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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 Lincoln
Published 16 Jul 2021 · 560 prisoners
Self-harm: 478 Assaults: 53 Staff assaults: 37
HMP/YOI Lincoln is deemed a well-run Category B local prison, effectively managed by the Governor's team, which maintained a humane regime and kept prisoners safe despite severe COVID-19 restrictions. The reporting year saw significant reductions in self-harm and violence, coupled with improvements in the physical environment and infectious disease management. Key concerns include slow maintenance, high prisoner homelessness on release, long waits for mental health transfers, and the ongoing issue of IPP prisoners held beyond tariff.
Key concerns identified
  • The tardy manner in which numerous repair and maintenance jobs across the establishment are dealt with.
  • The high level of homelessness among discharged prisoners.
  • The significant group of IPP prisoners who have remained in custody well beyond their tariff date.
  • Long waiting times for transfer to a mental health institution and the absence of a comprehensive personality disorder treatment service.
  • The overdue replacement of the CSU ceiling.
  • Lack of improved disabled access to all parts of the establishment for prisoners with mobility difficulties.
2020 PRISON Concerns High Down
Published 15 Jul 2021 · 930 prisoners
Self-harm: 577 Assaults: 269 Staff assaults: 133
HMP High Down's reporting year (Jan-Dec 2020) was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a prolonged lockdown with prisoners often confined to cells for over 23 hours daily, impacting humane treatment and mental health. While prisoner-on-prisoner assaults reduced, assaults on staff increased by 23%. Key concerns include insufficient body worn cameras, inadequate heating, and a lack of purposeful activity and progressive transfers, particularly as the prison prepares for recategorisation to Category C.
Key concerns identified
  • A 23% increase in assaults against staff.
  • Insufficient body worn video cameras for staff, with concerns they are not always worn or turned on.
  • Prolonged lockdown leading to prisoners spending over 23 hours a day in cells, impacting humane treatment.
  • Cramped conditions due to 400 single cells used for double occupancy, often with in-cell toilets.
  • Categorisation issues, with Category C and D prisoners feeling aggrieved at being held in a Category A-standard local prison.
  • Ongoing problems with television aerials and heating in some house blocks, and overheating cells in summer.
  • Immigration detainees being held in prison conditions for excessively long periods.
  • The adverse effect of the pandemic on prisoners' mental health and wellbeing.
  • Lack of non-urgent healthcare appointments (dentist, optician, physiotherapist, chiropodist).
  • Lack of courses for offending behaviour and progressive transfers, impacting sentence progression and resettlement.
  • Insufficient activity spaces projected for the prison's recategorisation to a Category C establishment.
2021 PRISON Concerns Lancaster Farms
Published 14 Jul 2021 · 460 prisoners
Self-harm: 399
HMP Lancaster Farms, a Category C resettlement prison, maintained a safe environment despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly reduced violence and drug use through an emergency regime. However, this regime led to extensive confinement, severely impacting purposeful activity, education, and family contact, raising concerns about humane treatment and mental health. The Board highlighted persistent issues with self-harm, use of force, inadequate mental health staffing, property management, and accommodation, while also noting improvements in complaints handling and key worker interactions.
Key concerns identified
  • High levels of self-harm, especially among a small number of prisoners with complex mental health needs, who are not being transferred to specialist facilities.
  • The high number of use of force incidents by prison staff, despite the emergency regime.
  • Long-term confinement to cells for 22+ hours daily, raising concerns about humane treatment and mental health impact.
  • Continued accommodation of a minority of prisoners in double cells without toilet screening, despite this being a long-standing issue.
  • Significant outstanding issues with accommodation, including poor ventilation in some cells and inadequate facilities (electricity, drainage, exercise yards) in the CSU.
  • Delays in responding to prisoner complaints, particularly those involving transfers, and inadequate updates to prisoners.
  • Persistent problems with the management of prisoner property during transfers, an issue recurring for years.
  • Inadequate staffing and physical space for mental health services, leading to long wait times and difficulties in supporting vulnerable prisoners.
  • The cessation of drug rehabilitation work due to regime changes.
  • Significant disruption and reduction in education provision, vocational courses, and offending behaviour programmes, hindering progression and resettlement.
  • Ineffectiveness of "Purple Visits" due to delays, technical difficulties, and lack of privacy, impacting family contact.
  • Lack of timely provision of wheelchairs for prisoners with reduced mobility.
  • Incomplete food hygiene logs on wings.
2021 PRISON Concerns Maidstone
Published 13 Jul 2021 · 545 prisoners
Self-harm: 219 Assaults: 120
HMP Maidstone, an exclusively foreign national Category C prison, operated under a severely restricted COVID-19 regime throughout the reporting year, impacting humane treatment, health, and resettlement. Despite staff commendations for maintaining safety and relationships, significant concerns remain regarding Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) engagement, the rising number of IS91 detainees, and the lack of purposeful activity. Critical issues also include the poor state of the aged estate, the absence of in-cell telephony, and the persistent problem of lost property on transfer.
Key concerns identified
  • The adverse impacts of the COVID-19 restrictive regime, including limited time out of cell, lack of purposeful activity and exercise, and its detrimental effects on residents' mental and physical wellbeing.
  • The significant and worsening issues related to Home Office Immigration Enforcement (HOIE) service and communication for foreign national residents, leading to increased stress, anxiety, self-harm, and a rising number of IS91 detainees held inappropriately in a closed prison.
  • The continued poor state of repair of the establishment's aged buildings, with ongoing challenges in providing basics like heating, lighting, and hot water, and a lack of resolution for shower facilities and roof repairs.
  • The absence of in-cell telephony and high costs of international calls severely limit family contact for foreign national residents, impacting their wellbeing and resettlement plans.
  • The complete cessation of classroom-based education, coupled with the education provider's failure to provide translated materials, has hindered foreign national prisoners' progression and learning.
  • The persistent problem of prisoners' property being lost during transfers between prisons, particularly impactful for foreign nationals needing crucial documents for release or removal.
2020 PRISON Concerns Kirklevington Grange
Published 7 Jul 2021 · 163 prisoners
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 3 Staff assaults: 0
HMP/YOI Kirklevington Grange, an open category D prison, operated during 2020 under significant COVID-19 constraints. The Board commended staff for their response to the pandemic, maintaining a safe environment with no deaths and improved healthcare. However, key concerns include the urgent need for capital investment in the aging estate, persistent issues with prisoner property transfers, long waiting times for mental health services, and the negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on prisoner regime, education, and resettlement opportunities.
Key concerns identified
  • The old estate is in need of substantial maintenance, leading to the closure of three units and a significant reduction in operational capacity.
  • Prisoner property continues to be mislaid or lost during transfer, despite some improvements from the previous year.
  • Illicit drugs remain an issue within the prison, requiring careful monitoring.
  • Prisoners experience boredom, especially at weekends, exacerbated by poor in-room television reception and reduced activities due to COVID-19.
  • There is a long waiting time of nine weeks to see a psychiatrist.
  • Lower-level learners were significantly disadvantaged by COVID-19 restrictions, leading to reduced motivation and higher withdrawal rates from education.
  • Very poor information technology infrastructure caused frustration and failed contacts for monitored video calls ('Purple Visits').
  • Changes in HSBC bank policy prevented prisoners from obtaining a bank card before release, causing difficulties for resettlement.
2021 PRISON Concerns Leicester
Published 6 Jul 2021 · 300 prisoners
Self-harm: 455 Assaults: 53 Staff assaults: 54
HMP Leicester is a well-run local male adult prison that maintained strong leadership and an engaged staff during a challenging year of COVID-19 restrictions. Despite prisoners being largely confined to cells for 23 hours daily, the prison saw significant reductions in violence, self-harm, and drug use, partly due to the restricted regime and enhanced security. The Board commended improvements in accommodation, healthcare, and resettlement support for homeless prisoners, though concerns remain regarding long waits for mental health transfers, IPP prisoner progress, and the impact of the ongoing restricted regime.
Key concerns identified
  • The Board again has to report that two prisoners experienced long waits for transfer to secure hospital accommodation.
