously mentally ill prisoners, issues with property, and the uncertain future and low morale of the resettlement service following a contract change.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The transfer of seriously mentally ill prisoners to appropriate healthcare facilities continues to be a problem, with one particular prisoner spending over 300 days in segregation this year.
  • The use of rigid handcuffs will no longer be recorded as a use of force nationally, despite the Board considering it a physical intervention that should be monitored.
  • Persistent national issues with prisoner personal property, a continuing complaint reported in previous annual reports, exacerbated during limited family contact.
  • Low staff morale and uncertainty within the resettlement function due to the change in provider to Seetec Interventions Alliance, with concerns about unsupported prisoner releases.
  • The potential impact on prison stability from the placement of ‘out of area’ prisoners, possibly leading to a clash of cultures.
  • The frequent flooding of the newly installed kitchen flooring despite remedial work.
  • The lack of recruitment for a permanent replacement librarian after the long-standing post holder retired.
  • The succession of four complaints clerks in one year, leading to concerns about continuity and consistency in this crucial role.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Belmarsh
Published 10 Nov 2021
Self-harm: 324 Assaults: 200 Staff assaults: 77
AI-generated report summary HMP Belmarsh faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to severely restricted regimes and increased pressure on staff. While the Board commended the prison's management of the pandemic and the removal of three-man cells, concerns persist regarding mental health provision, staffing shortages, and the slow reintroduction of purposeful activity. Key areas for development include improving diversity and inclusion, reforming the complaints process, and addressing conditions in the High Security Unit.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Inadequate provision and delays in mental health services, both within and outside the prison.
  • The ongoing risk of three-man cells being reintroduced and current unacceptable communal shower conditions.
  • Significant staffing shortages impacting key worker support, regime delivery, and business hub efficiency.
  • Lack of progress on diversity, inclusion, and equality of outcome, compounded by poor data and reporting.
  • Problems with the prisoner complaints process remaining unresolved and property handling issues persisting.
  • The limited regime, slow restart of purposeful activity, and lack of in-cell telephony for HSU prisoners.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Thameside
Published 10 Nov 2021 · 1,188 prisoners
Self-harm: 570 Assaults: 180 Staff assaults: 225
AI-generated report summary HMP Thameside operated under a Covid-19 lockdown regime for much of the reporting year, successfully containing the virus but impacting prisoner welfare. The prison transitioned to a restricted regime, and introduced proactive safety management initiatives, including a revised approach to gangs. However, key concerns persist regarding the long-term effects of confinement, delays in mental health transfers, staffing shortages, and insufficient purposeful activity. The IMB also highlights issues with medication dispensing, the healthcare complaints system, and facilities management.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The longer-term impact of prolonged confinement and lack of socialisation on prisoners' mental and physical health and future behaviours.
  • The absence or remote operation of key resettlement staff (education, Home Office immigration) hindering progression and support for prisoners, especially foreign nationals.
  • Unacceptable and longstanding delays in transferring severely mentally ill prisoners to secure establishments.
  • The risk to staff and prisoners from transfers of individuals arriving with Covid-19 symptoms.
  • Insufficient purposeful out-of-cell activities and jobs for the prison's population, requiring investment.
  • Poor communication and lack of empathy from some staff influencing daily life in residential areas.
  • Unacceptable delays in the publication of Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) reports on deaths in custody.
  • The lack of mandatory drug testing, leaving the extent of drug use unknown.
  • Longstanding facilities management weaknesses, including inoperable equipment, hygiene issues, and frequent lift breakdowns.
  • Delayed responses to cell bells.
  • The lack of facilities to show body-worn video camera evidence in prisoner adjudications.
  • Ongoing staff recruitment and retention difficulties hindering regime normalisation.
  • Irregularity and poor follow-up in the prisoner information and communication (PIAC) forum.
  • Instances of halal food cross-contamination in wing serveries, a repeated concern.
  • Serious lapses in medication dispensing, including incorrect medication incidents.
