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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2025 PRISON Concerns Feltham

Published 3 Feb 2026 · 553 prisoners

The IMB report for HMP/YOI Feltham (August 2024-September 2025) highlights significant internal restructuring into Feltham A (YOI) and Feltham B (Category C). While commendable progress has been made in staff professionalism, substance-free units, and reduced 'keep aparts', critical concerns persist regarding high staff absence on Feltham A affecting regime, severe probation staffing shortages, and the negative impact of new visa rules on foreign national prison officers. The establishment also faces ongoing issues with estate underinvestment, insufficient purposeful activity, and the prevalence of weapons and drug contraband.

Key concerns identified

Recruitment and retention of Probation Service staff, significantly impacting resettlement.
Impact of visa changes on foreign national prison officers, potentially leading to deportations and hindering recruitment.
Lack of sufficient meaningful activity and time out of rooms for boys on Feltham A, especially weekends/bank holidays.
The education contract for Feltham A (Shaw Trust) is not fit for purpose.
Shortage of workshop places and timely delivery of building/renovation projects (e.g., bricks workshop, recycling workshop) on Feltham B.
Ongoing underinvestment in the structural fabric of the estate, leading to persistent leaks and units taken out of use due to damp/mould.
Continued prevalence of weapons finds and ongoing issue of drones delivering drugs, with concerns around staff competency and corruption related to weapons.
Release plans for boys on Feltham A are often finalised very close to release dates, causing distress and anxiety.
Inconsistent cleanliness in serveries, with vermin issues and poor PPE adherence.

2025 PRISON Concerns Askham Grange

Published 30 Jan 2026

Self-harm: 2 Assaults: 6

HMP/YOI Askham Grange is a safe and well-run open prison for women, with strong staff-prisoner relationships and a focus on rehabilitation and resettlement. The Board commends the high standards in education and key worker engagement, as well as the positive regime and family support. Key concerns include the impact of short sentences on resettlement outcomes, the lack of progress in enhancing sexual and domestic violence support services, and challenges in securing external neurodiversity support. The Board also noted that employment on release targets were not being met.

Key concerns identified

Short sentences can negatively impact women's resettlement outcomes, and there's a need to assess if sentencing reforms are reducing these.
Lack of progress in enhancing access to sexual and domestic violence support services, a concern raised in the previous annual report.
Prisoners with very short sentences struggle to fully benefit from resettlement and work/educational opportunities due to limited time.
Challenges in securing consistent external support for neurodiversity, which varies significantly by geographical area.
Employment on release rates (42.47% after six weeks) are below the delivery requirement of 48.71%.

2025 PRISON Concerns Cardiff IMB

Published 30 Jan 2026

Self-harm: 295 Assaults: 214

Overall, HMP Cardiff has seen positive developments in safety, with significant reductions in self-harm and use of force incidents, and successful digital platform implementation. However, the prison continues to grapple with severe staffing shortages, particularly in healthcare, and the physical estate remains in poor condition, affecting prisoners with mobility issues and access to basic amenities. Concerns persist regarding delays in mental health transfers, lack of secure medication storage, and the underperformance of the key worker scheme.

Key concerns identified

Significant delays in vetting processes are hindering the recruitment of both prison staff and IMB members.
There are unresolved issues concerning the right-to-work status of some prison staff.
Parts of the prison estate remain in poor condition, with persistent problems in heating, hot water, and telephones, alongside ongoing closures of buildings marked for demolition.
The impact of hospital escorts on prison staffing and the daily regime is a growing concern.
Delays in accessing mental health services, including a reduction in psychiatric sessions and slow transfers to appropriate placements, persist.
There is a lack of secure storage for 'in possession' medication, increasing the risk of misuse by other prisoners.
The prison currently lacks a formal and robust social care process, as highlighted by the Health and Social Care Needs Analysis.
The key worker scheme continues to underperform, and the resolution of discussions around a revised staffing profile to support it has been delayed.
The prison is largely unsuitable for prisoners with disabilities or limited mobility, contributing to dignity issues like out-of-cell dining in shared cell spaces.
Concerns about lost prisoner property have increased, particularly during transfers to and from the segregation unit.

2025 PRISON Concerns Wayland

Published 29 Jan 2026 · 1,000 prisoners

The Wayland IMB's 2025 prisoner attitudes survey reveals a concerning decline in prisoner safety and trust, alongside persistent issues with basic decency standards in accommodation. While some improvements were noted in literacy support and property reception, significant challenges remain in staff-prisoner relationships, access to healthcare appointments, and the overall restrictiveness of the regime. The report highlights high levels of loneliness and a substantial drop in family visits, urging management to address these core concerns to improve prisoner welfare and prepare them for release.

Key concerns identified

Low levels of personal safety and a significant decline in interpersonal trust among prisoners, with 50% trusting no other prisoner.
Persistent and widespread issues with basic decency standards in cells, including cleanliness on arrival, availability of cleaning materials, condition of furniture, and weekly bedding changes.
Poor and inconsistent staff-prisoner relationships, marked by dismissive behaviour, a 'them vs us' culture, lack of respect, and limited time for meaningful interaction.
Deterioration in healthcare access, with appointment ease returning to previous low levels, and issues with the quality of responses to healthcare complaints.
A restrictive and depressing regime with limited time out of cell, frequent cancellation of association due to staff shortages, and infrastructure failures impacting food provision.
High levels of loneliness among prisoners (61%), with only a quarter of those confiding in staff receiving help.
A significant drop in family and friend visits (to 43%), primarily due to distance, highlighting challenges in maintaining external relationships.

2025 PRISON Concerns Whatton

Published 28 Jan 2026 · 836 prisoners

HMP Whatton, a Category C prison for sexual offenders, maintained an average population of 836. The IMB praised the safe environment, positive staff-prisoner relationships, and improvements in education and family contact. Key concerns include the persistent challenges faced by IPP prisoners, critical under-resourcing impacting the estate and services, and delays in transfers to Category D prisons. Outdated healthcare facilities and accessibility issues for prisoners with mobility problems also remain significant areas for development.

Key concerns identified

The persistent welfare and mental stress of IPP prisoners who struggle to see a future.
Inadequate resourcing for catering, building repairs, and development, impacting the maintenance of health and safety standards.
Unreliable access to chaplaincy facilities for prisoners with mobility issues due to a persistent stair lift problem.
Ongoing issues with follow-on property going missing on transfer, causing stress for prisoners and additional work for staff.
Outdated healthcare facilities and lengthy queues for medication impacting efficiency and causing delays for purposeful activity.
The limited availability of category D prison spaces, delaying transfer opportunities for eligible prisoners.
Uncertainty that prisoners always receive their entitled time out of cell, particularly the unemployed.

2025 PRISON Concerns Chelmsford

Published 27 Jan 2026

Self-harm: 848 Assaults: 203 Staff assaults: 143

HMP Chelmsford, a Category B local prison, reported three deaths in custody and a 4% reduction in self-harm incidents, though the total of 848 remains high. Operational capacity was 660, with 71% of the population being unsentenced, and overcrowding remains a significant concern, especially in the older Victorian wings. The prison saw a decrease in prisoner-on-staff violence but an increase in prisoner-on-prisoner violence and consistently high use of force incidents. Challenges persist with mental health provision due to a lack of specialist beds, property safeguarding, and staff conduct, while the Launchpad platform and improved dentistry services were positive developments.

