Source · Independent custody monitoring

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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2020 PRISON Concerns Peterborough (Men)

Published 20 Aug 2020

Self-harm: 690

The IMB at HMP Peterborough (Men) found that prisoners are generally treated fairly and humanely, with a good regime offering an average of 10.5 hours out of cell daily. The prison has an operational capacity of 868 and held 22 IPP prisoners. Positive developments include a decrease in assaults, improved healthcare, and effective resettlement support through initiatives like Outside Links. Key concerns include the persistent issue of lost property, inadequate screening of in-cell toilets, long periods spent in segregation for some individuals, and the difficulty in securing suitable accommodation upon release.

Key concerns identified

The handling of prisoners’ property continues to be problematic, both within the prison and on transfer.
In-cell toilets are not adequately screened, particularly in shared cells, and some areas are in need of redecoration; wings are not always clean and tidy.
Some prisoners are held in the separation and care unit (SCU) for long periods while awaiting transfer.
There is little evidence of health promotion activities.
There is not always suitable accommodation for prisoners with disabilities.
The lack of suitable accommodation for prisoners on release remains a concern.
The level of illicit substance availability and use, and its consequences for prisoners’ safety, is problematic.

2020 PRISON Concerns Peterborough (Women)

Published 20 Aug 2020

Self-harm: 1,697

This annual report for HMP/YOI Peterborough (Women) highlights overall fair and humane treatment of prisoners, with a good regime offering ample time out of cell. Positive developments include improved safety resources, healthcare governance, and the successful rollout of the OMiC programme. Key concerns, however, persist regarding the lack of suitable accommodation on release, challenges in managing women with complex needs, and a significant rise in self-harm incidents.

Key concerns identified

The lack of suitable accommodation for women on release remains a significant concern, with 36% of women lacking settled accommodation, hindering efforts to reduce reoffending.
The management of women with complex needs is challenging; some are segregated for long periods with limited regimes, and the prison lacks resources for appropriate interventions and an on-site forensic psychologist.
Despite increased focus on safety, there has been a significant increase in self-harm incidents (1697 compared to 939 last year), largely from a few prolific self-harmers, and substance misuse remains an issue.
In-cell toilets are not screened for privacy, particularly in shared cells, and improved in-cell facilities for women with disabilities are required, as wing cells lack essential aids like grab rails and raised toilet seats.
Equality issues persist, including difficulties in sourcing specific canteen products for Black, Asian and minority ethnic prisoners and a high number of racial discrimination reports (46 out of 76).
The poor quality of mattresses and difficulty obtaining replacements are noted complaints impacting prisoner well-being.

2020 PRISON Concerns Rye Hill

Published 19 Aug 2020 · 658 prisoners

Assaults: 71 Staff assaults: 39

HMP Rye Hill, a Category B training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, operated at or near its maximum capacity of 664 during the reporting year. The IMB found the prison to be a generally safe and fair environment, with improvements in healthcare provision and staff stability. However, significant concerns persist regarding the inadequate provision for elderly and disabled prisoners, the protracted process for compassionate release, and the lack of specialist support and resettlement opportunities for IPP and other complex needs prisoners.

Key concerns identified

The long periods some prisoners with mental health and behavioural disorders spend in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) due to poor provision of secure hospital and specialist unit places, especially for men convicted of sexual offences.
Physical constraints and limitations of the prison estate in providing adapted housing and facilities for elderly and disabled prisoners.
The protracted process for applying for compassionate release for dying prisoners.
The scaling back of personal and social development courses in favour of a focus on English and mathematics.
Insufficient funded support and tailored interventions for IPP prisoners with complex needs, particularly Category B men convicted of a sexual offence, leading to prolonged over-tariff stays.
The ongoing difficulty in finding suitable places in resettlement prisons for Category B men convicted of a sexual offence nearing the end of their sentences.

2020 PRISON Concerns Rochester

Published 13 Aug 2020 · 667 prisoners

Assaults: 275

HMP/YOI Rochester remains a Category C resettlement prison providing a safe and decent environment, with commendations for its Key Worker system and effective response to Covid-19. Despite challenges such as drug availability and deteriorating buildings, the prison offers a humane regime with good work activity engagement and mental healthcare. Key concerns include persistent staffing shortages, issues with prisoner property transfers, and a critical lack of suitable accommodation for prisoners upon release.

Key concerns identified

Increased funding for resources across the prison estate to tackle drug use, including security technology and intervention programmes.
Lack of suitable accommodation for all prisoners on release, leading to homelessness.
Persistent problems with property losses during prisoner transfers between establishments.
Unacceptable delays in transferring re-categorised Category B prisoners from the Segregation Unit due to uncooperative receiving prisons.
Overcrowding of Category D prisoners at Rochester awaiting transfer to appropriate Category D establishments.
Haphazard cell clearance checks, leading to prisoner property loss, especially during moves to the Segregation Unit.
Disruptive and stressful roll count arrangements, particularly before lockdown, which need addressing as restrictions relax.

