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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.

Peterborough (Women)
Published 11 Oct 2021
Self-harm: 1,014 Assaults: 28 Staff assaults: 53
AI-generated report summary The reporting year was dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, during which HMP Peterborough (Women) managed the emergency well, leading to significant improvements in safety outcomes. However, the restrictive regime severely impacted women's wellbeing and rehabilitation. Key concerns remain regarding national support for complex needs women, the effectiveness of the key worker system, and the need to adapt the regime better to women's specific needs.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Lack of proactive national support from HMPPS for complex needs residents.
  • Need for a robust key work system where women know and feel supported by their assigned key worker.
  • Further progress needed on adapting the prison’s regime and practice to suit the needs of women better.
  • Concerns about the lack of cells meeting the needs of prisoners with disabilities.
  • Five residents exceeded 42 days in segregation due to lack of alternative secure accommodation.
  • Suspension of dental services for longer than in the community, causing painful conditions.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Wymott
Published 8 Oct 2021
Self-harm: 224 Assaults: 40 Staff assaults: 11
AI-generated report summary HMP Wymott largely maintained safety during a challenging Covid-19 reporting year (June 2020-May 2021), seeing reductions in self-harm and violence. While staff efforts and some initiatives were commendable, the pandemic exacerbated long-standing issues, particularly with healthcare provision, the prison estate's infrastructure, property loss, and complaints handling. The restricted regime severely limited opportunities for purposeful activity, education, and resettlement, causing significant frustration among prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The risk of drug-related deaths and the ease of drug access within the prison.
  • Persistent failings in handling prisoners' complaints and significant loss of prisoner property.
  • Long-standing problems in healthcare, including medication distribution, inadequate premises, and dental waiting times.
  • Limited opportunities for progression and purposeful activity, particularly for IPP prisoners, leading to frustration.
  • Dire state and lack of investment in A and B wings, and struggling kitchen infrastructure.
  • Staffing shortages impacting healthcare and other services.
  • Delays in informing prisoners of release arrangements and restrictions on transfers to resettlement prisons.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Dover
Published 8 Oct 2021
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary The Independent Monitoring Board for Dover Short-Term Holding Facility reported on the period of January 2019 to December 2020, during which detainee numbers significantly increased. Key concerns included the unsuitability of the facilities for the high volume of detainees and extended stays, particularly for vulnerable individuals and children. The Board highlighted issues with mental health provision, the practicality of COVID-19 measures, and detainees' lack of clear information or external contact, despite staff largely treating detainees with respect.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The fundamental unsuitability of holding facilities for the high numbers of detainees and prolonged stays (exceeding 24 hours), particularly with inadequate sleeping facilities, ventilation, and access to fresh air or showers.
  • Increased pressure on staff to identify and respond to detainee vulnerabilities, including safeguarding children, leading to potential missed needs and issues with incorrect age assessments.
  • Insufficient mental health provision and challenges in effectively communicating health information for detainees transferred to other facilities.
  • Impracticality of social distancing and concerns about the effectiveness and uptake of COVID-19 testing within the crowded holding room environment.
  • Detainees' confusion regarding their process and limited ability to contact family or legal advisors, exacerbated by information not being available in a range of languages.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Woodhill
Published 5 Oct 2021 · 455 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Woodhill faced a challenging year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions, which limited prisoner time out of cell to an average of 1.75 hours daily and curtailed visits and activities. Despite successfully preventing a Covid-19 outbreak among prisoners, the Board raised concerns about high levels of violence, a high proportion of inexperienced staff, and issues with long-term segregation and property management. There were also notable delays in mental health transfers and insufficient purposeful activity for progression.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • High levels of all types of violence (self-harm, prisoner-on-prisoner, staff assaults)
  • High proportion of inexperienced staff, impacting safety and care
  • Too many prisoners held in long-term segregation due to lack of specialist units or progression options
  • Significant issues with prisoner property management, including losses, delays, and contraband upon arrival
  • Ongoing delays in transferring prisoners to secure mental health facilities
  • Insufficient purposeful activity, education, and offending behaviour programmes hindering progression and resettlement
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Low Newton
Published 4 Oct 2021 · 237 prisoners
Self-harm: 470 Assaults: 18 Staff assaults: 54
AI-generated report summary This IMB report for HMP/YOI Low Newton covers March 2020 – February 2021, a period significantly impacted by Covid-19. The Board found the prison generally safe and prisoners treated humanely, commending staff for adapting well to pandemic challenges. Key concerns remain regarding the high number of prisoners with severe mental health issues, the need for funding for educational initiatives, and ongoing estate issues impacting purposeful activity.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • A large number of women with severe mental health issues, with the prison often used as a 'place of safety'.
  • Need for additional funding to invest in new educational and vocational initiatives.
  • Need for more handsets to allow staff access to in-cell phones.
  • Consistent timings of Good Order or Discipline (GOOD) reviews for Board attendance.
  • Serious problems with leaking roofs, restricting education classrooms and workshops.
  • The Listener scheme is 50% below complement.
  • Challenges in finding appropriate accommodation for released prisoners.
  • Low take-up of video visits due to technology and security issues.