  • An inadequate healthcare complaints system with unrealistic response times and poor administration.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Stocken
Published 9 Nov 2021
Self-harm: 349 Assaults: 64 Staff assaults: 45
AI-generated report summary HMP Stocken, a category C training prison, experienced significant disruption during the reporting year (May 2020 – April 2021) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, yet managed a commendable response to the outbreak and achieved high vaccination rates. Despite an extended period of restricted regime, the Board found the prison generally safe and commended the leadership and staff. Key concerns include persistent issues with prisoner transfers, resettlement support, and access to programmes.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Persistent lack of capacity in category D prisons, leading to significant numbers of category D prisoners remaining at Stocken.
  • Delays in the recategorisation and transfer of prisoners, particularly for those moved to category B and D, with some waiting over 42 days. This issue was also raised last year.
  • Ineffective ‘prisoner flow’ and resettlement support for prisoners released directly from Stocken, as it is not funded as a resettlement prison.
  • Grave concerns over the lack of access to essential offending behaviour programmes, hindering risk reduction and progression.
  • Significant issues with prisoners' property not being transferred effectively, leading to losses and compensation claims.
  • Lack of places at secure mental health facilities, leading to prisoners with severe mental health difficulties being inappropriately held in prison.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Dover Short Term Holding Facilities
Published 5 Nov 2021 · 486 prisoners
AI-generated report summary The Dover Independent Monitoring Board raises urgent concerns about the continuing and worsening conditions at Tug Haven, Kent Intake Unit (KIU), and Frontier House. Facilities are severely overcrowded, leading to migrants, including vulnerable children, sleeping in unheated and unsanitary tents. Significant issues with undetected injuries, inadequate medical screening, and insufficient healthcare staffing are highlighted, along with staff demoralisation and safety incidents stemming from the challenging environment.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The facilities, especially Tug Haven, are severely overcrowded and unsuitable for holding migrants, including vulnerable children, who are forced to sleep on floors in cold, unsanitary tents.
  • Serious and undetected injuries, such as fuel burns and foot wounds, are prevalent among migrants, exacerbated by inadequate medical screening and insufficient healthcare staffing across all facilities.
  • The prolonged use of these temporary holding facilities, due to significant delays in opening the new Western Jetfoil site, is causing significant welfare concerns, particularly as the weather grows colder.
  • Poor sanitation and hygiene, including extremely dirty toilets and a lack of proper washing facilities, contribute to the spread of illness and infection risk, as evidenced by a recent sickness outbreak at Frontier House.
  • Staff morale is negatively impacted by the challenging conditions, and safety incidents, including agitated detainees requiring police intervention, highlight the volatile environment.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Whitemoor
Published 5 Nov 2021 · 388 prisoners
Self-harm: 188 Assaults: 28 Staff assaults: 49
AI-generated report summary HMP Whitemoor operated under severe COVID-19 restrictions, leading to prisoners spending over 21 hours locked in cells daily, significantly impacting mental health and purposeful activity. Despite this, the prison maintained order and controlled infection effectively. Key challenges include increased substance misuse, persistently high segregation unit occupancy, and the urgent need for in-cell telephones and improved estate maintenance. The IMB commends the prison's efforts in managing the pandemic and establishing a rehabilitative culture, while highlighting critical areas for development.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The significant negative impact of prolonged lockdown conditions and reduced purposeful activity on prisoners' mental health and wellbeing.
  • An increase in the use of illicit substances, including hooch, facilitated in part by staff corruption, posing a risk to safety and stability.
  • The persistently high occupancy of the segregation unit, often exceeding its capacity and leading to extended periods of isolation, which also impacts the functioning of the adjacent Bridge unit.
  • Delays and poor quality in essential estate refurbishment projects, such as the main kitchen, alongside the ongoing lack of in-cell telephones, hindering family contact and reducing stress.
  • The difficulties in arranging timely transfers for prisoners with complex needs to specialist units, leading to men languishing in unsuitable conditions.
  • Challenges in staff retention and the reliance on less experienced officers, contributing to inconsistencies in staff-prisoner relations and key worker scheme delivery.