  • IPP prisoners were particularly disadvantaged during the lockdown period.
  • Lack of long-term accommodation for prisoners released homeless remains a major risk factor for re-offending, despite temporary successful measures.
  • The remand population at Leicester gradually rose during 2020 from the designated 55% to over 70% of the population, reducing spaces for resettlement.
  • Leicester prisoners have endured a very harsh restricted regime for more than 12 months, and due to cramped accommodation, will continue to endure more restrictions for longer than other establishments.
  • The suspension of the key worker system is regretted by the Board.
  • Reintroducing a decent regime with reasonable time out of cell without losing the safety benefits gained during the restricted regime poses a challenge.
2020 PRISON Concerns Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Lunar House
Published 2 Jul 2021
The IMB report for Gatwick, Stansted, Luton Airports and Lunar House covers the period January to December 2020. It notes that while staff generally treated detained individuals fairly and humanely, significant concerns exist regarding the physical limitations of the holding rooms, which lack natural light, fresh air, and adequate washing facilities. A primary concern is the inadequate arrangements for monitoring medical welfare and accessing urgent medication, compounded by the absence of trained medical staff on site. The Board made recommendations to the Home Office and Detention Contractor to address these healthcare deficiencies.
Key concerns identified
  • Physical limitations of the holding rooms, including lack of natural light, fresh air, and suitability for extended accommodation.
  • Inadequate medical welfare arrangements, particularly concerning urgent access to medication for detained individuals.
  • Absence of qualified medical staff on call to assess and authorise medication.
  • Limited washing facilities across most holding rooms and issues with privacy for rest and sleep due to lack of floor space.
  • Challenges in contacting medical professionals, especially out of hours, and verifying medication details.
  • Difficulty providing separate sleeping areas for different groups (males, females, families) when facilities are busy.
2020 PRISON Concerns Highpoint
Published 25 Jun 2021 · 1,048 prisoners
Self-harm: 499 Assaults: 156 Staff assaults: 111
HMP Highpoint successfully navigated the Covid-19 pandemic, with prisoners adapting well and staff ensuring a fair and humane regime, leading to reductions in violence and self-harm. In-cell telephones and video visits significantly aided family contact. However, the Board raised concerns regarding the withdrawal of JobCentrePlus services, persistent issues with prisoner property transfers, and the quality of maintenance from Gov Facility Services Limited. Challenges also remain in ensuring timely mental health record transfers between establishments.
Key concerns identified
  • Withdrawal of JobCentrePlus services since March 2020, impacting resettlement support.
  • Ongoing issues with lost or delayed prisoner property, particularly during transfers between establishments.
  • The poor quality and timeliness of works maintenance provided by Gov Facility Services Limited (GFSL).
  • Persistent problems with the repair and maintenance of kitchen equipment, affecting the provision of diet.
  • Lack of a coordinated procedure for transferring prisoner mental health records between establishments.
  • Inconsistent and insufficient hours allocated to the Equalities Officer post.
  • Loss of access to library computers for prisoners, highlighting a need for in-cell educational devices.
2021 PRISON Concerns Lewes
Published 24 Jun 2021 · 548 prisoners
The IMB report for HMP Lewes (Feb 2020-Jan 2021) highlighted the severe impact of Covid-19 restrictions, which led to prisoners being locked in cells for up to 23.5 hours daily, deemed inhumane. While a new healthcare provider brought improvements, significant concerns remain regarding mental health bed availability, disproportionate use of force against BAME prisoners, and the plight of IPP prisoners. The Board commended staff resilience but expressed ongoing concerns about regime restrictions and the lack of purposeful activity.
Key concerns identified
  • Lack of sufficient mental health beds in residential institutions.
  • Poor coordination between prison service and local authorities for pre-release housing assessments.
  • Inhumanity of long-term IPP prisoners with no prospect of release.
  • Disproportionate use of force against BAME prisoners.
  • Inadequate reinstatement of key working, work, and education opportunities.
  • High number of ACCT plans and constant watches in the CSU.
  • Underuse of body-worn video cameras by staff.
  • Lack of covers for in-cell toilets, compromising decency and hygiene.
  • Continued ingress of drugs and illicit items.
  • Impact of prolonged lock-up (up to 23.5 hours) and lack of time in the open air.
2021 PRISON Concerns Lindholme
Published 23 Jun 2021 · 944 prisoners
Self-harm: 401 Assaults: 93 Staff assaults: 53
HMP Lindholme operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions, leading to prolonged lockdowns, reduced regime, and limited purposeful activity, though self-harm and violence incidents decreased. While healthcare adapted well and staffing levels improved, concerns persist regarding high numbers of OCG prisoners, substance misuse, overcrowding, and delays in sentence progression. The IMB highlighted the negative impact of limited time out of cell and poor staff-prisoner relationships.
Key concerns identified
  • The high percentage of OCG prisoners poses a constant threat to security and safety.
  • A significant proportion of self-harm incidents involved cutting.
  • Substance misuse, including hooch, continues to be a significant problem.
  • Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and lack of privacy curtains in double-occupied cells are detrimental to prisoners' dignity and wellbeing.
  • Staff-prisoner relationships have suffered, leading to an increase in applications to the IMB concerning staff relations.
  • Limited outdoor exercise and a lack of purposeful activity during the lockdown negatively impact prisoners' general wellbeing and progression.
  • Delays in completing OASys assessments are causing significant prisoner concerns about sentence progression.
  • There has been very little reduction in the number of IPP prisoners held.
2020 IRC Concerns Dungavel House IRC
Published 22 Jun 2021 · 30 prisoners
Self-harm: 9 Assaults: 2 Staff assaults: 6
Dungavel House IRC successfully managed its operations during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with no detainee infections and staff commended for their resilience. Detainees report feeling safe, benefiting from good healthcare, a relaxed regime, and improved escort services. However, concerns persist regarding the length of detention, roof access, staff training, parking, and gate upgrades.
Key concerns identified
  • The length of detention and uncertainty of detainees’ futures.
  • The lack of robust preventative measures to ensure roofs are not accessible to detainees, a repeated concern.
  • The need for some staff to be trained in negotiating techniques, a repeated concern.
  • The much reduced number of parking bays for GEO staff and visitors due to Mitie’s office and vehicle base.
  • The need to upgrade the electronics of the inner pedestrian gate.
  • The late arrival and early departure of detainees from Edinburgh airport.
2021 PRISON Concerns Heathrow and City airports Short Term Holding Facilities
Published 17 Jun 2021
Self-harm: 1
The reporting period was significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to concerns about infection control, longer detainee stays, and increased waiting times. Key issues included slow implementation of effective Covid-19 measures, inability for detainees to access personal medication, and inadequate hygiene and family facilities in some terminals. Despite these challenges, Detention Custody Officers were observed to be largely kind and courteous.
Key concerns identified
  • Risk of Covid-19 infection due to lack of fresh air, crowding, and inability to maintain social distancing in holding rooms.
  • Detainees held for longer periods, often exceeding 24 hours, due to pandemic-related flight reductions.
  • Increased frequency of detainees waiting over two hours in controlled waiting areas before admission to holding rooms.
  • Detainees' inability to access their prescribed medication, causing anxiety and health risks, with a slow response from the Home Office to find a solution.
  • Inadequate shower facilities; no shower in Terminal 5 and the Terminal 2 shower was largely out of action, limiting access to hygiene for detainees with long waits.
  • Inadequate facilities for families and unaccompanied children in Terminal 5.
  • Lack of Wi-Fi and internet access for detainees, hindering communication with family/employers and access to personal information.
  • Cramped facilities and lack of gender segregation at Eaton House, which negatively impacts detainee welfare.
2020 IRC Concerns Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre
Published 9 Jun 2021
Self-harm: 220 Assaults: 62 Staff assaults: 18
The IMB report for Heathrow IRC (Jan-Dec 2020) highlights that the Centre generally maintained safety and humane treatment, successfully minimizing COVID-19 spread and sustaining services during lockdowns. Key concerns remain regarding the detention of individuals with severe mental health issues, inadequate detention gatekeeping, and the presence of illegal substances. Delays in police response, issues with remote DET engagement, and long periods of detention for some individuals are also noted as significant challenges.