2020 PRISON Concerns Styal

Published 12 Aug 2020

Self-harm: 2,362 Assaults: 182 Staff assaults: 151

HMP Styal experienced both positive developments and ongoing challenges in the reporting year. While safety measures improved and staff maintained a humane regime, significant concerns persisted regarding accommodation maintenance, perimeter security, and the management of complex mental health needs. Drug use increased, and issues with purposeful activity attendance remained, highlighting areas requiring continued focus and resources for improvement.

Key concerns identified

Significant failings in accommodation maintenance, leading to deterioration and decency issues, were also reported last year.
The prison’s safety and security are compromised by inadequate perimeter fencing, reception, gatehouse, and visitor processing areas.
There is a pressing need for more national specialist facilities for complex prisoners requiring long-term segregation.
Contracts with external maintenance providers result in excessive quotations, long delays in repairs, and health and safety issues, leaving some areas unusable.
The prison struggles to manage many prisoners with severe and enduring mental health problems and complex needs, housing high-risk prisoners in low-risk accommodation, impacting safety and security (also reported last year).
There has been an increase in drug use and trade, causing intimidation and bullying, exacerbated by perimeter fencing deficiencies and throw-over packages.
Attendance at work and education remains an issue, with many unauthorised absences and a downward trend in industry attendance.

2020 PRISON Concerns Oakwood

Published 7 Aug 2020 · 2,060 prisoners

Self-harm: 1,176

HMP Oakwood maintains good overall safety and humane treatment, with commendations for staff collaboration, peer-led initiatives, and positive reception processes. However, significant concerns persist regarding the quality and quantity of education provision by Novus due to staffing issues, and a lack of national progress on prisoner property transfers. Other key issues include inconsistent use of force implementation, deteriorating cell facilities, and challenges in healthcare provision such as medication transfers and secondary care capacity. The Board will continue to monitor these areas in the next reporting period.

Key concerns identified

The quality and quantity of educational provision by Novus has fallen sharply, impacted by significant staffing issues including poor retention and recruitment.
Little progress has been made at a national level to address concerns about the management, accountability, and transfer of prisoner property across the prison estate.
There are outstanding questions regarding the clarity and implementation of the prison's drug and alcohol strategy, including protocols with Police and Probation, and CCTV in visits.
Recommendations made by Instructors regarding the use of force are not being fully implemented.
Shower and toilet facilities in cells are deteriorating and difficult to maintain as hygienic.
Staff inconsistently enforce PPE use and adequate cleaning materials are not always available in serveries.
Health complaints boxes are not always readily available or accessible to prisoners.
New arrivals are sometimes left without medication on their first night due to transferring prisons failing to send it.
Officers are not consistently present at medicine hatches during dispensing, adding pressure on nurses.
Delays in checking prisoner telephone numbers on transfer prevent timely communication with families.
Body-worn video cameras are not always being used by operational staff.
Agency nurses attending Good Order Reviews in the CSU sometimes lack awareness of complex prisoner needs.
There are ongoing problems with the follow-up of PPO and consultant recommendations for secondary healthcare referrals due to capacity constraints.
Wages for vocational courses are lower than those for industries, potentially disincentivizing participation.
A lack of internal evaluation on education outcomes, due to new system development, hinders assessment of training effectiveness.
An increase in race-related Discrimination Incident Reporting Forms (DIRFs) highlights concerns regarding equality.
Timeframes for referring prisoners with severe mental health problems to the secure estate are problematic.

2020 PRISON Concerns Nottingham

Published 6 Aug 2020 · 880 prisoners

Self-harm: 1,024 Assaults: 375 Staff assaults: 171

HMP Nottingham saw overall improvements in fairness and safety during the reporting year, including a reduction in violence against staff and deaths in custody. However, self-harm incidents rose significantly, and concerns persist regarding long delays for mental health transfers and the high number of prisoners released without accommodation. The Board also highlighted issues with purposeful activity uptake and the key worker scheme's inconsistent implementation.

Key concerns identified

Difficulties transferring prisoners with severe mental health issues to suitable treatment environments.
Significant concerns regarding prisoners released without accommodation and inadequate bail hostel availability, impacting HDC eligibility.
Service-wide difficulties moving prisoners for whom a category B local prison is not appropriate to other parts of the estate.
Vulnerable prisoner wings housing other categories of prisoners, leading to increased fear of bullying and drug circulation.
Many prisoners do not participate in purposeful activity, with opportunities often unsuitable for remand or short-sentence prisoners.
Continued high prevalence of self-harm incidents, with levels rising, and stubbornly high incidents of prisoner-on-prisoner violence.

2020 PRISON Concerns Swaleside

Published 5 Aug 2020 · 1,083 prisoners

HMP Swaleside reported a year of significant progress in safety and a generally improved environment, despite the challenges of COVID-19. However, the Board highlighted persistent concerns including unacceptably high violence, poor performance of maintenance provider GFSL, and severely limited opportunities for purposeful activity and vocational training for residents. Issues with hygiene, contraband, and cancelled healthcare appointments also remain key areas for development.