  • The continuing frustration caused by inadequate management of prisoners' property, particularly during transfers between establishments.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Swinfen Hall
Published 4 Nov 2021 · 570 prisoners
AI-generated report summary The IMB reports on HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall for 2020-21, a period significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions. While aspects like healthcare provision and increased safety for some vulnerable prisoners were noted as positive, the report highlights serious concerns regarding property issues, the lack of crucial rehabilitation programs, increasing mental health referrals, and the disproportionate use of PAVA on BAME prisoners. The Board also noted challenges with staffing, poor refurbishment works, and prisoners' limited time out of cell, with many recommendations to Ministers, HMPPS, and the Governor.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The poor workmanship in the refurbishment of A, B and C wings has impacted operational capacity and required repeated work.
  • Prisoners have been deprived of essential education, work, rehabilitation programmes, daily association, and family visits due to the pandemic.
  • The loss of prisoners' property, particularly during transfer, continues to be a deep concern, with no improvement noted from the previous year.
  • The new offender flow process results in many prisoners arriving without an initial OASys assessment, increasing pressure on stretched resources.
  • There is a worrying increase in mental health caseloads and emergency escorts to A&E, requiring close monitoring.
  • The Board has concerns about the disproportionate use of PAVA against Black, Asian, and minority ethnic prisoners.
  • Black, Asian, and minority ethnic prisoners are up to three times more likely than white prisoners to be in the Care and Separation Unit.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Birmingham
Published 3 Nov 2021
Self-harm: 676
AI-generated report summary HMP Birmingham has shown significant improvement in safety and stability under new leadership, making it the safest it has been in years, despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare provision is good, and peer support systems are strong. However, key concerns persist regarding the inhumane nature of prolonged in-cell lock-up, the high levels of use of force, and persistent issues with long stays in segregation. Other areas needing development include support for homelessness on release, addressing learning difficulties, and ensuring equity in the IEP scheme.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Prolonged and repeated stays in the segregation unit (CSU) for challenging cases, without suitable alternative national provision.
  • The inhumane nature of the 22.5-hour daily lock-up regime and its potential long-term impact on mental and physical health.
  • High levels of unplanned use of force, compounded by a lack of consistent body-worn video camera use and insufficient equipment.
  • Significant issues with homelessness for prisoners released directly from court or on short sentences, and difficulties in opening bank accounts on release.
  • Inadequate addressing of learning difficulties and autism among prisoners, requiring improved identification, training, and support systems.
  • Persistent problems with lost property, catalogue purchases, and complaint response times.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Warren Hill
Published 2 Nov 2021
Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary HMP Warren Hill, a Category C adult male prison with an operational capacity of 262, is generally considered safe and treats prisoners with respect, despite the significant challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic during the reporting period (June 2020 – May 2021). The regime was severely curtailed, with reduced time out of cell and suspension of education and therapy, yet staff maintained relationships and prisoner wellbeing was supported. Key concerns include the poor quality of food, delays in property policy reform, and missed opportunities for in-cell technology, though progress was noted on an approved premises and a disabled cell.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The ongoing difficulties with the provision and quality of food from the Hollesley Bay kitchens, including an incident where a dead mouse was found in a heated trolley, which has led to a breakdown in trust and numerous complaints.
  • The continued delay in publishing the long-awaited review of the handling of prisoners’ property, which remains a matter of concern for both current and transferred property issues.
  • The missed opportunity to install in-cell laptops concurrently with the planned in-cell telephony upgrade, limiting prisoners' access to learning and applications.
  • Several estate issues, including some doors lacking adequate apertures for fire hoses, ill-fitting windows with withdrawn replacement funding, and slow progress on a wheelchair-accessible room and wet room.
  • The severe curtailment of the progression regime, purposeful activity, education classes, group therapy, and the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) scheme due to the pandemic.