Key concerns identified
  • The detention of people with severe mental health illnesses, and the impact that being in a custodial environment has on them.
  • Illegal substances are present in the Centre.
  • Delays in Police response to incidents within the Centre lead to unnecessarily long periods of isolation and can lead to further anxiety and disruptive behaviour.
  • The removal of face to face engagement by the Detainee Engagement Team (DET) necessitates the sharing of sensitive and difficult information over the telephone, leading to distress and anxiety.
  • Shortcomings with the detention gatekeeping process, leading to detainees with serious mental health issues still arriving in the Centre.
  • Ongoing heating and ventilation failures on both sites impact negatively on detainees’ overall wellbeing.
  • Too many detainees are held for unacceptably long periods with no prospect of removal.
  • Limited availability of formal guidance or information for detainees prior to removal, particularly where they are being sent to another country.
  • The challenge of finding appropriate accommodation for certain ex-detainees has sometimes resulted in bail lapsing and lengthened detention.
2020 PRISON Concerns Isle of Wight
Published 8 Jun 2021 · 935 prisoners
Self-harm: 728 Assaults: 41 Staff assaults: 69
HMP Isle of Wight successfully navigated a challenging year dominated by COVID-19, with strong praise for staff and an overall calm environment despite significant regime restrictions. The report highlights reductions in violence and self-harm, alongside excellent healthcare provision and positive developments in SARU management and equality. However, it also raises key concerns regarding the persistent issues with mental health transfers, a lack of national support from HMPPS, and ongoing estate and food hygiene problems, some of which are recurring.
Key concerns identified
  • The failure to transfer mentally ill prisoners to appropriate facilities in line with national guidance, and a lack of psychiatric assessment in courts leading to mentally unwell remand prisoners being sent to prison.
  • A lack of national support from HMPPS, particularly regarding reducing overcrowding and ensuring all prisoners have overnight toilet access, hindering the prison's ability to improve basic decency standards.
  • Persistent and unresolved issues with a newly refurbished wing (HU15) since August 2020, including roof leaks, missing window glass, faulty cell door locks, and problems with the heating system.
  • Unrepaired leaking roofs on several wings and workshops on the Albany site, a recurring problem impacting safety and causing cell closures due to electrical issues.
  • Ongoing issues with food hygiene, including hot food temperatures not being taken, staff lacking food hygiene training, and poor communication regarding menu choices.
  • Concerns regarding unsuccessful searches of BAME prisoners not being monitored by ethnicity, leading to the prison preparing an action plan for review.
  • The IMB's lack of a dedicated telephone system in their Albany office hinders efficient contact with prisoners.
  • Insufficient differentiation and inconsistent application of the Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) policy, offering little incentive for prisoners to achieve enhanced status.
2020 PRISON Concerns Youth estate
Published 8 Jun 2021
Pre-COVID, Boards raised concerns about high levels of violence, gang activity, and inadequate mental health resources, calling for cross-governmental action. During the first national lockdown, young people endured exceptionally restrictive regimes, locked in rooms for over 22 hours daily with minimal activity, severely impacting their mental and physical health and education. The pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing systemic problems, particularly in mental health, education, and progression, with an increased remand population further compounding issues.
Key concerns identified
  • High levels of violence and bullying, leading to young people self-isolating and increased use of 'keep aparts'.
  • Severe delays in transfers to secure mental health beds and the adult estate, causing prolonged stays in segregation for vulnerable young people.
  • Unsatisfactory and under-resourced education provision, marked by frequent cancellations and a lack of engaging materials.
  • Inadequate support for looked-after young people from local authorities and issues with resettlement planning.
  • The exceptionally restrictive lockdown regime, where young people spent 22+ hours in their rooms, severely impacting mental health, progression, and rehabilitation.
  • The significant increase in the remand population during COVID-19, causing prolonged uncertainty and increased vulnerability.
2020 PRISON Concerns Isis
Published 4 Jun 2021 · 550 prisoners
Self-harm: 277
HMP/YOI Isis operated under a severely restricted regime throughout most of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to prisoners spending up to 23.5 hours a day in their cells and limited access to education, work, and association. The Board commended the prison leadership for managing these challenges and highlighted improvements in hygiene, but raised significant concerns about the impact of the regime on prisoner well-being, the ongoing issue of housing prisoners with chronic mental health needs in an unsuitable environment, and persistent problems with staff recruitment and property transfers. Despite a drop in overall violence during lockdown, levels began to rise towards the year's end, particularly among young adults.
Key concerns identified
  • The continued detention of prisoners with enduring mental health problems or personality disorders in an unsuitable prison environment.
  • The slow and ineffective centralised recruitment process for prison officers, leading to understaffing.
  • The failure of HMPPS to publish the long-promised prisoners' property policy framework, leading to ongoing loss of property for transferring prisoners.
  • The severe and prolonged restricted regime due to COVID-19, with prisoners spending excessive time in cells and limited purposeful activity, impacting wellbeing and rehabilitation.
  • The lack of COVID-19 testing for prisoners before transfer into Isis, leading to positive cases upon arrival and risk of infection spread.
  • Education provision largely relying on in-cell packs, with many prisoners being released without gaining accredited qualifications due to the inability to arrange examinations.
  • The need to focus violence reduction initiatives on the increasing number of young adults and address the incidence of bullying.
  • Poor communication within the Offender Management Unit regarding sentence planning, recategorisation, and transfers, exacerbated by staffing vacancies.
2020 PRISON Concerns Northumberland
Published 2 Jun 2021 · 1,222 prisoners
Self-harm: 423 Assaults: 152
HMP Northumberland demonstrated exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in no related deaths among prisoners and commended staff and prisoner responses. The report highlights a sustained decline in violence and self-harm, alongside good staff-prisoner relationships and effective ACCT management. Key concerns include the continued lack of specialist mental health places, significantly restricted regimes impacting education and resettlement, and escalating dental waiting times.
Key concerns identified
  • The persistent lack of sufficient places in specialised mental health facilities in the North East, leading to prolonged segregation for some prisoners.
  • The significant reduction in opportunities for men to re-engage with learning, employment, and training due to pandemic restrictions, hindering preparation for release.
  • The need to return to enhanced regimes and recommence social visits at the earliest opportunity, while acknowledging necessary protective measures during the pandemic.
  • The continued availability of drugs inside the prison, despite sustained efforts by staff to disrupt supply.
  • Long and increasing waiting times for dental appointments, reaching up to 249 working days by year-end.
  • The lack of 24-hour residential care on site, resulting in 41 prisoners being bed-watch patients in outside hospitals.
2020 PRISON Concerns Exeter
Published 28 May 2021 · 420 prisoners
Staff assaults: 78
This report presents the findings of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Exeter for the year 2020. The prison managed the COVID-19 pandemic well, with a settled atmosphere and low virus transmission, despite severe restrictions curtailing regime activities. While staff provided humane treatment and healthcare met community standards, significant concerns persist regarding the inadequate provision for prisoners with serious mental health issues, challenges in staff recruitment and retention, and the limited opportunities for education and resettlement due to the restricted regime.
Key concerns identified
  • Availability of accommodation on release
  • Inadequate provision for prisoners with serious mental health issues
  • Risk of restricted regimes continuing post-COVID-19
  • Persistent staffing challenges and leadership instability
  • Deteriorating prison fabric and delays in essential maintenance
  • Ineffective case management of ACCTs and CSIP
  • Intermittent delivery and low engagement with the keyworker scheme
  • Cramped conditions and lack of privacy in shared cells
  • Unpleasant and austere environment of the Segregation Unit
  • Poor administrative functioning and inconsistent data recording
  • Incomplete fitting of bed rails on bunk beds
2020 PRISON Concerns Dovegate
Published 26 May 2021 · 1,160 prisoners
Self-harm: 775 Staff assaults: 48
HMP Dovegate, a Category B training prison, maintained a generally calm environment despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with effective measures preventing outbreaks. The Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships and good facilities, but highlighted persistent concerns including race disparity in segregation, lack of body-worn cameras, and issues with prisoner property transfers. Healthcare provision saw improvements in waiting times, but inpatient facilities require upgrades and a lack of confidential therapeutic space on wings remains.