  • The IMB needs to increase personnel and improve gender mix.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
New Hall
Published 1 Oct 2021 · 311 prisoners
Self-harm: 467
AI-generated report summary The Independent Monitoring Board at HMP New Hall reported a generally well-run and safe prison for the year ending February 2021, despite significant challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Positive aspects included improved healthcare staffing, reduced self-harm, and effective use of technology like Purple Visits to maintain family contact. However, key concerns persist regarding the lack of resettlement accommodation, the impact of Covid-19 on sentence progression, and persistent issues with late prisoner arrivals and lost property during transfers.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The government plan for 500 new prison places for women contradicts the female offender strategy.
  • There is a continued lack of appropriate resettlement accommodation for women on release.
  • Covid-19 restrictions have hindered prisoners from completing sentence plans and progressing towards release.
  • Late arrivals of residents at reception remain a persistent problem, not improving despite previous flagging.
  • Loss of personal property during transfers between prisons is a regular cause for complaint.
  • Some prisoners are still released with no accommodation.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Downview
Published 29 Sep 2021 · 219 prisoners
Self-harm: 369 Assaults: 21 Staff assaults: 11
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Downview operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions, leading to a significantly reduced regime with prisoners largely confined to cells for 22.5 hours a day. Despite these challenges, the Board found Downview to be a safe prison, with staff highly commended for their efforts in maintaining safety and humane treatment. Concerns persist regarding mental health provision, the impact of prolonged lockdown on prisoners' well-being, and the limited availability of purposeful activity and external support services.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Delay in easing restricted regime and its impact on mental health.
  • Disappointment with lack of special vaccination status for prisons, contradictory to reasons for family visit restrictions.
  • Concern about creating 500 new prison places for women, contradictory to community support assurances.
  • Lack of centrally collated data on dependent children of prisoners, hampering family engagement.
  • Ensuring purposeful activity and rehabilitation in post-lockdown regime, and constructive management of trade union input.
  • Concern about centralised contract management processes (e.g., PACT) limiting local establishments' ability to performance manage, and need for robust processes for future procurement.
  • Managing third-party providers (e.g., Weston College, PACT, DWP) unable or unwilling to attend during lockdowns, which left prison staff exposed and prisoners denied support.
  • Extreme concern about reduced capacity and headcount for psychology interventions and subsequent waiting list, especially during increased demand, urging prompt recruitment.
  • Significant obstacles to prisoners' access to IT for education, urging development of an effective digital strategy for education, digital devices, and secure internet access in the women's estate.
  • Outdated internal IT systems wasting staff time, plans for updating across the estate.
  • Predictions of fewer opportunities for association; hope for replacement by purposeful activity.
  • Need for a more family-centred approach and proactive management of contracted-out resources.
  • Monitoring the Weston College contract as face-to-face teaching resumes.
  • Frequent inaccuracies in presented data (operational records, management information).
  • Subjective treatment of some healthcare complaints as concerns, requiring more effective management.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Berwyn
Published 28 Sep 2021 · 1,725 prisoners
Self-harm: 1,431 Assaults: 301 Staff assaults: 258
AI-generated report summary HMP Berwyn, a category C resettlement prison, experienced its first period near full operational capacity during a reporting year largely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite restrictions, the IMB found the establishment safe with generally good staff-prisoner relationships and efforts made to provide education and essential work. However, significant concerns persisted regarding infrastructure defects (heating, paint), lengthy healthcare waiting times, and delays in transferring prisoners with mental ill-health or those eligible for Category D.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The serious paint defects and ineffective heating systems need urgent resolution, as they pose a detriment to prisoners.
  • Significant delays in transferring men with mental ill-health to appropriate secure facilities lead to lengthy periods in segregation.
  • Lengthy waiting times for dental care (12 months) and GP appointments (six weeks) need improvement.
  • The lack of available category D transfer places causes considerable frustration among eligible men.
  • The high levels of self-harm incidents, assaults, and use of force are a significant concern.
  • The complaints system is overwhelmed, with issues not being resolved at community level and formal complaint responses lacking timeliness and quality.
  • The medicines optimisation strategy caused distress among prisoners due to sudden changes in medication, leading to increased complaints.
  • The prison's design with 70% double occupancy cells creates significant challenges for prisoners unable to share.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Stafford
Published 21 Sep 2021 · 693 prisoners
Self-harm: 116 Assaults: 12 Staff assaults: 11
AI-generated report summary This IMB annual report for HMP Stafford, a Category C training prison, covers a period significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Key concerns include persistent poor medicines management, deteriorating staff-resident relationships, and the challenges of a highly restrictive regime compounded by a lack of in-cell telephony. Positive aspects noted were low violence and drug levels, successful vaccine rollout, and comprehensive in-cell activity provision.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • All elements of medicines management are non-comparable to the general community and totally unacceptable on the grounds of resident health safety, especially regarding repeat prescriptions and medication delivery gaps.
  • A significant number of residents reported being treated unfairly or without respect by staff, with only 65% of survey respondents feeling respected and over 15% reporting negative officer conduct, including instances of bullying and discrimination.
  • The lack of in-cell telephony places significant pressure on wing pin phones, forcing residents to choose between communication with loved ones and essential outdoor exercise, and the national rollout appears delayed.