Key concerns identified

Overcrowding: The root cause of many issues, with prisoners sharing cells designed for one.
Mental Health Care: Lack of secure specialist unit beds leads to severely unwell prisoners remaining in local healthcare units, impacting staff and the general population.
Property Safeguarding: Serious concerns about processes for safeguarding prisoners' property, particularly during internal moves, often leading to items being misplaced or lost.
Staff Conduct: A high number of complaints about staff, mainly concerning verbal abuse, poor attitude, harassment, bullying, and inappropriate language, including potentially racist language.
Use of Force: HMP Chelmsford has one of the highest national rates for use of force incidents when prisoners fail to follow instructions, with an increase in incidents not involving full control and restraint.
Regime and Activity Access: Inconsistent access to purposeful activity, including education and gym, due to staff shortages, roll-call issues, and the need for training participants to sacrifice gym time, contradicting the focus on positive outcomes.
Estate and Maintenance: Persistent issues with the old Victorian wings, damp cells, and chronic unreliability of the central laundry boiler, leading to unhygienic conditions and operational disruptions.
Transfer Disruptions: The practice of forcibly transferring prisoners to other establishments just days before release, to create space for new arrivals, is highly disruptive and distressing.
Internal Complaints System: Anomalies in the Comp 1 complaints system mean prisoners often don't know if their complaint has been received, and healthcare complaint forms are not consistently available.

2025 PRISON Concerns Brixton

Published 23 Jan 2026 · 697 prisoners

Self-harm: 277 Assaults: 277 Staff assaults: 83

HMP Brixton operated as an overcrowded Category C resettlement prison during the reporting year, with a population of 697 against a CNA of 530. The year was marked by preparations for a delayed re-role to Category B, which disrupted rehabilitation efforts. Positive developments included a reduction in self-harm, improved induction processes, and good staff-prisoner relations, alongside high-quality food provision. However, significant concerns persisted regarding drug availability, property loss, unlawful detentions, and the impact of the re-role on resettlement and purposeful activity.

Key concerns identified

The ready availability of drugs had increasing impact through the year, resulting in men found under the influence, emergency call-outs, and a strain on healthcare and uniformed staff.
The delayed re-role of Brixton from a Category C resettlement prison to a Category B reception prison impeded work to reduce reoffending within the nine pathways, particularly mental health, substance misuse, education, and vocational training.
The decision to send men with as little as 28 days left to serve impeded or negated a range of resettlement actions.
Persistent issues with property being mislaid during transfer to Brixton, coupled with unacceptable delays in recovery or compensation, continued to cause distress to prisoners and waste staff resources.
A total of 11 men were unlawfully detained (held after their release date), with HMPPS not defaulting to compensation payment, which the Board considered unjust.
The prison's accommodation remained manifestly overcrowded, with cells as small as 6.4m2 often shared, and toilets located uncomfortably close to sleeping areas.
Shortages of space for single cells, interview rooms, and appropriately located classrooms continued to affect education and treatment programmes.

2025 PRISON Concerns Cardiff

Published 22 Jan 2026

Self-harm: 295 Assaults: 214

HMP Cardiff saw a significant reduction in self-harm, use of force, and violence incidents this year, alongside positive developments like the Launchpad project and improved GP services. However, the Board remains concerned about persistent issues such as severe staffing shortages in healthcare, particularly nursing and pharmacy, and delays in mental health transfers. Prison conditions, including heating, water, and accessibility, continue to be problematic, and the key worker scheme needs greater prioritisation amidst ongoing population pressures.

Key concerns identified

The late arrival of out-of-area prisoners at HMP Cardiff, delaying the reception process (repeated concern).
Ongoing issues with prison conditions, including lack of out-of-cell space for eating, heating and hot water problems, and inadequate accessibility for prisoners with mobility issues (repeated concern).
The critical need to prioritise a well-functioning key worker scheme.
Long waiting lists for mental health services, including a reduction from seven to six psychiatric sessions a week.
Lengthy delays for some prisoners to be transferred to suitable mental health placements.
Low mental health staffing levels compared to similar prisons, as highlighted by the H&SCNA.
Staffing shortages, particularly in nursing and pharmacy, exacerbated by vetting delays and recruitment issues.
The inability of prescribing pharmacists to prescribe due to job-sharing arrangements that prevent in-prison checks.
Lack of lockable storage for prisoners with ‘in possession’ medication.
Absence of a formal and robust social care process between the prison and local authority.
The poor condition of parts of the prison estate, continued closure of buildings marked for demolition, and ongoing problems with basic infrastructure such as heating, hot water, and phones.
The impact of prisoner hospital escorts on prison staffing and the regime.
Continued problematic levels of drug use and finds within the prison.

2025 PRISON Concerns Wetherby

Published 21 Jan 2026 · 119 prisoners

Self-harm: 699 Staff assaults: 32

HMYOI Wetherby saw a significant reduction in its young person population to 119 by August 2025. The Board welcomed the YCS Roadmap and initial positive changes towards a child-centred environment. However, key concerns persist regarding escalating violence, the inadequate regime and conditions on the Benbow separation unit, and severe constraints on mental health service delivery due to unsuitable facilities. Staffing challenges, including vetting delays and loss of experienced officers, also impact the establishment's ability to provide consistent care.

Key concerns identified

Violent assaults and the carrying of improvised weapons remain a significant problem, with young people feeling unsafe.
The separation wing, Benbow, is considered unfit for purpose, offering a minimal regime with young people spending up to 23 hours in their rooms.
CAMHS service delivery is severely constrained by a lack of dedicated, private rooms for therapeutic work and systemic operational barriers.
Education provision required significant improvement due to challenges in recruiting and retaining teaching staff, and a curriculum that disengaged young people.
There are unacceptable delays in local authorities securing suitable accommodation and providing financial support for looked-after children upon release, sometimes up to the day of release.
Delays in staff vetting contribute to high vacancies, and the recent retirement of 19% of experienced officers represents a significant loss of expertise.

2025 PRISON Concerns Preston

Published 20 Jan 2026 · 670 prisoners

HMP/YOI Preston, a Category B reception prison, faces significant challenges due to its aging Victorian infrastructure, leading to inadequate reception facilities and poor cell conditions. Despite commendations for its laundry service and efforts to increase time out of cell, the prison grapples with high violence rates and persistent delays in mental health transfers. The Board highlights recurring issues with property management, the complaints system, and the limited support for remand prisoners, alongside concerns about the impact of staff vacancies on library services.