Key concerns identified
  • Ongoing race disparity in segregation and the lack of investigation into this issue.
  • Lack of functional body-worn cameras for staff, despite being raised in previous reports.
  • Persistent problems with prisoners' property during transfers, a long-standing national issue.
  • Substandard and unhygienic toilet facilities in the main health centre waiting room and dated inpatient bath/shower facilities.
  • Absence of purposeful activity for residents in the inpatient healthcare unit.
  • Lack of confidential therapeutic space for mental health assessments and interventions on the wings, and the need for provision for non-faith prisoners.
2020 PRISON Concerns Brook House
Published 21 May 2021 · 95 prisoners
Assaults: 11 Staff assaults: 45
In 2020, Brook House IRC faced significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a contract change to Serco, and a compressed charter flight programme for Dublin Convention removals. The Board found the centre unsafe for vulnerable detainees in the latter months, marked by a dramatic increase in self-harm and suicidal ideation, and inhumane treatment of detainees due to Home Office policies. Delays in Rule 35 assessments, inadequate inductions, and issues with property and communication from the Home Office were key concerns, despite a welcome increase in staff numbers and some improvements in facilities.
Key concerns identified
  • Brook House was not a safe place for vulnerable detainees who had crossed the Channel in small boats.
  • A dramatic increase in levels of self-harm and suicidal ideation was observed.
  • Deficiencies in the induction process, which became ad hoc and inconsistent, often delivered by untrained staff, causing confusion.
  • Serious delays in access to Rule 35 assessments and increased needs for legal support.
  • Circumstances related to the Dublin Convention charter programme amounted to inhumane treatment of the detainee population by the Home Office.
  • Large numbers of detainees were detained for removal but later released, having been exposed to the harmful effects of detention.
  • Some detainees granted bail were not released for a considerable time due to a lack of suitable accommodation.
  • Absence of formal arrangements for briefing receiving authorities about the vulnerabilities of removed detainees, especially those on ACCTs.
  • Detainees were not given advance information about what would happen to them in receiving countries if removed under the Dublin Convention.
  • Interpretation services were not always readily available or of good quality, especially for Arabic and Farsi speakers.
  • Difficulties in maintaining access to solicitors were noted.
  • A failure to identify vulnerabilities such as age and torture claims at an early stage.
  • Confiscation of mobile phones and loss of property by the Home Office or Border Force, causing distress and loss of family contact, with no effective system for recovery or contact for detainees.
  • Poor and delayed communication from the Home Office regarding removal plans, often leading to unnecessary distress and self-harm incidents.
  • The healthcare service was over-stretched.
  • Apparent failures in identifying risk and vulnerabilities at different stages in the overall Home Office detention system.
  • Occasional desensitised attitudes among some staff towards detainees' self-harm or food refusals, which should be challenged by management.
  • Questionable pre-emptive use of Rule 40 in some instances.
  • An increased prevalence of use of force this year, particularly after the shift to a more vulnerable population.
  • Delays in informing the Board about some use of force incidents.
  • Absence of Home Office personnel in ACCT or constant supervision reviews.
  • Fewer opportunities for detainees to be consulted or engaged, such as in detainee forums.
  • Weak Wi-Fi signals on the wings affecting the use of translation tablets.
  • Concerns that the small number of complaints might reflect detainees' unfamiliarity or lack of confidence with the complaints process, especially for the new population.
  • Disappointment that Home Office reviews of Adults at Risk (AAR), ACCT, and Rule 35 policies and procedures, recommended in 2019, have been 'paused'.
  • The Adults at Risk (AAR) system did not adequately capture an individual's level of vulnerability or deterioration, as observed in prolonged detention cases.
2021 PRISON Concerns Leyhill
Published 18 May 2021 · 497 prisoners
HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, maintained a safe and humane environment despite COVID-19 challenges during the reporting year. The Board commended the prison's response to the pandemic, its healthcare provision, and diverse purposeful activities. Key concerns persist regarding the unfair treatment and delayed resettlement of IPP prisoners and those awaiting approved premises, as well as recurring issues with prisoner property management and the need to restore creative arts programmes.
Key concerns identified
  • Delays in resettlement for IPP prisoners due to disproportionately long custody.
  • Unfairness caused by a shortage of approved premises, delaying ROTL and release.
  • Recurring problem of property lost or mislaid during transfer.
  • Inadequate facilities for the storage of prisoners’ property.
  • Need to reinstate and reinvigorate creative arts teaching post-COVID-19 restrictions.
2020 PRISON Concerns Humber
Published 18 May 2021 · 898 prisoners
Self-harm: 544 Assaults: 108 Staff assaults: 46
HMP Humber faced significant challenges in 2020, operating under severe COVID-19 restrictions for nine months. The Governor and staff were highly commended for their professionalism in maintaining safety and minimizing virus spread. However, the Board expressed grave concerns about the long-term impact of extended lock-up on prisoner mental health, progression, and purposeful activity, while persistent issues like property loss and PALS response delays remained problematic.
Key concerns identified
  • The potential for long-term damage to prisoners' mental health and wellbeing due to the extended restricted regime and prolonged lock-up periods.
  • The persistent issue of loss and mismanagement of prisoners’ property, which continues to be the biggest cause of complaints and was raised in the previous year's report.
  • The slow pace of recovery and lack of autonomy for the prison in lifting COVID-19 restrictions, attributed to national guidance from HMPPS.
  • Concerns regarding the internal complaints process, with many applications to the IMB stemming from unresolved complaints and concerns about staff behaviour not being taken seriously.
  • Significant delays in responding to Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) submissions (50% not within 10 days), indicating systemic issues that predated the pandemic.
2020 PRISON Concerns Yarl’s Wood
Published 14 May 2021
Self-harm: 12 Assaults: 3
This report details the IMB's monitoring of Yarl's Wood IRC for 2020, a year marked by significant operational changes due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a shift from a predominantly women's IRC to a male Short-Term Holding Facility (STHF). The Board commends management and staff for maintaining a safe environment and effective healthcare, including an increase in mental health provisions, despite challenges. Key concerns include the identification and support of vulnerable individuals and minors within the STHF population, issues with information quality from external reception teams, and limitations in the Board's ability to monitor complaint outcomes.
Key concerns identified
  • Vulnerable adults and minors may not be properly identified or supported upon release from STHF.
  • Poor communication and inadequate information from Dover (Kent Intake Unit) regarding arriving detainees.
  • Lack of transparency and inability to monitor the investigation and outcome of complaints from other agencies.
  • STHF detainees often do not understand the induction process or the expected length of their detention.
  • Risk of Covid-19 cross-contamination due to reverse cohorting of STHF detainees and non-dedicated staff.
  • Withdrawal of the Board's access to the computerised custodial management system (CMS) and Centre manager's reports.
2020 PRISON Concerns Springhill
Published 13 May 2021
Self-harm: 4 Assaults: 3
HMP Springhill experienced a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant disruption of its rehabilitative regime. While staff were commended for maintaining safety with low self-harm and assault incidents, concerns arose regarding increased external threats, substance misuse, and communication challenges. The Board highlighted issues with equality, accommodation maintenance, and the fairness of furlough repayment, alongside a decline in resettlement outcomes for some individuals.
Key concerns identified
  • Intelligence reports of intruders, drop-offs, substance misuse, and threats to residents increased throughout the year, suggesting reduced safety.
  • Effective communication between staff and residents proved a challenge.
  • Analysis of equality and diversity issues did not function effectively due to staff shortages, and the Board found some evidence that there are issues requiring investigation.
  • Recurring problems with pest control and foul water systems in accommodation.
  • Centralised processes for compassionate and special licence release did not adequately consider local risk assessments.
  • Deteriorating accommodation and employment prospects for some residents on release.