  • The Population Management Unit (PMU) is not adequately considering the suitability of residents transferred to HMP Stafford, leading to arrivals who cannot manage the prison's stairs or require end-of-life care without prior discussion, placing unfair pressure on staff and detrimentally affecting the resident.
  • The IEP scheme is poorly understood and perceived as ineffective by over 60% of residents, with some believing it rewards poor behaviour and provides no incentive to progress beyond basic or standard levels.
  • There is a disparity in call charges, making calls from wing phones more expensive than in-cell phones, placing residents at a disadvantage and negatively impacting their mental health and family contacts.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Pentonville
Published 14 Sep 2021 · 966 prisoners
Self-harm: 556
AI-generated report summary During a reporting year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Pentonville successfully avoided a widespread deadly outbreak through stringent measures, though two prisoners sadly died. However, the Board found that the highly restricted regime led to inhumane conditions, with prisoners confined to cells for extended periods, impacting mental health and resettlement progression. Key concerns remain around overcrowding, inadequate facilities, the safety of vulnerable prisoners, and persistent violence and drug issues, with limited progress on ACCT quality and disproportionality in disciplinary actions.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Overcrowding and inhumane conditions due to cell sharing.
  • Inadequate and unhygienic facilities (showers, heating, vermin).
  • Significantly reduced mental health provision.
  • Safety of vulnerable prisoners housed outside dedicated unit.
  • Persistent violence and drug issues, including high young adult violence, poor drug dog cover, and no MDT.
  • Backlog in PPO reports and inquests for deaths.
  • Variable quality of ACCT documents and CSIP not fully embedded.
  • Lack of timeliness in internal prison communication regarding sentence management.
  • Persistent issues with prisoners' property (delays, losses).
  • Disproportionate representation of young, Muslim, Black, and mixed ethnicity prisoners in use of force and adjudications.
  • Limited access to work, education, and other group activities, compromising resettlement.
  • Lack of staff adherence to Body Worn Video Camera (BWVC) activation policy.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Hull
Published 9 Sep 2021 · 1,000 prisoners
Assaults: 195 Staff assaults: 50
AI-generated report summary During the reporting year dominated by COVID-19, HMP Hull remained a safe prison with reduced violence and aggression, despite two self-inflicted deaths. Staff and prisoners collaborated well, and new communication and education methods supported coping. However, pandemic restrictions severely limited prisoners' time out of cells to approximately one hour daily, highlighting issues with shared Victorian cells. While healthcare provision was maintained under pressure, the Board raised concerns about the management oversight of the external provider (CHCP) and the complexity of the complaints system.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Insufficient capacity leading to inadequate double cell sharing.
  • Loss of prisoners' property remains an issue.
  • Weak management structure, communication, and oversight of healthcare provision (CHCP).
  • Need to restore full support of key workers.
  • Sustaining improved safety perceptions while increasing activity and association.
  • Developing interventions for young adults and building employer contacts for resettlement.
  • Consistency in holding and notifying IMB of Rule 45 segregation reviews.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Styal
Published 8 Sep 2021
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Styal effectively managed the Covid-19 pandemic, maintaining a safe and humane environment despite significant regime restrictions. While primary healthcare was good, mental health needs were not fully supported, and purposeful activity was severely curtailed due to lockdowns. Key concerns include fire safety risks in unrefurbished houses, ongoing maintenance failings, and the need for more resources to tackle drug ingress and support prisoners with complex mental health issues.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • There is a significant fire risk in 16 unrefurbished houses at Styal, identified as red risk due to false ceilings, lath and plaster, and non-fire-resistant doors.
  • Significant failings in accommodation maintenance continue, with excessive quotations and long delays from external providers, leading to further deterioration and decency issues. This issue was also reported last year.
  • Increased resources, including better access to drug dogs and body scanners, are needed to tackle illicit drug traffic, particularly as lockdown restrictions ease.
  • The prison is challenged by the need to manage many prisoners with severe and enduring mental health problems, highlighting a national need for more specialist facilities.
  • Greater consideration is required for prison escorts, which exacerbate critical staffing shortages, especially given the complex health needs of female prisoners.
  • Concerns exist about changes to Through the Gate Services contracts, including the loss of experienced partners like Shelter, requiring careful monitoring.
  • There is insufficient dialogue between healthcare and other prison staff, and the IMB lacks access to analysis of prisoner complaints directly to the healthcare provider.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Preston
Published 7 Sep 2021 · 675 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Preston operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions throughout the reporting year, facing two outbreaks that significantly impacted regime, staffing, and services. Despite these challenges, there were no prisoner deaths, and staff maintained good relations with prisoners, with some positive developments in digital communication and body scanner integration. However, key concerns persist around the outdated physical estate, chronic staffing shortages, and lengthy delays for mental health transfers.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The physical environment, particularly the cramped reception area and small cells with unscreened toilets, does not meet modern standards and was exacerbated by Covid-19 restrictions.
  • Staffing levels were a constant problem, significantly impacted by Covid-19 related absences and the reliance on officers under training to cover duties.
  • There is a significant delay in transferring prisoners with acute mental health needs to secure units, with an average wait of three to six months, far exceeding proposed guidelines.
  • Progression and resettlement suffered, with education providers initially remote, courses lacking qualifications, and vocational training ceased.