Key concerns identified

Continued unacceptably high level of violence, remaining at the head of its comparator group.
Persistent poor performance of Government Facility Services Limited (GFSL) impacting maintenance, repairs, and general prison conditions.
Kitchen capacity is severely overstretched due to catering for both Swaleside and HMP Standford Hill, leading to concerns about food quantity and equipment failure.
Lack of meaningful employment, vocational training, and educational opportunities, particularly for MCOSO and vulnerable residents, and poor attendance.
Ongoing issues with hygiene and cleanliness across the prison, including appalling showers, serveries, self-cook areas, littering, and a rat problem.
Easy acquisition of mobile phones and weapons, exacerbating debt, violence, self-harm, and residents choosing to self-seclude.
Unacceptable number of cancelled external hospital appointments due to lack of escorts, wasting NHS time and causing distress.
Lack of in-cell telephony in the inpatient department (IPD) and some CSRU cells.
Insufficient resettlement support for the small number of residents released directly from Swaleside, with no employment or accommodation arranged.
High number of adjudications not proceeded with due to procedural issues.

2020 PRISON Concerns Erlestoke

Published 4 Aug 2020 · 484 prisoners

Self-harm: 211 Assaults: 123 Staff assaults: 52

HMP Erlestoke, a Category C rehabilitation prison, maintained fair and humane treatment for the most part, despite significant impacts from the COVID-19 lockdown. The report highlights improvements in education and offender management, and notes a decrease in self-harm incidents. However, key concerns persist regarding GFSL's maintenance performance, the prison's ageing infrastructure, and healthcare waiting times.

Key concerns identified

GFSL continues to disappoint with poor maintenance, project mismanagement, and a significant backlog of works orders.
The ageing fabric of the prison requires major investment to improve the standard of accommodation.
Drugs remain a significant problem, and more effective interception methods are needed.
Healthcare attendance at mandatory first ACCT reviews is still unsatisfactory, and communication between Prison Reception and Healthcare is poor.
The monitoring of equality and fairness has lacked a robust regime, with limited statistics and follow-up investigations.
Waiting times for routine GP appointments are unacceptably long, and limited escorted hospital visits cause hardship.
Improvement is needed in the line management, quality control, training, and mentoring for Key Working.

2020 PRISON Concerns Moorland

Published 4 Aug 2020 · 954 prisoners

Self-harm: 477

HMP/YOI Moorland, a Category C male resettlement prison, has reported significant improvements in safety metrics, including reductions in violence, self-harm, and drug use during the March 2019 – February 2020 reporting period. The Board noted positive developments in staff-prisoner relationships and the IEP system. However, national shortages in secure mental health beds, limited offending behaviour programmes, and a persistent lack of suitable accommodation for released prisoners remain key concerns.

Key concerns identified

National shortage of secure psychiatric beds leading to delays in mental health transfers.
Limited availability of offending behaviour programmes, especially for MCOSOs.
Significant shortfall of suitable post-release accommodation for prisoners.
Key worker sessions are being curtailed due to staff availability issues.
The principle of ‘virtual’ segregation transfers, potentially moving complex prisoners without addressing their issues.
Property loss (within and between establishments) continues to be the greatest category of Board applications.
The national daily budget for food (£2.02 since 2010) is considered too low.

2020 PRISON Concerns Hull

Published 27 Jul 2020

Assaults: 254 Staff assaults: 44

HMP Hull, a category B local and YOI prison, recorded 8 deaths in custody this year, including four self-inflicted, but generally maintained a safe environment with reductions in violence and substance misuse incidents. While healthcare provision and purposeful activity are largely positive, the Board identified significant concerns including persistent problems with property management, delays in mental health transfers, slow contractor responses to maintenance, and a lack of post-release outcome data. Recommendations address these issues, aiming to improve prisoner experience, particularly for vulnerable individuals and young adults.

Key concerns identified

The high number of deaths in custody (8), including four self-inflicted deaths.
Persistent issues with property management, both within the prison and during transfers, contributing to prisoner distress and compensation claims.
Slow response from external contractors (Amey, BT) to maintenance issues, particularly faulty showers and in-cell phone problems.
Delays in transferring prisoners with complex needs, especially those with mental health issues, to appropriate external secure mental health facilities, leading to prolonged stays in segregation or wellbeing units.
Concerns regarding the effectiveness and accessibility of the complaints system, with official responses often incomprehensible to many prisoners.
Lack of consistent data on prisoner outcomes post-release, hindering the evaluation of resettlement strategies.
Staffing issues within education leading to class closures, and difficulty sourcing appropriate library materials for prisoners with limited literacy.

2020 PRISON Concerns Portland

Published 23 Jul 2020

HMP/YOI Portland, a Category C prison, faced significant challenges in delivering a stable daily regime, with frequent shutdowns impacting education and activity opportunities. While prisoner-on-prisoner assaults reduced slightly, overall violence remained high, and the prison struggled with drug ingress and staff shortages in mental health services. The Board noted concerns regarding poor building maintenance, staff attitudes towards prisoners, and issues with property transfers.