  • Disruption to the key worker system, which became a "box-ticking" exercise, although management is addressing this with refresher courses and strengthened supervision.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Winchester
Published 29 Oct 2021 · 482 prisoners
Assaults: 158 Staff assaults: 193
AI-generated report summary HMP Winchester successfully navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, preventing internal outbreaks and earning commendation for its management. Despite this, the prison continues to face significant challenges including high levels of violence, severe regime restrictions, and ongoing issues with overcrowding and the dilapidated prison estate. While healthcare provision has improved and ACCT cases have reduced, the IMB raises multiple concerns regarding the inhumane out-of-cell time, inadequate facilities for vulnerable prisoners, and a lack of funding for critical improvements.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Very high levels of violence, with HMP Winchester being highest in its comparator group for assaults on staff and second highest for prisoner-on-prisoner assaults.
  • The lack of appropriate facilities for prisoners with challenging behaviour and mental health issues, falling below inpatient threshold, creates risks for both prisoners and staff in the CSU.
  • The fundamental fabric of the prison is unsafe and not conducive to a progressive environment, with numerous incidents of structural damage and inadequate cell conditions.
  • Severely restricted regime meant 64% of prisoners spent less than an hour out of cell daily, which the IMB regards as inhumane.
  • Persistent overcrowding, with most single-person cells housing two, and almost all cells failing to meet privacy standards for WC use.
  • Significant deficiencies in surveillance arrangements on the prison site and the ongoing problem of a defective vehicle entrance barrier remain unaddressed.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Whatton
Published 25 Oct 2021 · 781 prisoners
Self-harm: 496 Assaults: 22 Staff assaults: 11
AI-generated report summary HMP Whatton operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions for most of the reporting year, with prisoners confined to cells for 22 hours daily and many activities suspended. Despite these challenges, the Board commended staff for their fair and humane approach, and prisoners largely understood the restrictions. Key concerns include the unsustainable restrictive regime, poor healthcare accommodation, delays in mental health transfers, and a backlog in offending behaviour programmes impacting resettlement.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The national lockdown regime, confining prisoners to their cells for 22 hours per day, is unsustainable and cannot be regarded as fair and humane treatment.
  • Substandard accommodation in the B wings remains unfit for purpose and has been regularly criticised.
  • The standard of accommodation in the healthcare centre is a significant concern, being cramped, damp, and not fit for purpose for the aging prisoner population.
  • Delays in transferring prisoners with severe mental health issues to secure hospital accommodation, with one prisoner held for over 98 days.
  • The provision of accredited programmes and resettlement support has been curtailed or suspended, leaving prisoners unprepared for release and creating a backlog that impacts sentence plans and parole hearings.
  • Persistent issues with the loss of prisoners' property during transfers, with no reliable tracking system.
  • Delays in the timely notification of approved premises for released prisoners, often only days before release, hindering employment and resettlement.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Sudbury
Published 22 Oct 2021 · 484 prisoners
Assaults: 9 Staff assaults: 4
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Sudbury, an open Category D male and young offenders resettlement prison, had a population of 484 in April 2021, operating at an operational capacity of 564. The reporting year, ending May 2021, was significantly impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, limiting the Board's observation and affecting many aspects of prison life, including ROTL, social visits, and purposeful activity. Despite challenges, the prison maintained low self-harm rates and experienced no Covid-19 deaths. However, concerns persist regarding the aging infrastructure, property handling during transfers, and access to offender management support.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Lack of funding for fundamental improvements to the fabric of the building, essential for decent living conditions at the prison.
  • Significant problems with prisoners' property being lost or mishandled during transfers between prisons.
  • The apparent frequency with which illicit items, including drugs and mobile phones, continue to enter the establishment.
  • Disruption to ROTL planning for many prisoners due to the management of probation services.
  • Insufficient support for prisoners in achieving their custody plan objectives, with many not knowing their Prison Offender Manager.
  • Restricted access to doctor and dentist appointments, coupled with a significant waiting list for dental care.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wandsworth
Published 21 Oct 2021 · 1,502 prisoners
Self-harm: 487 Assaults: 326 Staff assaults: 274
AI-generated report summary HMP Wandsworth operated under severe COVID-19 restrictions for most of the year, leading to prisoners spending up to 23.5 hours a day in cramped cells. The prison remained highly overcrowded and faced significant safety challenges from violence and widespread drug availability. Persistent concerns include the inhumane state of the Victorian buildings, inadequate healthcare facilities, rising mental health needs, and the absence of Home Office immigration support.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The prison remains severely overcrowded with 170-year-old residential buildings deemed unfit for purpose, suffering from frequent faults and lack of privacy.