  • Unfair implementation of the furlough scheme and repayments under the Prisoners Earnings Act.
  • Diversity and equality issues raised in 2019 remain unaddressed.
2020 PRISON Concerns North and Midlands STHF
Published 7 May 2021 · 1,620 prisoners
The North & Midlands STHF IMB report for 2020 highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its monitoring activities, leading to remote oversight. The Board notes humane treatment by DCOs and the introduction of translation devices. Key concerns include the increasing length of detentions in reporting centre holding rooms which are unsuitable for long stays, the persistent issue of detainees lacking access to prescribed medication, and bureaucratic hurdles for IMB members to access airside facilities.
Key concerns identified
  • Concerns about the continuing trend of longer and later detentions at reporting centre holding rooms, which have limited facilities and are not fit for long stays, potentially impacting detainee welfare upon onward transfer.
  • The repeated concern, for the third year, regarding the lack of proper procedures for DCOs or qualified personnel to provide detainees with access to prescribed medication, adversely affecting welfare.
  • Ongoing bureaucracy and differing airport management systems are impeding the issuance of airside passes for IMB members, hindering their ability to monitor airside holding rooms.
  • The Board remains under-strength in active members, impacting its ability to fully monitor all sites, despite a recent recruitment campaign.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the Board's ability to gather information, speak to detainees, and observe physical conditions due to remote monitoring requirements.
2020 PRISON Concerns Littlehey
Published 5 May 2021 · 1,206 prisoners
Self-harm: 254 Assaults: 66 Staff assaults: 16
HMP Littlehey remains a safe, fair, and decent Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offenses, despite facing significant challenges. Key issues include persistent overcrowding, ongoing structural and heating problems, and inadequate provision for older prisoners and those with mental health needs, often leading to inappropriate CSU placements. The Board notes improvements in social care and equality monitoring, but highlights concerns regarding regime curtailments for staff training, slow responses to property complaints, and a backlog in offender management.
Key concerns identified
  • The prison continues to face overcrowding, with two prisoners housed in cells designed for one.
  • Ongoing structural and facilities issues, including heating failures and a significant maintenance backlog, undermine morale and impact the regime.
  • Property consistently goes missing during prisoner transfers, and responses to related complaints from other establishments are extremely slow.
  • The regime is frequently curtailed for fortnightly staff training days, reducing opportunities for education, purposeful activity, and healthcare access.
  • There is a lack of suitable accommodation for prisoners with mental health issues or developmental disorders, often leading to their inappropriate placement in the Care and Separation Unit.
  • A significant backlog of OASys reports, coupled with low prisoner engagement in sentence plans and limited accredited interventions, hinders effective risk reduction and resettlement preparation.
2020 PRISON Concerns Grendon
Published 30 Apr 2021 · 161 prisoners
Self-harm: 47 Assaults: 2
HMP Grendon successfully prevented COVID-19 infections among residents during the reporting period, maintaining overall safety despite significant regime restrictions. Key challenges included increased safer custody incidents, concerns about the indecency of cell pots, and the ineffectiveness of diversity monitoring. The Board noted significant interruptions to therapy and face-to-face education, which impacted resident progression, and has raised recommendations concerning sanitation, equalities, cell bell responses, and recategorisation processes.
Key concerns identified
  • The use of cell pots for sanitation is not decent and poses hygiene issues, with the fire safety upgrades unlikely to fully address this.
  • Safer custody intelligence reports (IRs) for bad behaviour, threats to staff, and substance misuse increased significantly, reflecting resident frustration with the restricted regime.
  • Analysis and response times for cell bells require improvement, with concerns about follow-up on delayed calls.
  • Routine monitoring of diversity issues was ineffective this year, and problems raised in 2019 have not been addressed.
  • The recategorisation process requires improvements to ensure fairness, as some processes were not followed correctly.
  • The suspension of therapy and face-to-face education for extended periods has impacted resident progression and potentially caused psychological damage.
  • The HMIP recommendation regarding patient confidentiality at medicine queues remains outstanding.
2020 PRISON Concerns Hollesley Bay
Published 29 Apr 2021
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 2 Staff assaults: 5
Hollesley Bay, an open Category D YOI, navigated 2020 amid significant COVID-19 challenges, which impacted purposeful activity, education, and healthcare provision. The Board commended the prison's leadership and staff for their response to the pandemic and for maintaining a safe and humane environment. Key areas for development include improving the physical estate, enhancing training and education, and implementing a more systematic approach to prisoner development.
Key concerns identified
  • A more systematic approach to individual prisoner development is needed for training and employment opportunities.
  • The physical condition and infrastructure of the prison requires a comprehensive review and capital investment programme.
  • The quality, variety, and funding of educational and vocational training provision need enhancement to better reflect job market needs.
  • The adequacy of food provision, particularly lunch, remains a concern, having been reported in previous years.
  • COVID-19 restrictions severely impacted key services, leading to a backlog in dental care, reduced Listener scheme capacity, and less effective resident engagement.
2020 PRISON Concerns Kirkham
Published 23 Apr 2021 · 553 prisoners
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 6 Staff assaults: 1
HMP Kirkham, an open Category D prison, navigated 2020 with significant regime changes due to COVID-19, managed by strong leadership. Despite these challenges, the prison maintained a safe environment with low self-harm and violence incidents, and positive staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns include unsuitable prisoner transfers, estate issues like poor lighting and heating, and challenges with drug misuse services due to staffing and accommodation problems.
Key concerns identified
  • Individuals unsuitable for a Category D establishment are still being transferred to Kirkham, despite repeated concerns.
  • The prison suffers from poor site lighting and an inadequate CCTV system, hindering the detection of contraband and intruders.
  • Recurring problems with heating and hot water in billets require urgent boiler replacements, currently delayed until 2022.
  • Telephone charges are too high, and the 'Purple Visits' system is restrictive, limiting vital family contact.
  • The drug service faces significant challenges due to three staff vacancies and the urgent need for new premises, impacting service delivery.
  • Persistent drug use and drops remain an issue, leading to related problems like bullying over drug debt.
2020 PRISON Concerns Charter Flight
Published 21 Apr 2021
The IMB Charter Flight Monitoring Team's 2020 report highlighted grave concerns regarding the inhumane treatment of vulnerable detainees, particularly Dublin Convention returnees who had recently self-harmed, with no health information shared with receiving countries. It noted unacceptably long periods of confinement in vehicles during transfers, lack of privacy during WC use, and inconsistent provision of information and support. The Board welcomed improved HOIE oversight and more consistent information provision by escorts, but reiterated several unaddressed recommendations regarding welfare and procedural fairness.
Key concerns identified
  • Inhumane removal of vulnerable Dublin Convention returnees with recent self-harm, often under restraint.
  • No formal process to provide receiving authorities with information about returnees' mental and physical health.
  • Unacceptably long periods of confinement in vehicles during transfers, exacerbated by distant airports, without warnings or lavatory access.
  • Lack of professional interpreting services, especially on the tarmac.
  • Dublin Convention returnees were ill-prepared and ignorant of what to expect upon arrival.
  • Inadequate video coverage of collections and incidents.
  • Continued use of IRC areas unsafe under COVID-19 conditions.
  • Intimidating use of riot gear by IRC staff during transfers.
  • Infrequent recording of restraint reasons and continuance in Person Escort Records (PERs).
  • Denial of privacy for returnees using WCs/lavatories.
  • Inconsistent offer and availability of nicotine substitutes.
2020 PRISON Concerns Hindley
Published 21 Apr 2021
Staff assaults: 63
The reporting year was largely dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to significant regime restrictions. Despite these challenges, the Board found HMP/YOI Hindley to be a generally safe and humane environment, commending staff efforts in managing the pandemic and maintaining positive staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns remain around the cramped and unfit accommodation, the consistency of resettlement support, and the increased availability of illicit substances.
Key concerns identified
  • The cramped, unfit-for-purpose cells in the original wings (A-D) and kitchen.
  • Unacceptable levels of litter, health and safety risks, and security issues stemming from current window designs.