Key concerns identified

Lack of accommodation available through local authorities in Dorset for released prisoners, specifically night-shelter facilities and move-on supported housing provision.
Urgent structural repairs required to the fabric of buildings, plumbing, heating and telephony systems, and an updated assessment of health and safety conditions in workshops.
Systems to ensure the safe storage of prisoner property, specifically during inter-prison transfers, need addressing due to high amounts of missing property.
Checks need to be put in place to ensure that critically unwell prisoners cannot be unilaterally transferred without prior negotiation and comprehensive medical records.
Failure to deliver a consistent regime, with frequent shutdowns and last-minute changes impacting education, work, and programmes, and destabilising the prisoner population.
Prisoners from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, those with mental health problems, and those with other protected characteristics do not feel understood or supported by operational staff; confidence in discrimination incident reporting and complaints process is low.
Concerns about use of force practices, specifically the failure of staff to wear/switch on body-worn cameras and issues with recovering CCTV footage.
Ongoing difficulties in the appointment and retention of psychologists and psychiatrists, impacting healthcare service provision.
Unacceptable number of prisoners failing to attend pre-arranged healthcare appointments due to OSG staff not following agreed protocols, a repeated issue.
The ingress of illicit drugs into Portland needs to be addressed due to its impact on health, well-being, and links to debt, bullying, and violence.

2020 PRISON Concerns Glasgow, Edinburgh and Larne House Short Term Holding Facilities

Published 21 Jul 2020

Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 1 Staff assaults: 1

This report covers the Glasgow, Edinburgh and Larne House Short-Term Holding Facilities from February 2019 to January 2020. The Board found that detainees are largely treated humanely and respectfully by DCOs across all establishments, noting good practice in various areas. However, significant concerns remain regarding the adequacy of airport Holding Rooms for longer stays, including lack of fresh air, natural light, showering facilities, and exercise opportunities. Other key issues include delays in building work at Glasgow Airport, inadequate separation of female accommodation at Larne House, and problems with accessing prescribed medication for detainees.

Key concerns identified

Some detainees are being held in the Holding Rooms, at Glasgow and Edinburgh Airports for periods of eight hours and more, and we have concerns about the impact on their wellbeing, given the location, size and limited capacity of the holding rooms. In particular there is a lack of fresh air and natural light. The meals provided are very basic with varieties to include for vegetarian and cultural needs. There is no access to showering facilities, which we feel are a basic personal hygiene requirement. Moreover, detainees are not afforded the opportunity to undertake basic physical exercise.
The location of the Holding Room, at Terminal one in Edinburgh Airport has now become, with the greater utilisation of terminal two, remote. Traffic is now increasingly being focused on Terminal two (T2) and this has impacted on the efficiency of the detention process with detainees having to be sometimes walked 20-25 minutes through public areas to the HR. This has implications for both public security and the dignity of the detained person. While, in the majority of cases, detainees are transported by van, there is a limited number of United Kingdom Border Force (UKBF) Officers authorised as airside drivers and, in any case, the process impacts negatively on the efficient use of staff.
The long outstanding building work at the Glasgow Airport, where a much needed additional HR is being created, has not yet been completed. This work has considerably overrun, exacerbated by having more than one commissioning agent with responsibility for completion of the work, and also funding, from several sources, with responsibility being similarly shared. This has had an impact on the overall capacity of the facility to provide a safe and efficient detention provision.
We previously requested that, for privacy reasons, the toilet doors, in the holding room at Festival Court, be extended to the floor and ceiling. While this work was carried out, we now feel, on reflection, that the extension to the ceiling may limit the custody officers’ ability to monitor the safety of an individual detainee.
The accommodation assigned to female detainees, at Larne House STHF, is inadequately separated from the male accommodation. We understand, however, that the female area is going to be partitioned with a locked entry door which will be utilised at night.
We continue to be concerned about the lack of ready available interpreting facilities within HRs and the STHF. We understand that electronic translators are to be provided in each establishment.
Detainees can be held, sometimes for up to seven days in the Larne House STHF. We feel that there is insufficient opportunity for them to take physical exercise, e.g. walking, in the daylight with fresh air, because the existing outside quadrangle, in the centre of the building, does not meet the requirement, in terms of area, to support this. In our opinion this area, while brightly decorated and furnished, is somewhat limited. It does act as a relaxation area for smokers and non-smokers alike, but it is unlikely that both could use it simultaneously.
Detainees often arrive in the HRs’ with their personal prescription medication, or alternatively require access to additional supplies of that medication. UKBF Officers and Care &Custody DCOs routinely remove the medicines from the individual detainees and are also forbidden, for health and safety reasons, to administer this medicine. We are concerned that this practice could adversely impact on detainees health.

2020 PRISON Concerns Leicester

Published 16 Jul 2020 · 340 prisoners

Self-harm: 471 Assaults: 133 Staff assaults: 103

HMP Leicester is a well-run local prison commended for strong leadership, good staff-prisoner relationships, and effective management of safety incidents, including a decline in NPS use. However, the Board holds significant concerns regarding the prolonged detention of foreign national prisoners and the severely mentally ill, as well as the ongoing poor state of segregation unit accommodation. Staffing pressures and the unsatisfactory performance of contractors like Amey also pose challenges to maintaining decency and effective regimes.