  • The lack of face-to-face contact for resettlement services like Shelter and OMU created practical issues, particularly for prisoners planning release, causing stress and anxiety.
  • The Board believes that all personnel and prisoners within the prison should have been vaccinated earlier due to the confined environment, a recommendation not accepted by Gold Command.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
North Sea Camp
Published 3 Sep 2021 · 346 prisoners
Self-harm: 8 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary The IMB report for HMP North Sea Camp for 2020-21 highlights an exceptionally difficult year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns. While the Board found the prison generally safe and humane with good healthcare, severe regime restrictions led to prisoner confinement and frustration. Key concerns include inadequate and aging accommodation, especially cramped double rooms, slow responses from the Offender Management Unit, and the lack of a dedicated end-of-life care facility.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • No facility for suitable end-of-life care or on-site residential healthcare for an aging population.
  • Accommodation is decades old and requires more than periodic repairs, with many double rooms being inadequately sized and not compliant with PSI standards.
  • Difficulties for wheelchair users in accessing approved premises for resettlement overnight release (ROR), delaying ROTL and parole hearings.
  • Offender Management Unit (OMU) is slow to respond to prisoner requests, lacks face-to-face contact, and is perceived as inadequately preparing prisoners for release.
  • Confinement of prisoners to small, often shared, cells for most of the day due to Covid-19 restrictions, leading to frustration and deemed inhumane by many.
  • Delays in routine maintenance and issues with the transfer of prisoners’ property, linked to contract failures without apparent penalties for providers.
  • Offender managers in the probation service are slow to update OASys and complete paperwork for ROTL boards, causing delays to parole and extended prison stays.
  • Significant areas of the prison remain inaccessible to prisoners with physical disabilities, especially wheelchair users, requiring central budget allocation for improvements.
  • The need for budget allocation to convert dormitories into smaller two-person rooms to prevent multi-occupancy when the prison returns to full capacity.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Swaleside
Published 3 Sep 2021 · 989 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Swaleside experienced a challenging year due to COVID-19, but management and staff were commended for their exceptional response and innovative strategies. The prison maintained a positive trajectory with declining violence and improved humane treatment, though concerns persist regarding resettlement provision and the mental health impact of prolonged lockdown. Key issues include kitchen capacity, access to confidential complaints, and disparities in opportunities for vulnerable groups.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The kitchen's insufficient capacity for Swaleside's population and its reliance on catering for Standford Hill remains unaddressed.
  • The Board is denied statutory access to the Governor's confidential complaints (Comp 2 paperwork), hindering its monitoring duties.
  • Swaleside cannot provide adequate resettlement services for the increasing number of residents released directly into the community.
  • Inequality of opportunity persists for MCOSO and vulnerable residents regarding activities, employment, and common facilities.
  • The lack of in-cell telephony in the Inpatient Department (IPD) disadvantages residents in healthcare.
  • The continued long-term occupancy of an end-of-life cell by a paraplegic resident with different needs is inappropriate and resource-intensive.
  • The lack of sufficient Body Worn Cameras for staff needs addressing to properly establish facts after incidents.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Thorn Cross
Published 2 Sep 2021
Self-harm: 3 Assaults: 7 Staff assaults: 1
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Thorn Cross continued to be a safe and respectful environment, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board noted good healthcare provision and a strong rehabilitative culture, supported by the welcomed use of mobile phones. Key concerns include the national reduction in open estate places, insufficient resources for prisoners with complex needs, and persistent issues with IT systems and missing property during transfers.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The national fall in open estate places means fewer prisoners can benefit from rehabilitative culture.
  • Increased numbers of prisoners with complex needs are not matched by adequate resources.
  • Lack of approved premises causes delays in prisoner release.
  • There's a risk that the positive learning from the temporary use of mobile phones may be lost.
  • Arrangements for high-security prisoners moving directly to the open estate are unfair and need review due to adaptation struggles.
  • The prison continues to fail in providing decent, fire-retardant seating, an issue referenced in the last report.
  • The systemic problem of prisoners' property going missing during transfer persists.
  • IT systems for staff remain slow and inefficient, a concern raised two years ago.
  • Embedding the new OMiC model and noting its impact on prisoner outcomes requires ongoing focus.
  • There is a need to reduce contraband brought onto the estate by intruders and to re-evaluate methods for identifying absconding risks.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Rochester
Published 1 Sep 2021 · 652 prisoners
Assaults: 129
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Rochester maintained a stable, safe, and decent environment despite severe COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, with violence and self-harm incidents lower than anticipated. However, the restrictive regime, which involved locking prisoners up for 22 hours a day, significantly curtailed purposeful activity and resettlement efforts. Key concerns include persistent drug issues, inadequate accommodation for released prisoners, property losses during transfers, and a shortage of Category D places.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Increased funding and resources are needed across the prison estate to tackle drug use, including improved security technology and intervention programmes.
  • Too many prisoners are released from Rochester to become homeless rough sleepers, as suitable accommodation is lacking and the initiative for prisons to refer those at risk to local authorities is not working.
  • There has been no progress in resolving persistent problems with property losses when prisoners are transferred between establishments, causing needless frustration.