  • Inconsistent and insufficient information, advice, and guidance for prisoners being released.
  • The continued lack of an updated and understandable Incentives and Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme.
  • The apparently increased availability of illicit substances within the prison.
2020 PRISON Concerns Full Sutton
Published 7 Apr 2021 · 579 prisoners
Self-harm: 125 Assaults: 10 Staff assaults: 34
HMP Full Sutton's IMB report for 2020 highlights the extensive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prison's operations, with significant regime restrictions in place. Despite these challenges, the prison successfully maintained safety, experienced reductions in self-harm and assaults, and generally treated prisoners humanely. However, opportunities for purposeful activity, education, and progression were severely curtailed, and previous recommendations on these issues remain unaddressed due to the pandemic.
Key concerns identified
  • The ongoing lack of adequate and meaningful work and education provision, a concern carried forward from previous years.
  • Persistent problems with the management and tracking of prisoners' property during transfers between establishments.
  • The need to review and clarify the purpose and referral system of the Supporting Transition and Enabling Progression (STEP) unit, which struggled to achieve its aims.
  • The unreasonably high cost of telephone calls to mobile phones, hindering prisoners' ability to maintain vital family contact.
2020 PRISON Concerns Guys Marsh
Published 31 Mar 2021 · 400 prisoners
HMP Guys Marsh successfully kept COVID-19 out of the prison during the reporting year, with a commendably managed restricted regime contributing to a reported sense of safety among prisoners and a reduction in violence. However, this success was tempered by persistent issues including the availability of illicit substances, poor education provision, and a lack of purposeful activity, which led to boredom and frustration. Long-standing concerns like property loss during transfer and insufficient offending behaviour programmes remain unaddressed, while staffing and the humane incarceration of prisoners with complex needs require urgent attention.
Key concerns identified
  • Persistent availability of illicit substances (PS and 'hooch').
  • Poor education provision and insufficient purposeful activity for prisoners.
  • Lapses in discipline and maintenance on some wings, impacting cleanliness and estate conditions.
  • Challenges in recruitment, retention, and professional development of prison officers.
  • Insufficient places for offending behaviour programmes, failing to meet population needs.
  • Ongoing issues with prisoner property loss, particularly during transfers.
2020 PRISON Concerns Gatwick pre-departure accommodation
Published 26 Mar 2021
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
The reporting year 2020 was exceptional due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the Gatwick Pre-departure Accommodation (PDA) being largely closed from March onwards. Only three families were held between January and March, none of whom were removed from the UK; all were released back into the community. Consequently, the Independent Monitoring Board's annual report for this period is necessarily limited in its scope and findings.
Key concerns identified
  • The system that involves children witnessing their parents’ distress and facing forcible removal cannot be described as fair or humane.
  • Children being taken from their home to face forcible removal to a country they have no knowledge of negatively impacts them and results in unfair and unequal treatment.
  • The system, as currently organised, often removes families before all legal avenues are exhausted, militating against children's sense of safety and security.
2020 IRC Concerns Tinsley House IRC
Published 26 Mar 2021
Self-harm: 3 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
2020 was an exceptional year for Tinsley House IRC, largely operating as an IRC for only three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, being empty for six months, and then dual-certified as a Short Term Holding Facility (STHF) for the remainder of the year. The IMB adapted its monitoring, including remote observation for the STHF period, noting generally safe and humane conditions despite challenges like unpredictable detainee numbers and transient populations. Key concerns identified for the IRC's eventual return to full operation, as well as immediate issues for the STHF, include Covid-19 safety protocols, the quality of Rule 35 responses, and the effectiveness of detainee engagement processes.
Key concerns identified
  • The adequate identification and protection of particularly vulnerable detainees remains a concern, specifically relating to the adults-at-risk policy and Rule 35 procedure and decision-making.
  • For the STHF, there are immediate concerns about Covid-19 safety protocols, including room sharing policies, lack of routine testing on arrival, and insufficient enforcement of facemask wearing and social distancing.
  • Home Office Rule 35 notification responses are still not consistently tailored or genuinely meaningful, often using formulaic reasons.
  • Insufficient progress has been made on enhancing the outcomes of various detainee meetings (safer community, adults-at-risk, diversity/race relations) and improving the early identification of protected characteristics.
  • Detainee complaints handling is difficult to monitor effectively due to lengthy investigation times and complainants often leaving before outcomes are known, coupled with a low success rate of upheld complaints.
  • The portfolio of educational and other activities needs review to better focus on preparation for release or removal, and the provision of tablet computers in the library remains to be explored.
2020 PRISON Concerns Durham
Published 24 Mar 2021
Self-harm: 522
HMP Durham transitioned to a reception and resettlement prison for adult males and young offenders in February 2020. The reporting year was significantly impacted by COVID-19, leading to a restricted regime for much of the period. The Board noted positive developments in first night inductions, a reduction in self-harm, and improved healthcare provision by a new contractor. However, persistent concerns include overcrowding, low levels of key workers and Listeners, and the prolonged detention of immigration detainees. The report also highlights challenges with access to purposeful activity for specific prisoner groups and staffing consistency in healthcare.
Key concerns identified
  • Overcrowding continues to be a concern, with nearly 90% of cells designed for single occupancy being used for doubles.
  • The Listener scheme is at an all-time low of three, and the delivery of key working remains poor and unsustainable.
  • Immigration detainees are held for unacceptably long periods in a prison not equipped for their specific needs, with limited Home Office contact.
  • There are no plans to introduce education or work experience for prisoners serving less than 16 months, and vulnerable and older prisoners have poor access to engagement opportunities.
  • Healthcare staff attendance at segregation reviews is inconsistent, and there are concerns about the allocation of prison staff to healthcare and the cessation of reporting on missed medication.
  • There is an increasing trend of positive body scans for prisoners on licence recall and poor utilisation of body-worn video cameras for use of force incidents.
2020 PRISON Concerns Foston Hall
Published 23 Mar 2021 · 245 prisoners
Assaults: 31 Staff assaults: 72
HMP/YOI Foston Hall operated under severe COVID-19 restrictions for most of the year, leading to drastic regime changes, including confinement to cells for most of the day. Despite significant staff commitment and efforts by healthcare and resettlement services, key concerns persist regarding persistently high self-harm, staff assaults, and use of force, alongside infrastructure issues in D wing and the CSU. The report highlights the inhumane impact of the restricted regime and the challenges in maintaining essential services and progression opportunities.
Key concerns identified
  • The persistently high levels of self-harm, assaults on staff, and the rising level of use of force.
  • The failure of two wings to meet critical fire safety requirements, leading to their decommissioning.
  • Prison Service-wide restrictions resulting in women being confined to their cells for most of the day, apart from 30 minutes’ exercise, for several months, which is considered inhumane.
  • IPP prisoners remaining in custody several years beyond their tariff date.
  • Accommodation in D wing and the healthcare unit requires considerable improvement.
  • The Care and Separation Unit (CSU) has serious underlying physical size and layout limitations despite refurbishment.
  • There is a lack of suitable interview rooms across the prison for welfare and rehabilitative work.
2020 PRISON Concerns Gartree
Published 18 Mar 2021 · 636 prisoners
Self-harm: 350 Assaults: 52 Staff assaults: 48
This IMB annual report for HMP Gartree covers the period from December 2019 to November 2020, heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Despite these challenges, the prison's management is commended for effectively handling the crisis and maintaining some services. The Board highlights significant reductions in self-harm and assaults, but expresses concerns over the detrimental long-term effects of extended lockdowns on prisoner wellbeing, the deteriorating state of the prison estate, and persistent issues regarding IPP prisoners and property management.
Key concerns identified
  • The IMB's ability to conduct full monitoring was impacted by remote working restrictions.
  • Extended lockdowns due to COVID-19 are having detrimental effects on prisoners' rehabilitation, progression, and physical and mental health.
  • Deterioration of the prison estate, particularly wings A-D, due to a lack of investment, despite ongoing fire safety works.
  • Challenges in recruiting and retaining IMB members, exacerbated by COVID-19.