Key concerns identified

The Victorian prison fabric, including the reception area, gatehouse, and OMU prefabricated structure, is not fit for purpose and remains unaddressed despite repeated concerns.
Lack of space in the first night centre and reception area hinders confidential conversations about risk and property management.
High levels of violence, particularly involving 18-25 year olds, remain a concern for the Board.
Cells are in a poor state, with mould, condensation, broken plaster, and inadequate ventilation, failing to meet modern accommodation standards.
Significant delays exist in transferring prisoners to secure mental health beds, often exceeding the 28-day guideline, and issues with community mental health team handovers persist.
Issues with prisoners' PINs, property management (cell clearances, pilfering), and the complaints system require constant monitoring and improvement.

2024 PRISON Concerns Featherstone

Published 16 Jan 2026

HMP Featherstone faced challenges including the dilapidated state of its facilities, persistent issues with property management, and stretched healthcare services, particularly for mental health. However, the Board observed improvements in staffing levels, education provision, and reduced waiting times for doctors and dentists. Key concerns remain around the prison's aging infrastructure, the treatment of mentally unwell prisoners in segregation, and inconsistent staff culture.

Key concerns identified

The prison is in a dilapidated state, with old and dated kitchen equipment, and significant investment is needed.
Mental health issues are serious, and prisoners with high needs are inappropriately housed in segregation with untrained staff, requiring speedy transfer to suitable accommodation.
Low healthcare staffing causes regime disruption due to medication delays, an issue needing a systemic solution.
A cultural problem persists among a small group of staff, requiring continued vigilance from senior management.
Property management remains a significant issue, with items often missing during transfers and within the prison.
Rodent infestation was a problem throughout the reporting year.
Food quality and portion sizes continue to be an issue for prisoners, a concern also raised in the previous year.
Body Worn Video Cameras (BWVCs) are often not turned on or are non-functional, hindering safety monitoring.

2025 PRISON Concerns Littlehey

Published 15 Jan 2026 · 1,229 prisoners

Assaults: 83 Staff assaults: 22

HMP Littlehey continues to provide a safe and largely humane environment, with commendations for its compassionate healthcare, dedicated staff, and innovative rehabilitation initiatives like the CRED team. However, the report highlights significant concerns including critical understaffing of the IMB, persistent issues with heating and hot water, a substantial cut to the education budget, and inadequate after-hours social care. Other challenges include property complaints on transfer, unreliable healthcare lifts, and issues with offender behaviour programmes causing parole delays.

Key concerns identified

The Board's dismay at the refusal to extend a member’s tenure, leading to critically low board membership in 2026, making it impossible to deliver statutory requirements and risking board closure.
Continued inadequacy of the IMB recruitment process, which remains inappropriate and untimely, hindering recruitment of suitable candidates.
Persistent high number of property complaints on transfer, causing anguish for prisoners, and the lack of a system to record these as a specific metric.
Lack of clarity and timeline for funding to bring the heating and hot water systems for Woodlands up to standard, leading to continuous disruption for prisoners.
Staggering 35% reduction in the training budget at a training prison, leading to loss of activity places and poor provision for work and training.
Inadequate arrangements for the provision of social care for prisoners after-hours.
High number of internal complaints (Comp 1s and 1As), with many issues stemming from poor communication that could be resolved by staff or key workers.
Unreliable and frequently broken lifts in the in-patient healthcare buildings, causing inefficiencies and delays for staff and prisoners.
Leakage in the workshops' building roof for the entire reporting period, without a clear plan to repair or replace it.
Impact of national offender behaviour programme changes and a gap in staff training, leading to parole delays for some prisoners.
Mismatch in prioritising prisoners for offender behaviour programmes between national policy and OMU/parole boards, leading to further delays.

2025 PRISON Concerns Nottingham

Published 14 Jan 2026

Self-harm: 990 Assaults: 347 Staff assaults: 137

HMP Nottingham is a Category B/YOI reception and resettlement prison facing significant challenges with safety, healthcare, and regime, exacerbated by high prisoner churn. The Board is concerned by increases in self-harm, assaults, and use of force, alongside the inappropriate detention of severely mentally ill prisoners due to a lack of specialist provisions. Time out of cell and purposeful activity remain limited, with healthcare access and property transfer issues also a source of numerous complaints.

Key concerns identified

The significant increase in self-harm incidents, prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, staff assaults, and use of force incidents is a major concern.
Prisoners with severe mental health issues are inappropriately detained within the prison, often for extended periods in the Care and Separation Unit, due to a lack of specialist secure mental health places and slow transfer processes.
Time out of cell remains limited, particularly for vulnerable prisoners housed on the induction wing, and attendance at education and purposeful activity is consistently below capacity, hampered by high prisoner churn.
The high number of complaints regarding access to healthcare and the unresolved nature of these issues indicate systemic problems with healthcare provision and communication.
The frequency of short recalls places immense pressure on prison resources and significantly disrupts resettlement efforts, leading to loss of accommodation and support for vulnerable prisoners.
Persistent issues with property going missing during inter-prison transfers cause significant distress and are time-consuming to resolve.
The incentives scheme lacks transparency and objectivity, leading to prisoner distrust, a concern repeated from the previous year.

2025 PRISON Concerns Kirkham

Published 13 Jan 2026 · 692 prisoners

Self-harm: 7 Assaults: 13 Staff assaults: 2

HMP Kirkham, a Category D open prison, faced significant challenges during the reporting period (Jan 2024 - Jul 2025) due to high prisoner churn from temporary release schemes, which disrupted its resettlement function and exhausted staff. Despite this, the Board found the prison to be a safe environment, with improvements in healthcare, purposeful activity, and complaints management. Key concerns remain around illicit substances, staffing, budget cuts impacting education, and the aging estate.

Key concerns identified

The pervasive issue of illicit substances and mobile phones, exacerbated by insufficient searches and the absence of in-cell telephony.
The overwhelming impact of Temporary Presumptive Recategorisation Scheme (TPRS) and early release schemes on the prison's resettlement function, leading to a high churn of prisoners and difficulties in motivation and engagement.
Inadequate staffing levels that do not reflect the current complex cohort of prisoners, leading to staff exhaustion and limiting security measures.
Budget reductions negatively impacting education, vocational training, and the availability of activity places.
Persistent issues with the aging estate, including prolonged lack of heating and hot water, roof damage, and recurring pest control problems.
Challenges in resettlement planning, including delays in Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL) processing, insufficient pre-release accommodation arrangements, and minimal resettlement planning for many TPRS prisoners.

2025 PRISON Concerns Bure

Published 6 Jan 2026 · 639 prisoners

Self-harm: 182

HMP Bure, a Category C training prison for sexual offenders, holds 639 prisoners against an operational capacity of 643. While commendable for humane treatment, high time out of cell, and low violence metrics, the Board identifies critical challenges. These include budget cuts impacting education and purposeful activity, inadequate healthcare for the aging population, and persistent staffing shortages affecting regime and support. National policy issues around prisoner wages and property management also remain significant concerns for the Board.