  • High levels of violence (prisoner-on-officer and prisoner-on-prisoner assaults) and widespread drug availability contribute to an unsafe environment.
  • Healthcare provision is inadequate, with the Jones and Addison units being unsuitable and limited, and the new facility failing to include residential cells.
  • Mental health services are overwhelmed by increased referrals, and there are long delays in transfers to secure psychiatric accommodation.
  • The absence of Home Office immigration enforcement officers leaves foreign nationals without adequate support, contributing to stress and self-harm.
  • Recurrent shortages of essential kit and the lack of privacy curtains in shared cells remain unsatisfactory.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Littlehey
Published 20 Oct 2021 · 1,098 prisoners
Self-harm: 316 Assaults: 34 Staff assaults: 31
AI-generated report summary HMP Littlehey operated as a Category C training prison for sex offenders, holding 1,098 prisoners under severe COVID-19 restrictions for 11 months of the reporting period. The Board found the prison generally safe and humane, noting a decrease in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults but an increase in staff assaults and a high number of deaths in custody. Key concerns include the proposal for new double cells, persistent issues with shared accommodation, long mental health waiting times, and a significant lack of purposeful activity for prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The plan to replace G Wing with double cells contravenes Ministry of Justice strategy regarding safety and decency, and suitable accommodation for the aged and disabled is a significant consideration.
  • Too many prisoners are still forced to share cells, including those designed for single occupancy.
  • Property remains the most complained about area, with HMPPS not publishing the promised policy framework and other prisons being slow to respond to transfer-related property complaints.
  • The prison needs to further develop its understanding of equality issues, especially the over-representation of different groups in adjudications and use of force.
  • There is a high number of deaths in custody, requiring a focus on learning points and ensuring adequate numbers of trained family liaison officers.
  • The Care and Separation Unit (CSU) is unsuitable for long-term isolation, especially for prisoners with severe mental health issues.
  • Mental health waiting times significantly increased to 42 days, and there are insufficient disability cells given the prison's age profile.
  • A significant number of prisoners (26.6%) have no assigned activity, spending nearly all day locked in cells, and there is a backlog of OASys reports delaying sentence planning and access to interventions.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Erlestoke
Published 15 Oct 2021 · 428 prisoners
Self-harm: 392 Assaults: 44 Staff assaults: 64
AI-generated report summary HMP Erlestoke generally maintained a safe and humane environment during the reporting year ending March 2021, despite the challenges of Covid-19. Key improvements included a significant reduction in violence, commendable healthcare management of a Covid-19 outbreak, and improved resettlement planning. However, concerns remain regarding a troubling increase in self-harm, inadequate provision for prisoners with complex needs and IPP sentences, estates issues, and the impact of regime restrictions on purposeful activity.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • A prisoner with special needs, likely autism, has been inhumanely confined in segregation for an extended period due to a lack of suitable alternative accommodation within the prison system.
  • A cohort of IPP prisoners, many years past their tariff, are left without hope, are institutionalised, dehumanised, and some suffer from mental illness, requiring national attention.
  • Two residential units were closed during the year, and plans to replace them have faltered, hindering long-term planning for the prison.
  • The fitness suite roof leaks, imperiling new flooring and equipment, and urgently requires replacement and funding.
  • A healthcare representative is still absent in 40% of first ACCT reviews, despite improvements noted this year.
  • There is no clear communication with the IMB regarding prisoners segregated on their own location.
  • Prisoners and staff regularly complain about a lack of consistency from management in applying rules.
  • Function heads show scant participation in diversity and inclusion meetings, a recurring issue that requires a more robust regime for monitoring equality and fairness.
  • The complaints system lacks independence in terms of investigation.