  • Lack of adequate resources and progression opportunities for long-term IPP prisoners.
  • Ongoing issues with managing prisoner property, including losses in transit.
  • The closure of self-catering facilities in March 2020 remains a concern for its justification after six months.
  • Poor physical conditions and limited regimes in the Segregation and Progression Unit (SAPU), with concerns about excessive lengths of stay for some prisoners.
2020 PRISON Concerns Garth
Published 12 Mar 2021 · 850 prisoners
HMP Garth faced significant challenges during the reporting year ending November 2020, dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board commends the Governor and staff for their proactive measures, which successfully kept the prison safe and largely free of the virus among prisoners until October, while adapting the regime and maintaining essential services. Key concerns persist regarding the slow progress for IPP prisoners, lengthy investigations into deaths in custody, staff stress and recruitment, and long-standing issues with property transport and maintenance services.
Key concerns identified
  • Retrospective legislation is needed for IPP prisoners, as progress towards release is slow and their continued detention unjust.
  • The process for investigating deaths in custody is excessively long and needs to be significantly accelerated.
  • Staff are experiencing increased stress and health problems due to sustained efforts during the pandemic, requiring further recruitment and acknowledgment.
  • Persistent issues with the transport of prisoners' property during transfers lead to losses and require urgent action from contractors.
  • Inadequate maintenance by Amey of essential facilities, including laundry machines and kitchen equipment, remains a major failure.
  • There are concerns about the length of time some prisoners spend in segregation and the lack of purposeful activity for them.
  • The timing of Community Offender Manager appointments is unsatisfactory, impeding continuous prisoner contact with external probation services.
  • The prison's dated and unstable computer systems, particularly impacting internet access for virtual visits, require urgent investment.
2020 PRISON Concerns Wakefield
Published 8 Mar 2021 · 729 prisoners
Self-harm: 364 Assaults: 55 Staff assaults: 47
HMP Wakefield largely maintains a just, consistent, and inclusive regime, deemed safe and orderly despite a challenging population. While physical health needs are generally met, the Board has significant concerns regarding inadequate mental health support, prolonged Rule 45 segregation, and delays in mental health transfers. The prison's focus remains on progression within the high-security estate rather than direct community resettlement.
Key concerns identified
  • Delays by West Yorkshire Police in progressing investigations into violent incidents.
  • Prisoners held for unacceptably long periods under Prison Rule 45, exacerbated by a lack of appropriate mental health support and a 'merry-go-round' of seg-to-seg transfers for prisoners with personality disorders without a long-term plan.
  • The detrimental impact of prolonged segregation on mental health, particularly for those not on the mental health caseload, and significant delays in transferring prisoners with serious acute mental health conditions to appropriate accommodation within the target time of 14 days.
  • An aged and unfit-for-purpose physical environment, including inadequate ventilation in residential spaces (hot in summer, cold in winter) and unsuitable inpatient healthcare facilities.
  • Lack of monitoring of the Prisoner Equality Action Group (PEAG) due to an under-strength Board.
  • Persistent issues for IPP prisoners experiencing mental health distress due to lack of sentence certainty.
  • Undervalued staff morale due to poor working conditions and low starting salaries, coupled with a lack of purposeful activity and absence of in-cell telephony.
  • An increase in self-harm incidents compared to the previous year (from 268 to 364), and concerns among older prisoners regarding bullying and harassment due to an influx of younger people.
2020 PRISON Concerns Elmley
Published 5 Mar 2021
Self-harm: 254
HMP Elmley faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic reporting year (Nov 2019-Oct 2020), which severely restricted the prison regime and IMB monitoring. While the Board praised adaptations like in-cell education and efforts against drug importation, key concerns persisted regarding inadequate mental health support, lengthy dental waiting times, and major difficulties in securing resettlement accommodation for prisoners on release. The pandemic also exacerbated issues of substance misuse and limited purposeful activity.
Key concerns identified
  • Inadequate mental health provision and diversion for prisoners with serious mental health issues, compounded by pandemic restrictions and post-release support gaps.
  • Persistent issues with substance misuse, debt, and bullying, with concerns over vulnerable prisoners' safety due to changing house block allocations.
  • Significant negative impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the regime, purposeful activity, and time out of cell, leading to prisoner frustration.
  • Major challenges in resettlement, particularly securing accommodation and providing crucial support for bank accounts and identification upon release.
  • Deterioration of healthcare provision, notably routine dentistry, and long waits for medical appointments, alongside concerns regarding paracetamol management.
  • Delays in progression for life-sentenced prisoners due to limited course availability and transfer issues, as well as general adjudication delays.
2020 PRISON Concerns Drake Hall
Published 4 Mar 2021 · 280 prisoners
Self-harm: 226 Assaults: 32 Staff assaults: 1
Drake Hall continues to provide a safe and humane environment, with staff and prisoners adapting well to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining good order and low levels of violence. However, long-standing concerns persist regarding the unfit condition of Richmond and Plymouth houses, and systemic issues with prisoner property transfers. The pandemic's restricted regime has impacted rehabilitation and purposeful activity, raising concerns about the mental health and resettlement prospects of prisoners, especially those shielding.
Key concerns identified
  • The condition of Richmond and Plymouth houses, which are not fit for purpose.
  • Issues relating to delayed or lost property on transfer to Drake Hall.
  • Lack of private space for the mental healthcare team to provide therapeutic interventions.
  • The increasing number of prisoners transferred to Drake Hall shortly before their release date.
  • The delay in rolling out the Offender Management in Custody (OMiC) system across the women’s estate.
  • The impact of shielding on the long-term wellbeing and rehabilitation prospects of prisoners in the Truro unit.
  • Mitigating the long-term impact of the pandemic on some prisoners’ mental health.
2020 PRISON Concerns The Verne
Published 25 Feb 2021 · 551 prisoners
Self-harm: 73 Assaults: 4 Staff assaults: 1
HMP The Verne is praised as a very safe training prison for MCOSO prisoners, maintaining high standards in staff-prisoner relationships and overall humane treatment, successfully remaining COVID-19 free. Key concerns include the lack of 24-hour social care for its growing elderly and frail population, and inadequate resettlement provision for prisoners released directly into the community. Issues with gym facilities and education provision due to COVID-19 also presented challenges during the reporting period.
Key concerns identified
  • The lack of 24-hour social care provision for the growing number of frail, elderly prisoners.
  • Inadequate resettlement provision for prisoners released directly into the community.
  • Significant problems with the gym's infrastructure, including leaks and a buckled floor.
  • Withdrawal of education services by Weston College due to COVID-19.
  • Prisoner and visitor lifts and stairlifts being out of use, impacting accessibility for those with mobility problems.
2020 PRISON Concerns Eastwood Park
Published 23 Feb 2021 · 343 prisoners
This IMB annual report for HMP/YOI Eastwood Park for the year ending October 2020 highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prison operations and monitoring. While staff efforts and communication were generally commendable, concerns persist regarding rising self-harm incidents, ongoing violence towards staff, and the continuous flow of illicit substances. The Board remains particularly concerned about the prolonged segregation of a brain-injured prisoner and the lack of appropriate secure specialist facilities for women with complex needs.
Key concerns identified
  • Levels of self-harm have risen, and concerns remain about violence towards staff.
  • There is a continuous inflow of illicit substances into the prison.
  • The plight of a brain-injured prisoner who has been segregated for over two years, effectively in solitary confinement, is a significant concern, particularly the lack of suitable secure specialist establishments for women with complex needs.
  • There are increased waiting times for dental care and a rise in women being sent to prison for their own safety due to mental health issues.
  • Significant gaps in resettlement provision mean prisoners are often released without suitable housing or adequate community support.
  • Education, work opportunities, and offending behaviour interventions were less available due to lockdown.
  • There are concerns about the HMPPS funding the manufacture of essential estate items (windows, fire doors) but then declining funding for their installation, and the opaque decision-making process for maintenance funding.
  • The low number of discrimination incident report forms (DIRFs) submitted suggests potential underreporting.