Key concerns identified

Delays in capital improvement programme and security enhancements.
Slow and inconsistent police/court processes for serious assaults on staff.
Unfair prolonged detention of foreign national prisoners under IS91 after sentence expiry.
Prolonged detention of severely mentally ill prisoners in inhumane segregation conditions awaiting secure hospital transfer.
Ongoing unsatisfactory performance of Amey Facilities Management.
Delays in improving accommodation in the segregation unit.
Continued loss of prisoner property during transfers and within the establishment.
The need for re-invigoration of the ‘equality and diversity’ function.
The need to develop the Lambert unit's rehabilitative regime.

2020 PRISON Concerns Lowdham Grange

Published 15 Jul 2020 · 885 prisoners

Assaults: 116 Staff assaults: 67

HMP Lowdham Grange generally provides fair and humane treatment, evidenced by a positive regime and improved staffing stability. Violence has decreased, and healthcare provision is seeing significant improvements, although challenges remain with mental health transfers and inadequate accommodation. Concerns persist regarding property loss, the consistency of the key worker scheme, and slow progress for IPP prisoners, along with ongoing issues in education and access to local prisons for release planning.

Key concerns identified

The loss of prisoners’ property on transfer from other prisons.
The perception that the prisoner information and amenities committee fails to make swift progress on issues.
Body-worn cameras are not worn as routinely as they should be by staff.
The key worker scheme is not yet working as consistently as intended.
Slow progress in the release of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP).
The unavailability of appropriate facilities for prisoners with severe mental health issues, leading to extended segregation.
The relatively slow progress in improving education provision, including a shortfall of six tutors.
The increasing difficulty in accessing places in local prisons for prisoners nearing release.

2020 PRISON Concerns Thorn Cross

Published 14 Jul 2020

Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 3 Staff assaults: 3

HMP/YOI Thorn Cross is a high-performing open prison for adult males, offering a positive rehabilitative culture where prisoners generally feel safe and are treated humanely. While the prison demonstrates good healthcare provision and strong staff-prisoner relationships, key concerns include the unsatisfactory state of the OMU building, the unsuitability of new furniture, and issues surrounding prisoner transfers, particularly regarding drug status and medical needs. The Board also highlights the need for a re-evaluation of mobile phone use and the high cost of telephone calls to maintain family links.

Key concerns identified

The Ministry of Justice should reconsider the use of mobile phones for prisoners in the open estate, given the success during COVID-19.
The high cost of telephone calls remains an issue, impacting prisoners’ ability to maintain family contact.
The Offender Management Unit (OMU) building is in an unsatisfactory state and a replacement should be a high priority for the Prison Service.
The newly provided chairs are unsuitable, uncomfortable, and unsafe, with prisoners refusing to use them.
The fire alarm system does not meet current standards, and a completion date for a new system should be set.
Prisoners transferring from closed conditions are sometimes found to be positive for drugs upon reception, despite assessments indicating they should be drug-free.
A 'medical hold' process for prisoners requiring ongoing specialist treatment upon transfer has been requested but not approved, creating resource strain.
Prisoners' belongings continue to go astray during transfers, often due to van drivers' discretion and GeoAmey's apparent intransigence.
Concerns persist regarding the level of mental healthcare, with a slight increase in prisoners admitting suicidal thoughts and a need for more support for those adjusting to open regimes.

2020 PRISON Concerns North Sea Camp

Published 10 Jul 2020 · 412 prisoners

Self-harm: 22 Assaults: 6 Staff assaults: 0

HMP North Sea Camp is an open Category D prison noted for its rehabilitative culture and generally humane treatment of residents. The Board commends improvements in healthcare and positive staff-resident relationships, alongside community engagement. However, significant concerns remain regarding delays in Offender Management paperwork, inadequate accommodation conditions (including continued use of dormitories), and a lack of specific facilities for end-of-life and dementia care for the prison's increasing elderly population. These issues, alongside property transfer problems and laundry machinery breakdowns, require urgent attention and capital investment.

Key concerns identified

Delays by Offender Managers in completing OASys and ROTL paperwork, affecting parole and causing anxiety.
Significant difficulties for wheelchair users in obtaining suitable Approved Premises for ROR, hindering resettlement.
Lack of an on-site palliative care unit and no national policy/resources for dementia care for the increasingly elderly population.
Persistent problems with property transfers between prisons, leading to lost belongings and compensation claims.
Accommodation is outdated, cramped, and dormitories remain in use, requiring major refurbishment and not meeting PSI standards for double rooms.
Out-of-service laundry machinery and inability to issue bus warrants further impede daily life and resettlement.
Resident confusion and angst regarding periodic changes to the pay regime and the need to sustain improved OMU staff conduct.

2020 PRISON Concerns Send

Published 10 Jul 2020

Self-harm: 543 Assaults: 24 Staff assaults: 14

HMP Send is considered a safe and humane prison, with decent living conditions and staff demonstrating kindness, though it handles challenging prisoners with complex needs. There has been an increase in violence and self-harm, partly attributed to drug usage. The Board is concerned about the prolonged detention of IPP prisoners, staff shortages affecting the regime, and issues with the canteen service and property transfers. Positively, dental waiting times have improved, and resettlement into accommodation is notably successful.