  • Too many Category D prisoners remain in Rochester awaiting transfer to open conditions, which is unfair given their achievement of Category D status.
  • Cell clearance checks remain haphazard, particularly when prisoners are moved to the Segregation Unit from double cells, leading to loss of personal property.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Send
Published 26 Aug 2021 · 168 prisoners
Self-harm: 510 Assaults: 15 Staff assaults: 10
AI-generated report summary HMP Send operated under severe COVID-19 restrictions during the reporting year, significantly impacting the regime, education, and prisoner wellbeing, with women often confined for up to 23 hours daily. Despite these challenges, staff were commended for their professionalism and efforts to maintain safety and humane treatment, including the introduction of in-cell phones and improved canteen services. Key concerns highlighted by the Board include rising self-harm incidents, continued drug entry, the inhumane detention of IPP prisoners, and the detrimental long-term effects of restricted education and resettlement opportunities.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The major risk to prisoner safety at Send is self-harm, levels of which climbed as the year progressed, decreasing only 6% while the population decreased 40%.
  • Drugs continued to enter the prison throughout the reporting year despite restrictions, negatively impacting safety.
  • The national restrictions imposed by HMPPS resulted in inhumane living conditions, including long periods of cell confinement, and a lack of early vaccination access for prisoners and staff.
  • The unjust and inhumane detention of two IPP prisoners, held many years beyond their original tariff dates, remains a significant concern.
  • Education was severely curtailed, with classroom teaching suspended and in-cell learning packs insufficient, compounded by a lack of digital infrastructure and a perceived low priority for learning within HMPPS.
  • There is a lack of appropriate resettlement accommodation and concerns about gaps in care for vulnerable foreign national prisoners upon release.
  • Inconsistent outcomes in Discrimination Incident Report Forms (DIRFs) for racist behaviour indicate staff difficulties in establishing proof, further hampered by outdated equality monitoring data.
  • Other concerns include long delays in property exchange and mail, inadequate cell ventilation, and problems with the Purple Visits service and social worker-supervised family visits.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Nottingham
Published 25 Aug 2021 · 828 prisoners
Self-harm: 1,013 Assaults: 207 Staff assaults: 103
AI-generated report summary This IMB report for HMP Nottingham covers a period entirely dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to severely restricted regimes with prisoners spending extended periods in cell and limited access to activities. While staff are commended for their commitment and efforts to mitigate the impact, significant concerns remain regarding the humane treatment of prisoners, particularly the extended cell confinement. Key issues include inadequate mental health provision leading to long segregation stays, the situation of IPP prisoners, and the lack of arrangements for second vaccine doses upon release.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Extended periods of cell confinement and deprivation of basic rights due to severe pandemic restrictions.
  • Inadequate provision of in-patient mental health facilities, leading to long segregation stays for unwell prisoners and the unreasonable allocation of Rampton-rejected patients to Nottingham.
  • The ongoing, inhumane situation for IPP prisoners detained long beyond their minimum terms without clear progression paths.
  • Prolonged delays in transferring prisoners requiring suitable placements in the secure prison or mental health estate, resulting in extended segregation without necessary programmes.
  • The persistent failure to separate remand and convicted prisoners, a systemic issue.
  • The inability to ensure prisoners receive a second COVID-19 vaccine dose upon release, highlighting a discontinuity of care.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Oakwood
Published 24 Aug 2021 · 2,047 prisoners
Self-harm: 887 Assaults: 20
AI-generated report summary HMP Oakwood navigated the COVID-19 pandemic under a strict 22-23 hour lockdown regime, with staff showing exemplary commitment in maintaining a safe environment and humane treatment. Despite these efforts, the regime severely limited education, purposeful activity, and access to services, leading to concerns about sentence progression and mental health impacts. Key issues included the poor performance of the education provider Novus, persistent problems with prisoner property transfers, and challenges in managing transfers of vulnerable prisoners without appropriate medical information or COVID-19 testing.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The almost complete absence and poor performance of education provider Novus.
  • Lack of agreed protocols for secure transportation of prisoner property between prisons, and concerns about missing property upon transfer or after cell searches.
  • Prisoners arriving with serious illnesses, injuries, COVID-19 symptoms, or without medication/records, alongside a lack of routine COVID-19 testing on transfer.
  • Quality and reliability issues with the Purple Visits platform and insufficient alternative communication options for prisoners.
  • The Prison Service's cessation of recording ligature incidents and unclear HMPPS guidance on the matter.
  • Suspension of offending behaviour programmes by HMPPS, which negatively impacted prisoners' sentence plans and parole applications.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Rye Hill
Published 19 Aug 2021 · 656 prisoners
AI-generated report summary The IMB report for HMP Rye Hill (April 2020 – March 2021) details the prison's operation under COVID-19 restrictions, maintaining a safe and humane environment with commendations for case management and a prompt vaccination program. Key challenges included the significant impact of restrictions on IPP prisoner progression, insufficient mental health transfer places, and the need for broader education courses. The report also raised concerns about equality monitoring, the high threshold for upholding discrimination complaints, and ongoing difficulties with resettlement accommodation and Probation Service arrangements for released prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The progression of IPP prisoners, especially those extensively over-tariff, has been severely impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, hindering their parole hearings.