  • The suitability of mattresses, particularly for older and health-compromised prisoners, is poor.
2020 PRISON Concerns Forest Bank
Published 10 Feb 2021 · 1,390 prisoners
HMP Forest Bank, a Category B male prison, faced significant challenges during its transition to a main Reception prison and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board commended staff and management for their efforts in maintaining safety and humane treatment amidst staffing shortages and a heavily restricted regime. While healthcare provision was generally good and education adapted well to in-cell learning, concerns remained regarding the impact of restrictions on purposeful activity, appropriate transfers for long-term prisoners, property issues, and increased drug smuggling.
Key concerns identified
  • Impact of COVID-19 restrictions on regime, purposeful activity, and prisoner well-being.
  • Challenges of transitioning to a Reception prison, particularly managing appropriate transfers for sentenced and long-term prisoners.
  • Property issues during transfers and due to visit restrictions.
  • Increased drug smuggling (throwovers) and impact of COVID on healthcare, including dental waiting lists and mental health transfers.
  • Staffing pressures due to COVID-related absences and inability to fully monitor the key worker scheme.
  • Lack of a Pagan chaplain.
2020 PRISON Concerns Haverigg
Published 9 Feb 2021 · 284 prisoners
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 3
HMP Haverigg successfully transitioned from a Category C to a Category D open prison during a challenging year, ending with a population of 284. The Board commended the leadership and staff for effectively managing this change and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a safe environment and high levels of prisoner wellbeing. Despite these positive developments, the Board raised concerns regarding IPP prisoner progression, issues with property transfers, potential staff deskilling, and challenges in resettlement and some aspects of healthcare provision.
Key concerns identified
  • Delays in ROTL testing for IPP prisoners and the negative impact of indeterminate sentences on mental health.
  • Continuing issues with the transfer of prisoners' personal property and an apparent lack of progress in HMPPS property policy development.
  • Potential for staff to become deskilled and demotivated following the prison's transition to open conditions.
  • Challenges for resettlement due to delays in approved accommodation and the impact of geographical isolation on family ties.
  • Problems with out-of-hours GP links and observed issues with adult social care provision for vulnerable prisoners.
  • Regime-related issues including the regrettable closure of R4 residence and frequent breakdowns of wing-based washing machines.
2020 PRISON Concerns Cardiff
Published 5 Feb 2021
Self-harm: 712
HMP Cardiff maintained a reasonably safe environment with low violence, but self-harm incidents increased to 712, with four deaths in custody (three self-inflicted). The COVID-19 pandemic severely restricted the regime, impacting purposeful activity, time out of cell (1.5 hours daily), and overall prisoner wellbeing. Persistent staffing shortages hampered healthcare and mental health services, while disparities for BAME prisoners in areas like segregation and dangerous prisoner labels remained a concern.
Key concerns identified
  • The continuing high incidence of self-harm (712 incidents), including three self-inflicted deaths.
  • The detention of immigration detainees in custodial settings, including the CSU, and inadequate contact and support from the Home Office.
  • Persistent staffing shortages, especially within healthcare and mental health, undermining consistent service delivery.
  • The detrimental impact of the prolonged COVID-19 restricted regime on prisoner wellbeing, humane treatment, and opportunities for progression.
  • Disparities for BAME prisoners, particularly their over-representation on 'dangerous prisoner' lists and for Black/mixed-race Caribbean prisoners in segregation.
  • An increase in use of force incidents and ongoing concerns about officers' inconsistent use of Body-Worn Cameras.
  • Physical limitations of the Victorian estate for prisoners with disabilities and a continuing rat problem.
2020 PRISON Concerns Risley
Published 4 Feb 2021 · 1,100 prisoners
HMP Risley, a Category C training prison, generally maintains high safety standards and treats prisoners fairly, with improved staffing levels and the successful implementation of a key worker scheme contributing to reduced violence and self-harm. Significant concerns remain regarding the slow progression of foreign national offenders, inadequate showering facilities, frequent loss of prisoner property, and the inappropriate mixing of vulnerable and mainstream prisoners on F wing. The Board highlighted the need for improvements in healthcare response times for self-harm incidents and better support for prisoners with mental health issues in segregation.
Key concerns identified
  • Difficulty in speeding up the process for foreign national offenders stuck in the prison system.
  • Frequent instances of prisoners being transferred to establishments unable to facilitate required courses for sentence management and rehabilitation.
  • A large number of applications regarding loss of prisoners’ property, especially during transfers.
  • Showering facilities are problematic due to issues with hot water, pressure, and definite need for maintenance and refurbishment.
  • Untimely attendance by healthcare staff to prisoners on ACCT documents following self-harm incidents.
  • Concerns about mainstream prisoners being housed with vulnerable prisoners on F wing, leading to safety concerns, bullying, and unacceptable noise.
  • Vulnerable prisoners with mental health issues held in the CSU for unacceptable periods.
  • Lack of sufficient reading materials in languages other than English and language dictionaries in education.
  • Education certificates not being efficiently transferred between establishments.
  • Some education portacabins are not Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant.
2020 PRISON Concerns Ford
Published 3 Feb 2021
Self-harm: 3 Assaults: 18
HMP Ford is a Category D open prison focusing on resettlement, but the reporting year (ending October 2020) was severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. While staff are commended for managing the situation and keeping the prison COVID-free, the Board expresses significant concerns. These include the long-standing issue of poor accommodation, increased drug use, violence, and communication breakdowns exacerbated by the pandemic, all of which hinder the prison's resettlement function.
Key concerns identified
  • The deplorable handling of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) by the Ministry of Justice, causing financial disadvantage to prisoners.
  • HMPPS's lack of understanding of Category D open prisons and the vital role of Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).
  • The parlous state of accommodation, with overcrowding in small, shared rooms deemed inhumane, particularly during lockdown.
  • The failure to commission an innovative IT unit that could have aided resettlement and education during COVID-19.
  • The lack of ethnic diversity within the prison workforce, which does not mirror the prisoner population.
  • Increased tensions and an unsettled atmosphere due to COVID-19 restrictions, impacting the resettlement function and leading to a rise in illicit behaviour and violence.
  • Persistent poor communication between offender supervisors and prisoners.
  • Inconsistent ethnic balance in the profiles of men accessing outside paid work.
  • Delays in procurement for essential kitchen equipment, leading to limited menu options and unused new cookers.
  • Regular breakdowns of laundry machines, leading to dignity issues for prisoners.
  • The suspension of mandatory drug testing (MDT) during lockdown, contributing to a significant increase in drug finds and use.
  • Inability to transfer disruptive prisoners to closed conditions, negatively affecting good order and discipline.
  • Ongoing issues with property handling and a lack of accountability within HMPPS, causing significant delays and distress for prisoners.
  • The high cost of PIN phones and lack of privacy, potentially contributing to illegal mobile phone use.
2020 PRISON Concerns Brinsford
Published 29 Jan 2021
Self-harm: 344 Assaults: 322 Staff assaults: 28
HMP/YOI Brinsford, accommodating young men and Category C prisoners, demonstrated effective management during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant reduction in self-harm and assaults. Despite a highly restricted regime, prisoners were treated fairly, and healthcare provision was generally good. However, persistent issues, including delays in mental health transfers, an inadequate education contract, and poor property management, remain key concerns, many of which are long-standing.
Key concerns identified
  • The ongoing problem of relocating prisoners with severe mental health problems to more suitable treatment centres, a concern highlighted in annual reports for several years.
  • The education contract, particularly with Novus, is not fit for purpose, with too many cancelled classes, a low number of courses, and a lack of meaningful provision during lockdown, a repeated concern.
  • The poor fabric of the prison requires more investment in maintenance and refurbishment.
  • The high number of use of force incidents and inadequately completed paperwork for these incidents.
  • Persistent issues with prohibited items and drug access, despite security efforts.
  • The key worker programme's disappearance during the pandemic and the need for its resurrection.
  • The Prison Service's failing system for managing prisoners' property, causing significant frustration.
  • The limited provision by the Probation Service affecting sentence planning and risk assessment during COVID-19.
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