Key concerns identified

Significant budget cuts to education and workshops are narrowing curriculum and reducing purposeful activity opportunities, questioning Bure's designation as a training prison.
The shocking treatment of IPP prisoners, including exclusion from fixed term recalls, has not improved despite being raised last year.
There is a lack of specialised units for dementia and geriatric healthcare for the aging population, especially given no 24/7 on-site medical facility.
A digital solution for adjudications has not been funded, leading to archaic and cumbersome paper records.
Prisoners' wages at Bure are lower than many prisons, despite similar canteen prices, a concern raised last year.
Staff shortages are exacerbated by officers sent on ‘detached duties’ and frequent escorts/bed watches, impacting operational duties and key working.
There is no national property scheme, and loss of property on transfer remains a significant issue.
Installation of CCTV on wings is severely delayed despite funding being agreed.
Frequent self-harm incidents using razor blades suggest a need to replace them with electric shavers.
Late roll calls and clashes between education and other purposeful activities persist, negatively affecting regime and appointments.
Heating in Residential Unit 7 remains inadequate, particularly for elderly and vulnerable prisoners, a repeated issue.
Breakdowns in laundry machines and shortages of stock impact cleanliness and prisoner provision.
Slow accommodation repairs result in cold and draughty cells, especially in preparation for winter.
Extended periods in segregation have negative impacts on prisoners' mental health and reintegration.
Lack of urgency in assessments can lead to inappropriate extended segregation.
Many prisoners are unable to access their Prison Offender Managers (POMs), compromising procedural justice.
The number of formal complaints remains high, reflecting last year's position, with no clear timescale for Comp1A appeals.
Inadequate funding prevents the introduction of a digital property management system within the prison.
There is a lack of accessible showers in Residential Unit 4 for elderly or disabled prisoners.
The library is frequently closed or offers limited service due to staff shortages, preventing browsing and resource use.
Small classrooms and scheduling conflicts limit education attendance and progression in core subjects.
Lack of workshop space, compounded by a recent closure, leaves retired prisoners without purposeful activity and contributes to low full-time employment numbers.
The OMU office environment is dismal, with poor natural light, impacting staff working conditions.
Friday visit cancellations due to staff shortages and a shortage of space for the visits service.

2025 PRISON Concerns Stoke Heath

Published 2 Jan 2026

Self-harm: 486 Assaults: 157 Staff assaults: 2

HMP/YOI Stoke Heath is a closed, Category C training and resettlement prison for men with an operational capacity of 782. The reporting year saw concerning increases in self-harm incidents (486), assaults (157), and deaths in custody (4), with drugs remaining readily available. Despite a full quota of officers, staff shortages in healthcare and offender management units continue to impact prisoner support and progression. Living conditions in cramped double cells, inadequate food, and insufficient purposeful activity for 30% of the population remain significant challenges.

Key concerns identified

Overcrowding and cramped living conditions in double cells, exacerbated by ageing accommodation and delayed refurbishment.
Persistent safety issues, including readily available drugs, an increase in deaths, serious self-harm incidents, assaults, and use of force.
Significant underperformance in training and resettlement, leading to 30% prisoner inactivity and excessive time spent in cells.
Underfunded healthcare, with staff shortages, reliance on agency staff, inadequate mental health therapy provision, and long dental waiting times.
Poor food quality and portion sizes, resulting in high levels of waste and numerous prisoner complaints.
Difficulties for prisoners in contacting overstretched Prison Offender Managers and inconsistent key worker engagement.
Ongoing issues with prisoners' property, particularly during transfers between establishments.

2025 PRISON Concerns Altcourse

Published 19 Dec 2025 · 1,224 prisoners

Self-harm: 957 Assaults: 421 Staff assaults: 83

HMP Altcourse experienced a challenging reporting year due to significant prisoner movement and increased population, impacting various aspects of prison life from reception to resettlement. While positive strides were made in staff-prisoner relationships, key worker schemes, and diversified mental health provision, critical issues persist. Key concerns include the inadequacy of kitchen facilities, lack of education in segregation, delays in mental health transfers, and a high proportion of prisoners released without accommodation.

Key concerns identified

The constant movement of prisoners, late arrivals from court, and out-of-area intakes increase pressure on reception and challenge the safe location of vulnerable prisoners with gang affiliations.
Sodexo's promised initiatives, including a specialist in-patient mental health unit, a fully operational crêche, and a new workshop, have not materialised.
The kitchen is not fit for purpose given the increased population, leading to concerns about food quality and quantity.
Education provision for prisoners in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) has not resumed, and mentally unwell men continue to be held in the CSU due to insufficient secure bed availability.
The lack of a permanent crêche in the visits hall severely affects prisoners’ ability to maintain family relationships, and a high proportion of prisoners are released with no accommodation.
The statutory 28-day time limit for mental health transfers is not in effect, and the daily food allowance for prisoners is inadequate. The prison also faces issues with high Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT) levels, housing vulnerable prisoners on the induction unit, and chaplaincy vacancies.

2025 PRISON Concerns Scotland and Northern Ireland short-term holding facilities (STHF)

Published 18 Dec 2025 · 2,562 prisoners

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

This report monitors Short-term Holding Facilities (STHFs) in Scotland and Northern Ireland, highlighting significant variations in standards and persistent concerns despite positive staff interactions at times. Key issues include a lack of independent oversight for Controlled Waiting Areas, the continued mixed-sex detention at Larne House, and inconsistent, often inadequate, healthcare provisions, particularly the removal of prescription medication. The Board also raised concerns about substandard accommodation, excessively long detention periods in unsuitable conditions, and a strikingly low number of formal complaints, indicating systemic barriers to raising grievances.

Key concerns identified

Inadequate independent oversight and lack of transparency, especially concerning Controlled Waiting Areas (CWAs) and internal audits.
Continued mixed-sex detention at Larne House and the implementation of a blanket handcuff policy, raising safety and dignity concerns.
Highly inconsistent and often insufficient healthcare provision across facilities, notably the removal of prescription medication and lack of external regulation for some services.
Substandard and undignified accommodation, including lack of natural light, fresh air, showers, and proper sleeping arrangements, compounded by excessively long detention periods.
A strikingly low number of formal complaints, suggesting significant barriers and an unwillingness to address detainee concerns effectively.
Persistent delays in case progression, repairs, and a defensive response to IMB inquiries, indicating systemic inefficiency and a lack of focus on continuous improvement.

2025 PRISON Concerns Birmingham

Published 16 Dec 2025 · 993 prisoners

Self-harm: 878 Assaults: 390 Staff assaults: 222

HMP Birmingham, a busy Category B reception prison, faces critical pressure on its estate and a significantly increased prisoner churn, yet the Board finds it decently run with a largely smooth regime. However, the prison is plagued by failing infrastructure, particularly persistently broken lifts, causing significant inconvenience and access issues. Key concerns include a worrying rise in deaths in custody, increased self-harm and assaults, and the highest use of force rates among its comparator prisons, alongside ongoing issues with inhumane cell sharing and kit shortages. The report also highlights the impact of an ageing prison population on healthcare resources, the detrimental effects of prolonged remand times on prisoner progression, and stalled refurbishment works.