Key concerns identified

The unjust detention of IPP prisoners who are all many years past their tariff date.
Failure to provide enough probation officers, denying prisoners entitled support.
Fewer prisoners benefiting from Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) despite policy framework changes.
The new Integrity Hotline is not added to the national permitted PIN phone numbers.
The canteen contract operated by DHL is unsatisfactory.
Difficulty in recruiting staff, leading to shortages that impact the regime and prisoners.
Prisoners’ property regularly continues to be left behind during transfers to Send.
Failure to prevent illegal drugs from entering the establishment, impacting stability and safety.
Lack of better support from the Offender Management Unit (OMU), with untimely responses to applications.
Regular incorrect roll checks continue to disrupt the regime.
Prisoner equality focus groups are not held regularly and actions are not taken forward consistently.

2020 PRISON Concerns Low Newton

Published 8 Jul 2020 · 271 prisoners

HMP/YOI Low Newton provides a generally safe and humane environment with high staff morale and respectful interactions. Healthcare provision is good for most, but the Board highlights long-standing concerns regarding the detention of mentally ill women due to a lack of community places and delays in hospital transfers. Deteriorating prison infrastructure, particularly leaky roofs, significantly impedes education and work opportunities. Resettlement efforts are hampered by a lack of suitable accommodation for a notable proportion of releases. The Board also raised concerns about drug misuse (Buscopan) and the need for more funding for key support services.

Key concerns identified

The number of prisoners suffering from severe mental health issues, with some detained due to a lack of places of safety in the community and difficulty arranging secure hospital beds.
The deteriorating state of the prison roofs, which has led to classrooms and workshop areas being out of action, reducing education and work opportunities, and creating health and safety issues.
The need for more funding to provide additional domestic violence support, trauma counselling, supported accommodation, and social work both in prison and upon release.
The ongoing issue with the misuse of Buscopan within the prison, which has persisted for several years.
Challenges in resettlement planning, particularly the difficulty in finding suitable and safe accommodation for a significant percentage (15-20%) of women upon release.

2020 PRISON Concerns Norwich

Published 8 Jul 2020 · 745 prisoners

The IMB report for HMP/YOI Norwich (2019-2020) highlights a deterioration in many areas, including safety, decency, and purposeful activity, a view endorsed by HMIP. Key concerns include chronic understaffing, high levels of violence and self-harm, a prevalence of illicit substances, and substandard accommodation. Positive aspects noted are improved staff-prisoner relationships, better cleanliness, and enhanced resettlement support, but the prison remains under significant pressure in its multifunctional role.

Key concerns identified

Insufficient staff numbers and experience, leading to duties not being fully carried out and poor behaviour not always challenged.
High levels of violence and self-harm, with inconsistent ACCT process quality and restricted access to Listeners/Samaritans.
Easy availability of illicit substances despite preventative measures, and difficulties in completing MDT tests.
Substandard and overcrowded accommodation, with a lack of basic items, dirty serveries, and poor property management.
Unsatisfactory attendance at purposeful activities, limited qualifications, and lack of offending behaviour programmes.
Deteriorated dentistry provision, increased waiting lists, cancelled GP clinics, and inappropriate housing of prisoners with complex mental health needs.
Lack of a national strategy for managing exceptionally disruptive, long-term segregated prisoners.
Unreliable and unsafe cell call bell system.

2020 PRISON Concerns Lincoln

Published 3 Jul 2020 · 568 prisoners

Self-harm: 614

HMP Lincoln, a Category B local prison, generally treats prisoners fairly and humanely, with a predictable regime and improved cleanliness, according to the IMB's report for 2019-2020. Key improvements include reduced violence, better staff-prisoner relationships, and improved healthcare and education provision. However, significant concerns persist regarding the high level of self-harm, prisoner homelessness on release, and ongoing maintenance issues affecting accessibility and facilities.

Key concerns identified

The Board remains concerned about the facilities and ease of access for prisoners with mobility issues, including the long-out-of-action main lift.
The continued high level of self-harm remains a significant concern for the Board.
Many prisoners still leave the prison to homelessness or no fixed abode.
Numerous repair and maintenance jobs across the establishment are dealt with tardily, causing cells to be out of use for long periods.
There is still a lack of closed-circuit television (CCTV) on E wing.
The exercise yard currently out of use has not been made available for prisoners again.
Prisoners allocated to kit distribution are often underemployed.

2020 PRISON Concerns Hewell Grange

Published 2 Jul 2020 · 208 prisoners

Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0

This report covers the final six months of HMP Hewell Grange as it underwent a planned closure, ceasing to hold prisoners by 31 March 2020. The Board found the prison generally safe and praised staff for their humane management of the closure, despite unacceptable living conditions. Healthcare provision was inconsistent, and purposeful activity was curtailed due to the closure, though efforts were made to minimise negative impacts on resettlement.

Key concerns identified

Prisoners continued to be held in substandard accommodation with a deteriorating physical building and rodent issues prior to closure.
Prior to closure, the prison was poor in purposeful activity and rehabilitation planning for an open prison.
Healthcare provision was patchy and inconsistent, particularly for pharmacy and dentistry services.
There was no specific mental healthcare provided.
The specific characteristics and distinct needs of the prisoner population were not adequately reflected in discussions or met.
Facilities for disabled prisoners were limited, and access remained a significant difficulty.