  • A lack of adequate Wi-Fi and suitable iPads prevents healthcare staff from accessing patient records on wings and at reception, posing a patient safety risk.
  • Self-harm incidents rose significantly, an 86% increase from the previous year, in contrast to national trends.
  • Conditions in the Segregation Unit (CSU) fell below acceptable standards, with prisoners left without proper sanitation and running water for up to three weeks after cell damage.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wealstun
Published 14 Oct 2021 · 809 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Wealstun, a Category C training and resettlement prison, navigated the reporting year (June 2020-May 2021) under severe Covid-19 restrictions, leading to prisoners being locked up for up to 23 hours daily. The Board commended the prison for maintaining order and a settled environment, with significantly reduced violence and self-harm. Key concerns highlighted include the inadequacy of the daily food allowance, the need for improved body scanner processes and training, and ensuring the full reinstatement of key worker schemes and offending behaviour programmes post-pandemic.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The daily food allowance of £2.02 is considered extremely small for adult men and their nutritional needs.
  • A comprehensive review of the use of body scanners is needed, including better training and consistency, to prevent segregation based solely on scan images.
  • There is a need for more Category D open prison places to prevent delays in transfers for recategorised prisoners.
  • Refresher training for PAVA and rigid-bar handcuffs is a priority once training can resume.
  • Key workers need to be fully in place for all prisoners when lockdown restrictions are lifted.
  • The monthly forum for IPP and life-sentenced prisoners with the offender management unit (OMU) needs to be reinstated.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Coldingley
Published 13 Oct 2021 · 452 prisoners
Self-harm: 163 Assaults: 28 Staff assaults: 35
AI-generated report summary HMP Coldingley, a Category C training prison, faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, impacting regime, education, and work. The Board commends staff for maintaining a humane regime, containing Covid-19 outbreaks, and facilitating out-of-cell time. Key concerns include illicit items leading to violence, the lack of in-cell sanitation in older wings, and the poor state of the estate. The report highlights progress in areas like new accommodation pods and education initiatives but calls for addressing long-standing issues such as IPP prisoners and resettlement challenges.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The prevalence of illicit items (drugs, mobile phones, hooch) contributes to increased levels of violence and bullying.
  • The absence of in-cell sanitation in older wings results in a basic indignity for prisoners.
  • The fabric of older wings and flooring on E wing are in an unsatisfactory state, with repairs taking too long.
  • There is continuing concern about the number of IPP prisoners serving many years beyond their tariff.
  • Significant waiting times exist for certain healthcare services, notably optician appointments (39 weeks).
  • Almost half of all prisoners released go to unknown accommodation.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Stoke Heath
Published 13 Oct 2021 · 676 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Stoke Heath faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a restricted regime with prisoners locked in cells for extended periods, impacting their wellbeing and rehabilitation. Despite this, the IMB found the prison to be safe, with well-led healthcare services and positive staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns include severe funding cuts to education and vocational training, an inadequate heating system, and the detrimental impact of the restrictive regime and blended learning on purposeful activity and rehabilitation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The 32% cut to the education budget over three years, leading to the loss of 102 activity spaces and all prisoner qualifications in several vocational areas, significantly hinders rehabilitation efforts.
  • The heating and hot water system is not fit for purpose, causing extreme cell temperatures that adversely impact prisoner health and wellbeing, and its replacement is a priority.
  • Blended learning for education will result in prisoners being locked up for longer periods daily, further undermining the development of an effective rehabilitative culture.
  • The national system for managing prisoners’ property on transfer remains inadequate, causing distress to prisoners due to lost personal items and straining prison resources.
  • A significant number of prisoners transfer into Stoke Heath without an appropriate OASys or OMiC plan, placing pressure on the prison's resources.
  • The pausing of the full key worker programme has negatively impacted prisoners’ progress towards rehabilitation and their understanding of their situation.