  • There is insufficient access to appropriate secure hospital settings and specialist support for prisoners with significant mental health issues, including personality disorders.
  • The prison's education offerings need to include more personal and social development courses to support the progression of lower-risk prisoners not suitable for accredited programmes.
  • Concerns exist regarding the low number of discrimination incident reporting forms (DIRFs) being logged and upheld, indicating potential issues with the process or prisoner understanding.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Holme House
Published 18 Aug 2021 · 1,200 prisoners
Self-harm: 728
AI-generated report summary The reporting year was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly impacting HMP Holme House's operations, leading to restricted regimes and reduced purposeful activity. While staff were commended for their initial pandemic response and improvements were seen in staff culture and complaint handling, key concerns persist. These include issues with decency standards, inadequate education provision, and persistent delays in mental health transfers and resolving police referrals, with the Board's monitoring capacity constrained by restrictions.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Unscreened WCs in cells, damaged floors, and poor quality showers remain significant decency concerns, a problem for several years and exacerbated by increased in-cell time.
  • The prisoner induction programme continues to be unsatisfactory and has deteriorated over the last four years.
  • Education provision suffered greatly during the pandemic, and there is a need for better education leading to improved resettlement outcomes.
  • Unacceptable delays persist in transferring seriously ill patients to mental health hospitals due to bed shortages.
  • Access to dental care is problematic, limited to emergencies, with a waiting list of around 200.
  • 182 outstanding police referrals, some dating back to 2018, remain unresolved, hindering justice for accused or victims.
  • Funding for necessary and previously approved repairs has not been made available expeditiously.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Lowdham Grange
Published 17 Aug 2021 · 885 prisoners
Self-harm: 480 Assaults: 83 Staff assaults: 85
AI-generated report summary HMP Lowdham Grange operated a restricted regime throughout the year due to COVID-19, which impacted various aspects of prison life and the Board's monitoring capabilities. Despite these challenges, the prison was generally well-managed, maintaining safety with reduced violence, effective healthcare provision, and positive staff-prisoner relationships, though staff morale declined. Key concerns remain around mental health transfers, property management, drug availability, and the progression of IPP prisoners, as well as the overall impact of lockdown on wellbeing.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Significant delays in finding appropriate treatment and beds in secure mental health units, leading to extended segregation for mentally unwell prisoners.
  • Continued issues with the management of prisoners’ property during transfers between establishments.
  • The ongoing challenge of managing the import and availability of psychoactive substances and homemade alcohol.
  • Delays in the regular use and progression of body worn camera equipment by prison custody officers.
  • Lack of progress in schemes supporting IPP prisoners and assisting them towards parole or release.
  • The negative impact of prolonged lockdown periods on prisoners' mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Moorland
Published 12 Aug 2021 · 955 prisoners
Self-harm: 373 Assaults: 60 Staff assaults: 27
AI-generated report summary HMP and YOI Moorland adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic with a restricted regime, leading to reductions in violence and self-harm, and high reported safety levels. However, it also resulted in significant limitations on education, work, and association, impacting prisoner mental wellbeing and progression. Persistent national challenges, such as a shortage of secure psychiatric beds and inadequate food budgeting, continue to hinder effective prisoner care and resettlement despite local efforts.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • National shortage of secure psychiatric beds.
  • Insufficient suitable accommodation for released prisoners.
  • Backlog in the delivery of programmes identified in prisoners’ sentence plans.
  • Underutilisation of in-cell technology investment.
  • Daily budgetary allowance for food does not allow sufficient nutritional content.
  • Inadequate re-establishment of meaningful key worker sessions.
  • Insufficient attention to the progression and resettlement of IPP prisoners.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Leeds
Published 11 Aug 2021
Self-harm: 675 Assaults: 170 Staff assaults: 95
AI-generated report summary HMP Leeds operated under a severely curtailed regime in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to prisoners spending 23 hours a day in cells. While this contributed to a reduction in violence and self-harm incidents, it exacerbated concerns regarding humane treatment in shared, small cells with integral toilets. Key challenges included a lack of mental health hospital places, inconsistent staff use of Body Worn Video Cameras, and staffing pressures in reception, alongside broader concerns about short sentences and the welfare of immigration detainees. The Board commended staff for their dedication in these trying circumstances.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Prisoners with significant mental health needs are held in prison, often in segregation, due to a lack of secure hospital beds and effective liaison and diversion schemes.
  • The degrading and unhygienic practice of prisoners sharing small cells designed for single occupancy, including eating next to integral toilet facilities.
  • Staff inconsistently use Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVCs) at the start of incidents involving use of force.
  • Disruptions and management problems caused by short, seven-day sentences, particularly for induction, healthcare, and resettlement.
  • Insufficient nursing resources in reception to manage the workload of processing new arrivals.
  • The plight of immigration detainees held in prison after completing their sentences, awaiting deportation decisions.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Larne House Short Term Holding Facilities
Published 10 Aug 2021
AI-generated report summary This report presents the findings of the Independent Monitoring Board at Glasgow, Edinburgh and Larne House Short Term Holding Facilities for 2020-2021. Overall, detainees are treated respectfully by staff, but the Covid-19 pandemic exposed significant issues, including reactive Home Office guidance, inadequate social distancing, and delayed infrastructure improvements. Key concerns persist regarding healthcare provision (medication administration), disability access, and facility suitability, with numerous recommendations made to address these shortcomings.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Reactive Covid-19 guidance from the Home Office, leading to PPE delays, confusion over thermometer use, and late mandates for face masks.