Key concerns identified

Failure of accountability at all levels, with important regular meetings (EDI, healthcare/residential manager, use of force management) not taking place.
Failing infrastructure, particularly persistently out-of-order lifts, impeding prisoner movement and access to services.
A significant increase in deaths in custody (from 5 to 9), with one particularly concerning death from drug overdose highlighting deficiencies in reception screening and welfare checks.
Serious concerns about the Care and Separation Unit (CSU), with many cells unusable due to damage, leading to prisoners serving cellular confinement on residential wings.
Rising self-harm and assaults, indicating a volatile establishment, with use of force rates highest among comparator prisons.
Inhumane cell sharing due to inadequate privacy screening and a lack of sufficient single cells.
Significant disadvantages for wheelchair users due to insufficient adapted cells and lift failures, as well as delays in transfers.
Ongoing shortages of essential kit (bedding, clothing, kettles), exacerbated by laundry issues.
Increasing numbers of frail elderly prisoners 'bed-blocking' 24/7 healthcare units, coupled with a lack of appropriate alternative accommodation and delayed ageing prisoner strategy.
Prolonged remand times and delays in transferring sentenced prisoners, hindering access to education, work, and sentence plan interventions.
Stalled refurbishment work on three Victorian wings due to contractor administration, with no work undertaken for nine months, incurring significant public cost.
Recruitment challenges, including the lack of face-to-face interviews for prison officers, impacting staff quality and retention.
Underutilisation of education, employment, and soft skills opportunities, and the well-resourced new library.

2025 PRISON Concerns Wormwood Scrubs

Published 12 Dec 2025

HMP Wormwood Scrubs continues to face significant challenges despite some positive developments in safety and healthcare. While incidents of violence and self-harm remain lower than comparator prisons, illicit drug use and inconsistent staff practices, particularly regarding body-worn cameras, are persistent concerns. The antiquated infrastructure, overcrowding, and an inconsistent regime that leaves many prisoners locked in cells for extended periods severely impact humane treatment and purposeful activity. Staffing issues contribute to the poor delivery of the key worker scheme and a rise in complaints about staff conduct, alongside noted disproportionalities in disciplinary measures against certain demographic groups.

Key concerns identified

The pervasive issue of illicit drug use, indicated by high positive mandatory drug testing rates and inconsistent searching protocols for staff and visitors.
Persistent problems with antiquated infrastructure, overcrowding, and vermin, leading to regular breakdowns and poor living conditions despite refurbishment efforts.
Inconsistent regime delivery, with many prisoners, especially those unemployed, spending over 22 hours a day locked in their cells, failing to meet out-of-cell targets.
Challenges in healthcare, including the use of unsuitable accommodation for unwell prisoners awaiting specialist beds, mental health teams struggling with referrals, and delays in transfers to secure hospitals.
Poor engagement with purposeful activity and education, exacerbated by the cohorting strategy which limits choice and access to opportunities based on wing location.
Significant concerns regarding staff conduct, evidenced by a marked increase in complaints about negative treatment and a largely unimplemented key worker scheme.
Disproportionate application of force, segregation, and basic incentive scheme placement against black, Muslim, and younger prisoners, with reasons remaining unclear.
Ongoing frustrations with in-cell phone service (long waits for repairs, high call costs) and persistent issues with lost or delayed prisoner property during transfers.

2025 PRISON Concerns Bristol

Published 11 Dec 2025 · 561 prisoners

Self-harm: 455 Assaults: 162 Staff assaults: 70

HMP Bristol has seen sustained improvements in safety, with significant reductions in self-harm and violent incidents, and fewer deaths in custody. However, the daily regime remains inconsistent due to staffing levels, and key concerns persist around the lack of in-cell sanitation on B wing, prolonged waits for mental health transfers, and challenges with prisoner property and medication access. Staffing recruitment and retention are also a continuous concern for the Board.

Key concerns identified

There is still a lack of in-cell sanitation on B wing (99 prisoners) with no concrete, funded plan to resolve this.
The average number of prisoners in segregation has increased, and prisoners with mental health issues are often held there prior to lengthy transfers.
The daily regime for prisoners is still inconsistent due to variable staffing levels and additional demands, limiting key working sessions to only the most vulnerable prisoners.
Healthcare issues, particularly access to physical healthcare, mental health support, and medication issues, remain the highest category of applications to the IMB.
Approximately 20% of prisoners released from HMP Bristol do not have housing on their first night of release, and short-stay prisoners do not always get sufficient resettlement support.
The Home Office’s proposed changes to the visa system are likely to adversely affect the recruitment and retention of new prison officers, impacting the prison's ability to deliver a full regime.
There is no agreed funding or implementation date for Launchpad, a digital system that would improve prisoner communications and free up staff time.
Lost and missing property within the prison has increased, typically after cell transfers, and remains the second highest issue raised with the IMB.
Illicit drugs, notably psychoactive substances and cannabis, remain readily available in HMP Bristol, contributing to prisoners being under the influence, and the number of positive mandatory drug tests is higher than target.

2025 PRISON Concerns Bronzefield

Published 10 Dec 2025 · 506 prisoners

Self-harm: 1,944 Assaults: 327 Staff assaults: 150

HMP/YOI Bronzefield, a women's local and YOI prison, reported a population of 506 and a CNA of 5271. While some progress was noted in leadership and property management, the report highlights significant concerns regarding healthcare delivery, staffing pressures, and the impact of roll-counts on the regime. Mental health services remain strained, and issues with food provision, complaint handling, and resettlement support persist, many of which were repeated from previous years.

Key concerns identified

Problems in the delivery of healthcare services due to staff shortages, poor coordination, and 'in-fighting' among external NHS functions.
Staffing issues resulting from significant deployment of PCOs to off-site duties and high turnover of new recruits.
Negative impact of mandatory reconciliation roll-counts on the regime, leading to missed appointments and purposeful activities.
Inconsistencies in the quality, quantity, and distribution of food.
Delays in dealing with prisoner complaints, leading to a loss of confidence in the system.
Mental health services under sustained pressure from complex caseloads, staff shortages, and delayed transfers to secure hospitals.
Under-resourcing in the primary care team and shortage of experienced nursing staff.
Consistent failure to dispense medication in a timely and efficient manner.
Continued lack of a structured and coordinated service for supporting prisoners on discharge.
Stress caused to women approaching release due to last-minute information about accommodation.

2025 PRISON Concerns Portland

Published 8 Dec 2025

Self-harm: 550 Assaults: 228

HMP/YOI Portland has seen significant improvements in its regime and overall safety, with positive staff-prisoner relationships and increased key work. However, persistent challenges include the ingress of illicit substances, inadequate ventilation in Beaufort wing, and insufficient purposeful activity. Healthcare staffing has improved, but mental health provision is still stretched due to rising demand, and external transport issues continue to affect prisoner movements and initial health screenings.

Key concerns identified

Ingress of illicit substances continues to be an issue, leading to concerns about prisoner debt and self-harm risk.
Inadequate ventilation in Beaufort wing persists, making conditions inhumane in hot weather, a concern raised previously.
The prison lacks sufficient purposeful activity spaces, meaning not all eligible prisoners can attend work or education full-time.
Mental health staffing levels remain inadequate to treat the increasing number of prisoners with ongoing mental health needs.
Issues with external transport (Serco) cause late arrivals, delayed first-night health screenings, and problems with prisoner transfers.
Social activities and video call slots are limited, particularly impacting young offenders and families residing far from the remote prison.