2020 PRISON Concerns Lindholme

Published 29 Jun 2020 · 984 prisoners

Self-harm: 602 Assaults: 227 Staff assaults: 97

HMP Lindholme is a Category C training prison with an operational capacity of 1,010. The report highlights improvements in security, segregation management, and some aspects of healthcare, including reduced GP waiting times. Key concerns persist regarding organised crime's impact on safety, substance misuse, delayed complaint responses, and the high number of IPP prisoners. Staffing, particularly for key worker roles and healthcare provision, continues to be an area requiring significant development.

Key concerns identified

The continuing high proportion of prisoners with links to organised crime negatively impacts safety.
Delays in responding to prisoners' complaints and the lack of holding responses.
Persistent issues with substance misuse and the availability of illegal substances within the prison.
The unreliability of kitchen equipment, and the low per capita allowance leading to concerns about food quantity and variety.
The high number of IPP prisoners causing significant anxiety due to their indeterminate sentences.
Inadequate staffing levels within healthcare and broader challenges with staff recruitment and retention.

2020 PRISON Concerns The Mount

Published 26 Jun 2020 · 1,020 prisoners

The Independent Monitoring Board reports on HMP The Mount for 2019-2020, highlighting significant challenges stemming from chronic under-funding, which affects staffing, infrastructure, and rehabilitative opportunities. Despite these issues, the Board notes improvements in decency, security, and healthcare provision, commending staff efforts. Key concerns include the pervasive drug problem, insufficient Category D and IPP progression places, and the failure to embed new initiatives like the key worker scheme.

Key concerns identified

The Prison Service has had its budgets reduced over the years, leading to shortages of staff, equipment and supplies, and of work opportunities for prisoners. This leads to complaints and frustration from the prisoners, causing prison staff unnecessary ongoing problems. Either major investment needs to be put into the service with some urgency or there needs to be a policy which prevents so many people being locked up.
There is a chronic shortage of spaces in open establishments, which often means that a prisoner waits many months for a place to be offered, and then sometimes is forced to take a place which is a long way from their home, which does not allow for proper family reintegration. More category D places need to be found, so that a proper progress through a prison sentence can be achieved.
The Mount has 44 prisoners serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection many of whom, if not all, have now been in prison for much longer than their tariffs. The Mount can offer these men very little to help them work towards release. They need to be in prisons where they can benefit from therapeutic communities or “progression regimes” such as that offered by HMP Warren Hill.
The availability of drugs continues to a central issue in many of the problems facing the prison, including criminality, violence, bullying and reoffending on release.
Many new and interesting initiatives are often started but not embedded, so fall by the wayside – for example, the key worker scheme. This issue needs to be addressed.

2020 PRISON Concerns Heathrow Short Term Holding Facility

Published 16 Jun 2020

Self-harm: 1

This IMB report for Short Term Holding Facilities at London Heathrow, London City Airports, and Becket and Eaton House Reporting Centres (Feb 2019-Jan 2020) highlights concerns about the suitability of accommodation for longer stays and children, and overcrowding due to transport delays. Key issues include detainee access to medication and legal advice, the quality of DCO inductions and engagement, and challenges in Board monitoring of removals. While positive developments were noted in some areas, several critical recommendations from previous years remain unaddressed.

Key concerns identified

Accommodation at Heathrow, London City, Becket House, and Eaton House is inadequate for longer stays and children, with some facilities experiencing overcrowding and unsatisfactory conditions.
Detainees are consistently denied access to their own prescribed and common non-prescription medication, posing a serious health risk.
Detainees at airports lack effective and timely access to independent legal advice, with advertised services being non-existent.
Use of restraints, particularly at Eaton House, is not consistently based on dynamic risk assessment.
DCO inductions are not consistently high-standard, especially regarding non-English speakers, and DCO engagement with detainees often minimal after initial induction.
Lack of Board capacity to routinely monitor removals due to new vehicles.
Showers are frequently closed for extended periods due to legionella concerns, and Terminal 5 lacks a shower facility.
Detainees lack direct access to Wi-Fi and the internet, hindering communication and interview preparation.

2020 PRISON Concerns Lewes

Published 16 Jun 2020 · 551 prisoners

Self-harm: 369 Assaults: 236

This report covers HMP Lewes from February 2019 to January 2020. The Board is concerned about prisoner safety due to illicit items and frequent lockdowns, noting a worsened regime and often indecent accommodation. Healthcare suffered from staff shortages and long waiting times, while education, work, and resettlement efforts were hampered by lack of places and IPRC closures. Despite some positive initiatives, the Board maintains serious concerns regarding basic entitlements, mental health provision, and the overall humane treatment of prisoners.

Key concerns identified

High availability of drugs and illicit items affecting prison stability and safety.
Residential accommodation often not decent, with basic entitlements (shoes, blankets, furniture, crockery) frequently unavailable.
Worsened regime with insufficient unlock hours and frequent lockdowns.
Healthcare services impacted by staff shortages, poor processes, and long waiting times for GP appointments.
Seriously mentally unwell prisoners kept in unsuitable accommodation and regime conditions.
Lack of work/education places, poor attendance, and unsuccessful implementation of the OMiC model.