  • Inadequate provision of fixed wall-mounted hand sanitisers in HRs, with portable ones deemed unsuitable.
  • Space limitations, lack of air circulation, and no windows in airport HRs making social distancing difficult and requiring reassessment of safe capacity.
  • The continued delay in relocating Edinburgh Airport Terminal 1 holding room to the new Terminal 2, leading to long walks for detainees through public areas and inefficient staff use.
  • Inadequate separation of female and male accommodation at Larne House STHF, with promised partitioning work still outstanding.
  • The unresolved issue of administering detainees' personal prescribed medication in airport HRs, raising significant health concerns.
  • DCOs in some locations lacking awareness of notable religious festivals.
  • Inaccessible toilet facilities for wheelchair users at Glasgow Airport HR and lack of hand grips in toilets at both Edinburgh and Glasgow Airport HRs, posing dignity and safety risks.
  • Absence of provisions for detainees with sight issues (e.g., Braille signs) and hearing loss (e.g., translation devices) in HRs.
  • Lack of airport arrival/departure screens in Edinburgh and Glasgow airport HRs, impacting DCO efficiency and discrete detainee boarding.
  • Inconsistent provision of jugs for water ablutions in HRs.
  • Home Office's non-acceptance of previous recommendation for a review of holding room adequacy (GLA and EDI) regarding air circulation and disability facilities.
  • Continued lack of showering facilities in EDI and GLA HRs for overnight use.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Huntercombe
Published 6 Aug 2021 · 420 prisoners
Self-harm: 115 Assaults: 70
AI-generated report summary HMP Huntercombe, a Category C prison for foreign national men, successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic despite significant regime restrictions, with no deaths in custody and positive commendations for its healthcare team. The Board identified several areas for development, notably the unfairness of telephone charges and lack of in-cell telephony, and the concerning increase in time-served prisoners held under immigration powers. Issues surrounding meaningful vocational training and progression to open conditions for foreign national prisoners were also highlighted as key areas needing attention.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The lack of in-cell telephony throughout the prison and the high charges for telephone calls, particularly for overseas calls for foreign national prisoners, is unfair.
  • The increasing number of time-served prisoners held under immigration powers (IS91s) due to lack of accommodation or IRC spaces is unfair, inhumane, and creates tensions.
  • The lack of practical and vocational contracts prevents prisoners from gaining meaningful training and recognised international qualifications.
  • Delays in issuing IS91 notifications close to conditional release dates cause frustration and anxiety for prisoners.
  • The blanket decision regarding ineligibility for progression to open prison conditions for foreign national prisoners appears discriminatory and unfair.
  • Locating prisoners on ACCTs or with serious mental health issues in the segregation unit is not ideal, as Huntercombe is unequipped to provide better solutions.
  • Staff/prisoner/bullying issues were a concern, though the Board had limited ability to investigate this year.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Morton Hall IRC
Published 4 Aug 2021 · 113 prisoners
Self-harm: 62 Assaults: 26 Staff assaults: 16
AI-generated report summary Morton Hall IRC demonstrated a professional ethos and effective COVID-19 response in 2020, significantly reducing drug incidents and maintaining overall safety. However, the Board expressed concerns over persistent self-harm and assault incidents, prolonged detention times for some individuals, and delays in bail releases. Operational challenges included the continued closure of key facilities like the gym and faith centre, a low £1/hour pay rate for detainee work, and ongoing issues with night transfers between IRCs.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Incidents of self-harm, assaults, and altercations remain a concern.
  • Some detainees remain in detention for too long a time, and there are continued delays in releasing detainees, particularly those granted bail or classified as Level 3 Adults at Risk.
  • Gymnasium facilities and the faith centre remained closed even when open elsewhere, impacting wellbeing.
  • Education is not counted as 'purposeful activity' for pay, creating a disincentive for detainee engagement.
  • The £1 per hour pay rate for cleaning activities is considered too low and unfair, a concern repeated from the previous year.
  • Delays persist in the contractor Amey's response to kitchen equipment breakdowns.
  • Night moves between Immigration Removal Centres continue, which the Board believes is unnecessary.
Report year 2020 IRC Concerns
Norwich
Published 23 Jul 2021 · 710 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Norwich, a multi-functional category B, C, D, and YOI prison, experienced significant operational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to severely restricted regimes. Key concerns include persistent overcrowding with inadequate toilet privacy, a severe rat infestation, and the lack of rehabilitative programmes for IPP prisoners. Despite strong local leadership and staff teamwork, issues such as staffing shortages, poor healthcare access, and inadequate induction processes remain pressing concerns for the Board.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The prison is overpopulated, and doubled-up cells lack essential toilet privacy, which is inhumane.
  • There is a severe and intolerable rat infestation across all three sites.
  • Prisoners are locked in their cells for approximately 22 hours daily, which the Board considers inhumane.
  • Inadequate staffing numbers persist, undermining the ability to run safe and stable regimes and hindering rehabilitative programmes.