2025 PRISON Concerns Brinsford

Published 5 Dec 2025 · 545 prisoners

Assaults: 528 Staff assaults: 96

HMP/YOI Brinsford, a YOI and Category C resettlement prison, held an average of 545 prisoners during the reporting year. While the environment is generally considered safe and healthcare provision good, the Board has significant concerns regarding the persistent delays in mental health transfers, the poor condition of the estate, and inadequate education and purposeful activity. Key worker compliance is low due to staffing issues, and violence between prisoners increased to 528 incidents.

Key concerns identified

The persistent problem of relocating prisoners with mental health issues to suitable treatment centres, with transfers exceeding the 28-day stipulated timeframe.
The ongoing issue of prisoner property management, particularly during transfers between establishments, with little or no improvement despite a national policy.
The 'new' heating system is still not up to standard and lacks flexible controls, leading to discomfort for prisoners and staff.
The education contract is considered unfit for purpose, with concerns about lessons not being delivered, low prisoner engagement, and difficulties in holding the provider to account.
The overall condition of Brinsford is outdated and in a poor state of repair, requiring significant investment to bring it to an acceptable standard.
Activity places are limited and not 'meaningful', failing to adequately prepare prisoners for work and rehabilitation upon release.

2024 IRC Concerns Gatwick IRC

Published 4 Dec 2025

Assaults: 86 Staff assaults: 180

Gatwick IRC experienced a volatile year ending March 2024, marked by high levels of violence, self-harm, and one death in custody. The Board expresses significant concerns over inadequate safeguards for vulnerable detainees, long detention periods, and systemic failures in healthcare, particularly around Rules 34 and 35. Detainees also face issues with interpretation services, excessive handcuffing, and an inhumane regime with long lock-up times and increased segregation.

Key concerns identified

Continued volatility, high levels of violence, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, with a culture of disbelief and lack of empathy among some staff.
Inadequate safeguards, including the Detention Gatekeeper's failure to prevent vulnerable individuals from being detained, and insufficient Rule 34/35 processes.
Unacceptably long wait times for Rule 35 appointments and the tendency to manage vulnerability in detention rather than release, exacerbating harm.
Unfair and inhumane practices, including detention without a time limit, widespread handcuffing during hospital visits, and systemic interpretation issues.
Deteriorating physical conditions of Brook House and Tinsley House, marked by grimy facilities, poor ventilation, and damp.
Excessively long lock-up times and a substantial increase in separation and segregation, often used inappropriately and restricting detainee access to support.

2025 PRISON Maidstone

Published 3 Dec 2025

2025 PRISON Concerns Belmarsh

Published 28 Nov 2025 · 730 prisoners

Self-harm: 360 Assaults: 226 Staff assaults: 129

HMP Belmarsh is a Category A local prison facing significant challenges during the reporting year ending June 2025. The Board noted a concerning rise in violence, strain on staffing impacting key worker sessions and daily regimes, and inadequate provision for vulnerable and seriously ill prisoners due to bed shortages and transfer delays. While staff professionalism and some positive initiatives were observed, persistent issues with property management, infrastructure, and purposeful activity, particularly for young offenders, require urgent attention.

Key concerns identified

A concerning 14% rise in violence incidents and 22% increase in weapons found.
Too many vulnerable prisoners (VPs) cannot be accommodated on dedicated spurs, leading to them being held on general spurs and self-isolating.
Insufficient care and monitoring for prisoners who self-isolate, with poor record-keeping by staff.
A dramatic fall in key worker sessions and negative impact on daily regime due to high staff sick leave.
Significant strain on the segregation unit due to multi-unlock CSC prisoners, limited spaces, and management of young adults.
Seriously ill patients treated outside the in-patient unit (IPU) due to lack of available cells, and severe delays (80 days) for mental health transfers.
Disturbing cases of medication mismanagement and a failure to provide adequate communication for foreign national prisoners.
Years of under-investment leading to deterioration of prison infrastructure and ongoing issues with lost prisoner property during transfers.

2025 PRISON Concerns Bullingdon

Published 26 Nov 2025 · 1,066 prisoners

Self-harm: 753 Assaults: 570 Staff assaults: 140

HMP Bullingdon continues to grapple with significant challenges including chronic overcrowding, high levels of violence, and critical staff shortages impacting the regime and rehabilitation efforts. Healthcare provision has deteriorated with long waiting times, while positive initiatives like the Launchpad system and a new departure lounge have improved certain aspects of prisoner experience. The IMB raises several recommendations to the Minister, Prison Service, and Governor to address these fundamental issues, many of which were repeated from the previous year.

Key concerns identified

Chronic overcrowding and significant cell sharing, with 392 prisoners sharing cells designed for one person.
Persistent staff shortages, high turnover, and inexperience impacting rehabilitation, key work delivery, and overall regime.
High levels of violence and unsafety for both prisoners and staff, exacerbated by insufficient CCTV coverage and increased drone activity introducing contraband.
Deteriorating healthcare provision, including long waiting times for appointments, medication delays, and significant staff shortages with reliance on agency staff.
A large number of prisoners are released without confirmed accommodation, often leading to re-offending and recall.
Low attendance rates in education classes and the inconsistent recording of language needs for foreign national prisoners.

2025 PRISON Concerns Bedford

Published 21 Nov 2025 · 367 prisoners

HMP/YOI Bedford, a Category B reception and resettlement prison, continues to face challenges with overcrowding, high levels of violence, and pervasive illicit item use. While some improvements have been made in reception and living conditions, the healthcare service is under significant strain, evidenced by a CQC warning notice. The Board also highlights concerns regarding staff retention (due to visa issues), a limited education curriculum, and an antiquated paper-based system for property and complaints.

Key concerns identified

Overcrowding: The prison remains overcrowded with, in the majority of instances, two men sharing a small cell and toilet, which could be considered inhumane.
Violence: HMP Bedford is still the third worst among reception prisons for prisoner-on-prisoner violence, and the second highest for assaults on staff.
Illicit Items: All evidence indicates drugs and other illicit items are commonplace, with 36% of MDTs positive and over 100 unsecure windows facilitating drone incidents and throwovers.
Healthcare Provision: The healthcare service is questioned as not fit for purpose due to ongoing failures in safe care, treatment delays, staff shortages, and poor record-keeping, as highlighted by a CQC warning notice and high prisoner complaints.
Purposeful Activity & Education: Only around 40% of prisoners are engaged in purposeful activity, which is below average, and the limited education curriculum (basic English/maths) discourages further engagement.
Staffing Stability: The Board is concerned that many officers on overseas work visas could be lost due to changes in rules, significantly impacting the regime and stability of the prison.
Prisoner Property & Applications: An antiquated paper-based system for prisoner property causes significant frustration and missing items, especially during transfers, and the high number of prisoner complaints suggests issues are not dealt with at first contact.
D-4 Wing Management: Prisoners on D-4 (PCoSOs) face disadvantages including limited access to education and the library, and the wing appears less well managed with a lack of application forms.
Segregation Unit Design: The glass in the observation panels in the new Care and Segregation Unit (CSU) is breakable, resulting in small shards that can be used as items for self-harm or weapons, and a more appropriate, un-breakable material has not yet been found.