  • The quality of some prison responses to complaints is often unsatisfactory, failing to resolve grievances and leading to repeat complaints.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wakefield
Published 13 Oct 2021 · 705 prisoners
Self-harm: 437 Assaults: 18 Staff assaults: 57
AI-generated report summary HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, operating under severe lockdown regimes with prisoners spending only 1.5 hours out of cell daily. While violence reduced, self-harm incidents and deaths in custody increased. The Board raised serious concerns about persistent issues with mental health transfers, a lack of consultant forensic psychiatrist provision, and the absence of in-cell telephony, which impacted prisoner wellbeing and family contact. Staffing shortages and recruitment delays were also significant concerns.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Long-standing unresolved problems with the assessment and transfer of prisoners with serious mental health and personality disorders to hospital (Section 47 MHA 1983).
  • The impact of sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) on prisoners substantially over tariff.
  • Persistent staffing challenges, including high vacancies for psychologists, slow recruitment, and exhaustion among staff.
  • Lack of in-cell telephony, hindering family contact and access to support.
  • Limited time out of cell (1.5 hours/day) due to COVID-19 restrictions and lack of clarity on future targets.
  • Recurring problems with prisoners' property going missing and a lack of consistency across the estate.
  • Inadequate and disjointed healthcare provision, specifically the lack of a consultant forensic psychiatrist and significant delays in mental health transfers and social care equipment.
  • Disproportional outcomes for prisoners of Pakistani heritage regarding adjudications and use of force.
  • Challenges in providing reasonable adjustments and gender-affirming products for prisoners on the autism spectrum and transgender prisoners, respectively.
  • Concerns regarding end-of-life care, including the unavailability of the care suite and a prisoner being in the same cell as a deceased man.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Standford Hill
Published 12 Oct 2021 · 458 prisoners
Assaults: 3
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Standford Hill maintained a well-run, humane prison with a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, despite significant challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board commended staff dedication and positive prison culture, but raised concerns about healthcare provision following a death in custody, the lack of an internet room, and reliance on external kitchen facilities. The pandemic severely restricted regime activities and purposeful activity, impacting prisoner progression and wellbeing.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The death of Mr Rahman and the inadequate healthcare oversight surrounding his discharge from hospital, raising concerns about recurrence.
  • The absence of 24/7 onsite healthcare cover, particularly at weekends.
  • The lack of an internet room to adequately equip prisoners with digital communication skills for resettlement.
  • The reliance on HMP Swaleside for food provision and the absence of Standford Hill's own kitchen facilities and a dining room.
  • The severe impact of Covid-19 restrictions on purposeful activity, ROTL, education, and family visits, leading to prolonged inactivity and hindering progression.
  • The lack of soundproofing in the healthcare centre, preventing discreet and confidential discussions during medication dispensing.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Peterborough (Men)
Published 11 Oct 2021
Self-harm: 485 Assaults: 163 Staff assaults: 66
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Peterborough (Men) operated under restricted Covid-19 regimes for the entire reporting year, impacting daily routines and rehabilitation. Despite this, the prison received credit for managing the pandemic well, leading to good safety outcomes, including significant reductions in violence and self-harm. Key concerns persist regarding resettlement accommodation, mental health provision in segregation, the future 'full regime,' and the full return of the key worker scheme.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Lack of suitable accommodation for prisoners on release, exacerbated by the absence of support agencies in the prison.
  • A significant number of prisoners are held in separation and care units without the necessary mental health inputs or suitable programs of care.
  • Concerns regarding the expectations for the future 'full regime' and its potential impact on prisoners' lives.
  • The key worker scheme needs to return to its normal operation as soon as possible, with increased awareness and contact for residents.
  • Dentistry services were suspended for longer than in the community, causing residents to tolerate painful conditions.
  • There is limited psychologist support available on site.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns

Establishment types

Across this source collection
Read the chart values
IMB reports by establishment type
Establishment typeReports
Prison789
IRC22

Reports by year

Across this source collection
Read the chart values
IMB reports by year
YearReports
2020129
2021126
2022132
2023134
2024133
2025128
202629

Key findings

Patterns across the corpus

99% of IMB reports flag key concerns. Independent monitors cover 171 establishments across prisons, immigration removal centres and secure training centres.