2020 PRISON Concerns Long Lartin

Published 3 Jun 2020

Self-harm: 450 Assaults: 57 Staff assaults: 120

HMP Long Lartin, a high-security prison, faced significant challenges in the reporting year, marked by persistent staff shortages that negatively impacted regime provision and purposeful activity, with time out of cell often falling below HMIP expectations. The prison experienced an unacceptably high level of violence and self-harm for much of the year, though figures showed a reduction in the final four months. Long-standing issues, such as the lack of in-cell sanitation in four wings and an overcrowded segregation unit where prisoners with complex needs become 'stuck', remain key concerns for the Board.

Key concerns identified

Persistent staff shortages negatively impacting safety, regime, and purposeful activity.
Unacceptably high population in the segregation unit, with prisoners "stuck" for extended periods due to lack of suitable alternatives for complex needs.
Continued lack of in-cell sanitation and running water in four wings, relying on the inadequate and degrading ‘Nightsan’ system.
Inadequate purposeful activity and time out of cell for prisoners, consistently below HMIP expectations, leading to boredom and frustration.
Poor safety data for the initial eight months of the reporting year, including high levels of violence against staff and serious incidents in segregation.
Serious backlog of jobs by the buildings maintenance contractor (Amey) and a kitchen that is no longer fit for purpose.

2020 PRISON Concerns Leyhill

Published 2 Jun 2020 · 507 prisoners

HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, has demonstrated strong performance driven by a new community-focused dynamic, leading to improvements in facilities and resident engagement. However, the Board highlights persistent issues including significant delays in ablution refurbishment, the slow progression of IPP sentences, and insufficient approved premises hindering Release on Temporary Licence. Concerns also remain regarding night-time staffing levels and the recurring problem of lost prisoner property during transfers.

Key concerns identified

Delay in refurbishment of ablutions in residential units (ongoing since 2016), leading to deteriorating conditions inconsistent with humane treatment.
Delays in the swift progression to conclusion for many prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP).
Lack of spaces in approved premises causing delays in Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) and hindering resettlement.
Unsatisfactory night-time staffing levels, raising concerns about the speed of response in acute incidents.
A recurring problem with property being lost prior to prisoners' arrival at Leyhill, which is unsettling during a crucial resettlement phase.

2020 PRISON Concerns Maidstone

Published 29 May 2020 · 600 prisoners

Self-harm: 154 Assaults: 81 Staff assaults: 25

HMP Maidstone, a foreign national category C prison, faces significant challenges with its aging estate, staffing shortages leading to frequent lockdowns, and delays in critical projects like the segregation unit move and sports hall replacement. Despite these issues, staff commitment during COVID-19, improvements in communication via the community council, and good educational attendance are noted. Key concerns include the treatment of foreign nationals post-sentence, the state of the estate, and the need to improve complaints handling and staff retention.

Key concerns identified

The continued failure to move the segregation unit from unsuitable accommodation, despite promises from the Minister.
A persistent lack of ring-fenced funds for essential projects like the sports hall and shower maintenance, with long delays.
Inadequate communication and slow timescales from HOIE regarding outcomes for foreign national prisoners, prolonging uncertainty.
High and unimproved staff absence rates (15%+) leading to increased pressure, frequent lockdowns, and ineffective OMiC implementation.
The ongoing absence of a sports hall for over three years, with only a small gym for over 600 prisoners.
Continued issues with prisoner lost property and property not being delivered from other prisons, causing stress for deportees.
Unresolved issues surrounding inadequate Muslim prayer facilities due to increased worshipper numbers.
The need to review and significantly improve the prison's complaints system and healthcare complaints system.
The discriminatory practice of holding foreign nationals who have served their sentences under normal prison rules due to HOIE interest, without clear end dates.

2020 PRISON Concerns Onley

Published 28 Apr 2020 · 730 prisoners

Self-harm: 319

HMP Onley experienced a challenging year with a restricted regime, largely due to staffing shortages, though improvements were seen towards the end. Key concerns include significant issues with property transfers, a dysfunctional complaints process, and a lack of purposeful activity leading to prisoners spending extended periods in their cells. The Board highlights persistent problems with resettlement progression, including missing OASys reports and slow transfers, alongside concerns about drug availability, self-harm incidents, and the general state of the estate. While staff-prisoner relationships improved and the OMiC model showed promise, the report calls for urgent action on staffing, regime provision, and inmate progression.

Key concerns identified

Persistent issues with lost property during transfers and an inadequate, poorly responded-to complaints system.
A significant proportion of prisoners are not engaged in purposeful activity and spend excessive time locked in cells, unacceptable for a training prison.
Ongoing staffing challenges, including the inexperience of new officers, retention issues due to uncompetitive pay, and inadequate key worker engagement.
Critical shortcomings in resettlement preparation, such as missing OASys reports, inconsistent recategorisation processes, and slow transfers to Category D prisons.
Deteriorating estate conditions, including poor cleanliness, a persistent rat infestation, and chronically broken kitchen equipment.
Continuing problems with drug trade and usage, and a high number of self-harm incidents prompting calls for action.