2025 PRISON Concerns Fosse Way

Published 19 Nov 2025 · 1,769 prisoners

Self-harm: 1,175 Assaults: 508 Staff assaults: 107

HMP Fosse Way faced significant operational challenges in its second year, including high prisoner churn, staffing shortfalls, and persistent building deficiencies like unsuitable furniture and failing lifts. Healthcare provision was unstable, with cancelled appointments and no overnight service, compounded by delays in mental health transfers. While purposeful activity and vocational training were praised, many places remained unallocated, and drug finds were a continued concern.

Key concerns identified

Persistent staffing shortfalls and an inexperienced workforce place continuous pressure on the prison, affecting core functions and prisoner support.
Significant building and infrastructure deficiencies, including unsuitable in-cell furniture, unreliable lifts, and the lack of a central laundry, are causing ongoing operational problems and repair costs.
Gaps in healthcare provision, notably the absence of overnight services and frequent cancellations of external hospital appointments due to escort shortages, compromise prisoner health and well-being.
Ongoing delays in transferring prisoners with severe mental health needs to appropriate secure facilities, often leading to them being held inappropriately in segregation.
Underutilisation of purposeful activity spaces, with only 63% of workshop places allocated and education vacancies, hinders rehabilitation efforts.
High positive mandatory drug test rates remain a concern, negatively impacting the prison regime with associated violence, self-harm, and debt.

2025 PRISON Concerns Peterborough

Published 18 Nov 2025

Assaults: 651 Staff assaults: 206

HMP/YOI Peterborough saw significant improvements in staff recruitment, regime delivery, and healthcare provision, with self-harm management remaining professional. However, the Board remains concerned about inconsistent and poor quality responses to prisoner complaints, poor professional standards among some managers, and persistent issues with medication distribution and social care referrals. The prison faces substantial challenges in adapting to a predominantly remand population for men and differentiating the women's regime.

Key concerns identified

Inconsistent and poor quality responses to prisoner complaints and issues raised in adjudications, reflecting a lack of respect and empathy.
Poor professional standards and behaviours among some middle and senior managers, including bad language, poor meeting attendance, and inconsistent application of rules, leading to diminished trust.
Ongoing issues with medication distribution due to lack of operational staff availability, and concerns that social care needs are not promptly assessed.
Challenges relating to the significant change in role for the men's prison to predominantly remand, requiring timely resourcing and a differentiated regime.
Inadequate climate control within the prison, with heating failures in cold months and fan shortages in hot months.
Insufficient focus on employment skills opportunities for men, and a need for more work on the wellbeing of older prisoners and open-air access for women.

2025 PRISON Concerns Warren Hill

Published 13 Nov 2025 · 267 prisoners

Self-harm: 11 Assaults: 8 Staff assaults: 2

HMP Warren Hill is a well-run Category C prison for men serving life or IPP sentences, consistently demonstrating a high commitment to safety and positive staff-prisoner relations. While the prison excels in healthcare provision, purposeful activity, and support for neurodiverse prisoners, key challenges include the ongoing cancellation of ROTL, uncertainty surrounding prison expansion and kitchen facilities, and the potential impact of future education budget cuts. The Board urges action on these issues to further enhance rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes for prisoners.

Key concerns identified

The cancellation of ROTL continues to hinder prisoner rehabilitation and resettlement.
There is uncertainty regarding prison expansion, including rapid deployment cells (RDCs) and new kitchen facilities, and whether ancillary provisions will be proportionally increased.
Proposed significant reductions in education budgets (35%) raise concerns about maintaining educational outcomes for prisoners.
A plan is needed to accommodate the increasing age profile of the prisoner population, including physical adaptations and appropriate care packages.
The opportunities offered by the Governance Review for joint working, training, and prisoner development across both sites need to be fully exploited.
Further follow-up work is required to assess the effectiveness of the Warren Hill regime against the high prisoner recall rates (approximately 50%).
Enhancing the use of IT in prison is necessary to better equip prisoners for release.

2025 PRISON Concerns Ashfield

Published 6 Nov 2025 · 416 prisoners

Self-harm: 88 Assaults: 15 Staff assaults: 2

The reporting period for HMP Ashfield was marked by significant change, including a new contract with Serco and the establishment of a new therapeutic community. While the Board found the prison generally safe, with high prisoner satisfaction in feeling secure, there were increases in self-harm and violence incidents compared to unusually low previous year figures. Key concerns include persistent staffing challenges impacting morale, inadequate social and dementia care for the aging population, and issues with the new split-week regime affecting purposeful activity and pay.

Key concerns identified

Urgent need for a comprehensive national older prisoner related strategy.
Inadequate social care, including end-of-life and dementia care, for people convicted of sexual offences.
Pressure on probation services inside and outside prison, leading to concerns about prisoners being released without appropriate accommodation.
Lack of progress on providing individual prisons with reoffending rates information, which was suggested last year.
Category D prisoners being transferred to HMP Ashfield without prior adjudication or opportunity to put their case.
Need for improvements to simplify and fair the new split work week and related pay structure.
Low staff morale resulting from the impact of key work reporting, providing escort staff in hospital, and occasional redeployment to other Serco prisons.
The continued closure of the charity shop due to building work and staff shortages.

2025 PRISON Concerns Lincoln

Published 4 Nov 2025 · 654 prisoners

Self-harm: 455 Assaults: 90 Staff assaults: 61

HMP Lincoln, a Category B reception and resettlement prison, held 654 prisoners at the end of the reporting period, slightly below its operational capacity of 664. The report highlights improvements in safety with the use of body scanners and a professional staff approach, yet notes significant increases in self-harm incidents (455, up from 277) and ACCTs opened (446, up from 351). Key concerns include persistent issues with building maintenance, healthcare waiting times, the management of IPP prisoners, and problems with prisoner property and cleanliness.

Key concerns identified

Timely access to specialist mental health facilities remains a concern for the Board.
There continues to be little tangible progress in the situation of IPP prisoners.
The length of time taken and the quality of work for repair and maintenance jobs across the establishment, including project delays.
Problems with prisoners’ property not always arriving in its entirety on completion of a transfer.
The Victorian infrastructure giving rise to problems surrounding increasing numbers of frail older people, particularly those with dementia, end of life care and disabled prisoners.
A large amount of food waste and debris outside accommodation wings, attracting pigeons and vermin.