  • Dental provision is inadequate, and GP access is difficult for prisoners; mental health caseloads are also very heavy.
  • There is no funding for accredited offending behaviour programmes, leaving IPP and long-term sentenced prisoners without avenues for progression towards release.
  • Covid-induced induction processes for new prisoners are brief, inadequate, and confusing.
  • The destruction of all original personal correspondence for security reasons raises concerns regarding proportionality under Article 8 of the Human Rights Act.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
The Mount
Published 21 Jul 2021 · 993 prisoners
Assaults: 120 Staff assaults: 57
AI-generated report summary This report covers a year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, during which HMP The Mount successfully contained the virus thanks to the commendable efforts of staff. However, severe restrictions on the regime meant prisoners spent significantly reduced time out of cells, impacting access to education, work, and family visits. Key concerns include mental health transfer delays, inadequate support for IPP prisoners, and delays in transfers to open conditions.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Long delays in transferring prisoners with mental health problems to suitable community units, impacting their wellbeing and straining untrained officers.
  • HMP The Mount is not equipped to support the 46 IPP prisoners effectively, leading to them being "warehoused".
  • Showers require further investment to reach an acceptable standard.
  • The recent transfer of healthcare responsibility caused significant disruption and a temporary decline in service quality.
  • Insufficient number of suitable workplaces for the prison's diverse population, including foreign nationals, disabled prisoners, and those on basic regime.
  • The planned rebuild of the reception area has been postponed again due to lack of funding.
  • Prisoners are being released without completing offending behaviour programmes from their sentence plans due to pandemic curtailments.
  • Significant delays (around 80 prisoners) in transferring Category D recategorised prisoners to open conditions, leading to disappointment and undermining motivation.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Onley
Published 20 Jul 2021 · 645 prisoners
Self-harm: 184 Assaults: 49 Staff assaults: 71
AI-generated report summary HMP Onley successfully managed the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing a restricted regime that initially reduced violence and self-harm, though incidents began to rise late in the year. Prisoners generally experienced fair and humane treatment, and healthcare staffing issues were resolved. However, the pandemic severely impacted resettlement services, education, and purposeful activity, posing challenges for prisoners' progression and preparation for release.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Urgent need for increased capacity in Category D (open) prisons, especially in London/South East, as many HMP Onley prisoners are far from home, hindering resettlement.
  • Delays in prompt allocation and transfer of recategorised prisoners (Category C to B, or granted Category D status).
  • Lack of intimate partner violence courses, a regional issue needing a suitable training provider and potentially additional staff.
  • Urgent attention needed for funding and replacement of unfit windows in wings A-H, a repeated concern from previous reports.
  • Need to explore ways to retain long-standing officers within HMPPS due to losses to other careers, possibly by increasing local pay allowance.
  • HMP Onley needs to refocus on its training and resettlement purpose by engaging more industries for vocational qualifications.
  • Improve prisoner engagement in workshops and education to increase meaningful activity leading to qualifications or skills on release.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Lincoln
Published 16 Jul 2021 · 560 prisoners
Self-harm: 478 Assaults: 53 Staff assaults: 37
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
High Down
Published 15 Jul 2021 · 930 prisoners
Self-harm: 577 Assaults: 269 Staff assaults: 133
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Lancaster Farms
Published 14 Jul 2021 · 460 prisoners
Self-harm: 399
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Maidstone
Published 13 Jul 2021 · 545 prisoners
Self-harm: 219 Assaults: 120
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Kirklevington Grange
Published 7 Jul 2021 · 163 prisoners
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 3 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Leicester
Published 6 Jul 2021 · 300 prisoners
Self-harm: 455 Assaults: 53 Staff assaults: 54
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Lunar House
Published 2 Jul 2021
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Highpoint
Published 25 Jun 2021 · 1,048 prisoners
Self-harm: 499 Assaults: 156 Staff assaults: 111
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Lewes
Published 24 Jun 2021 · 548 prisoners
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Lindholme
Published 23 Jun 2021 · 944 prisoners
Self-harm: 401 Assaults: 93 Staff assaults: 53
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Dungavel House IRC
Published 22 Jun 2021 · 30 prisoners
Self-harm: 9 Assaults: 2 Staff assaults: 6
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 IRC Concerns
Heathrow and City airports Short Term Holding Facilities
Published 17 Jun 2021
Self-harm: 1
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2021 PRISON Concerns
Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre
Published 9 Jun 2021
Self-harm: 220 Assaults: 62 Staff assaults: 18
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 IRC Concerns
Isle of Wight
Published 8 Jun 2021 · 935 prisoners
Self-harm: 728 Assaults: 41 Staff assaults: 69
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Youth estate
Published 8 Jun 2021
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Isis
Published 4 Jun 2021 · 550 prisoners
Self-harm: 277
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Northumberland
Published 2 Jun 2021 · 1,222 prisoners
Self-harm: 423 Assaults: 152
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Exeter
Published 28 May 2021 · 420 prisoners
Staff assaults: 78
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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
Report year 2020 PRISON Concerns
Dovegate
Published 26 May 2021 · 1,160 prisoners
Self-harm: 775 Staff assaults: 48
AI-generated report summary 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.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • 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.
Report year 2020 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.