2025 PRISON Manchester

Published 4 Nov 2025

2024 PRISON Manchester

Published 4 Nov 2025

2023 PRISON Manchester

Published 4 Nov 2025

2025 PRISON Concerns Stocken

Published 31 Oct 2025 · 1,264 prisoners

Self-harm: 718 Assaults: 68 Staff assaults: 71

HMP Stocken, a Category C training prison, maintained a generally safe environment for prisoners and staff during the reporting year, despite an increased population. The Board highlights persistent concerns including delays in mental health transfers, the loss of prisoner property due to inconsistent volumetric controls, and an insufficient number of cells for disabled prisoners. Positive developments include improved ACCT interactions, increased staff diversity, and effective key working, though staffing challenges and drone activity impacting regime remain.

Key concerns identified

Prisoners’ excess personal property continues to be lost or mislaid due to 'sending prisons' not enforcing volumetric property controls.
It takes too long to transfer prisoners with mental health problems to secure mental health facilities, often resulting in prolonged stays in the CSU.
An increasing number of prisoners held out of area, coupled with the prison's rural location, makes maintaining family ties difficult.
A lack of 'enhanced' gate security equipment at HMP Stocken remains a concern, despite being one of the larger public-run prisons.
There is an insufficient number of cells suitable for prisoners with disability or mobility issues, especially given the ageing prison population, with new wings lacking such provision.
Certain prisoners held in the CSU on suspicion of illicit activities are not sufficiently briefed by the security department about the reasons for their investigation.
Some members of the Senior Management Team appear not fully committed to the aims of the equality and diversity department.
Recruiting and maintaining prisoner representatives is difficult due to constant prisoner movements.
The healthcare unit experienced high staff turnover leading to long delays in responding to prisoner applications/complaints.
Issues have been reported with the newly opened pharmacy, particularly concerning reliance on agency staff.
The oldest wings of the prison are showing signs of age, requiring repairs and refurbishment.
Time out of cells in the late afternoon/evening has been restricted due to increased drone activity, impacting the regime.

2025 PRISON Concerns Woodhill

Published 30 Oct 2025 · 554 prisoners

Assaults: 129 Staff assaults: 209

HMP Woodhill faced ongoing challenges in safety, healthcare, and infrastructure during the reporting year, despite some positive developments like an improved induction unit and valued mental health services. High rates of assaults and self-harm, coupled with staffing inexperience and significant delays in mental health transfers, were prominent concerns. The Board also highlighted the deteriorating state of the prison's fabric and persistent issues with the property system, emphasizing a continued need for fundamental improvements across various operational areas.

Key concerns identified

High levels of prisoner-on-prisoner and staff assaults persist.
Inadequate scrutiny and penalties for prisoners blocking cell observation panels.
Persistent long delays in transferring prisoners with complex mental health needs to secure hospitals.
Continued failure to maintain the prison's fabric, with unacceptable shower conditions and slow repair of cells.
Inconsistent key working and a critical shortage of experienced custodial managers.
Property system failures, including items lost during transfer and delays at RIDS.

2024 IRC Concerns Dungavel House IRC

Published 29 Oct 2025 · 114 prisoners

Self-harm: 4

The Independent Monitoring Board for Dungavel House IRC reports a generally safe and humane environment for detainees in 2024, with good staff-detainee relationships and healthcare provision. Key concerns include the uncertainty of detainees' futures, high numbers of night-time arrivals and departures, and ongoing issues with roof accessibility and building maintenance. The Board also noted that female facilities are considered inadequate.

Key concerns identified

Detained people's main concerns continue to be related to the uncertainty of their futures.
Night-time arrivals and departures, which are outside the IRC's control, remain a continuing concern for the Board.
Accessibility to roofs for detainees is an ongoing issue, posing a safety risk.
There is an imbalance of temperatures within the centre's buildings.
Mechanical ventilation within the centre requires upgrading.
The female accommodation and their access to general facilities are somewhat restricted and considered inadequate for detention purposes.

2025 PRISON Concerns Wymott

Published 28 Oct 2025 · 1,192 prisoners

Self-harm: 554 Assaults: 179 Staff assaults: 32

HMP Wymott continues to face significant challenges due to chronic staffing shortages, impacting regime delivery, purposeful activity, and access to essential services like the library. Deteriorating infrastructure, overcrowding, and an increase in illicit drug activity further compromise safety and humane living conditions. The Board also highlights serious concerns regarding long waiting times for mental health transfers and inconsistent medication provision, despite some improvements in healthcare staffing and administrative processes.

Key concerns identified

Persistent staffing shortages severely impact regime delivery, prisoners' experiences, and officer-prisoner relationships.
Poor living conditions persist due to lack of major refurbishment, continued deterioration of buildings, and overcrowding.
Ease of illicit drugs entering the prison, via drones, leading to increased drug use, debt, and prisoners choosing to self-isolate.
A notable increase in the use of force incidents, particularly unplanned, raises concern.
Unacceptably long waiting times for prisoners with severe mental health problems to be transferred to secure mental health units.
Significant shortage of purposeful activity for mainstream category C prisoners, compounded by denial of access to the library due to staff shortages.
Inconsistent delivery of medication and unaddressed issues with healthcare staff not returning for missed medication.

2025 PRISON Concerns Sudbury

Published 21 Oct 2025 · 655 prisoners

Assaults: 5 Staff assaults: 2

HMP/YOI Sudbury, an open Category D prison, continued to maintain low levels of violence and self-harm, with prisoners reporting feeling safe. However, the Board noted significant challenges including the deteriorating condition of much of the accommodation, inadequate digital provision, and a lack of enrichment activities. Concerns were also raised about the effectiveness of the IPOC system, delays in ROTL, and the impact of changes to prisoner categorisation on the prison's rehabilitative mission.

Key concerns identified

An increase in prisoners arriving who are not ready for or willing to accept the open prison regime, coupled with continued challenges of illicit items entering the prison.
The majority of prisoners are still housed in poor-standard, 80-year-old prefabricated buildings, a concern repeatedly raised.
Insufficient and variable quality of contacts between prisoners and their Initial Point of Contact (IPOC) officers, an issue noted in previous reports.
Inadequate digital provision, including limited Wi-Fi, fewer computers, and a lack of digital training, alongside workshop closures and limited phone privacy.
Delays for many prisoners in gaining Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL), despite the OMU's efforts.
Changes to prisoner categorisation and inadequate community provision (probation, approved premises) are creating systemic challenges for rehabilitation and resettlement.

2025 PRISON Concerns Stafford

Published 16 Oct 2025

Self-harm: 66 Assaults: 17 Staff assaults: 0

HMP Stafford, a Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, maintains a generally safe environment with positive prisoner-staff relationships. Key concerns include a long-standing legionella issue impacting health and facilities, challenges for prisoners in gaining employment post-release due to national policy and offence history, and infrastructure not meeting modern standards. The Board also noted issues with mental health waiting times and a loss of facilities for older prisoners following a relocation.

Key concerns identified

Longstanding issue with legionella in the prison water system, posing health risks and impacting shower access, with insufficient capital funding for a permanent solution.
Significant challenges for prisoners with sexual offence histories in securing post-release employment, compounded by national policy preventing them from Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL).
Much of HMP Stafford's old infrastructure does not meet modern standards, requiring additional funding to better meet prisoner needs.
The relocation of the Senior Support Group (SSG) facility for older prisoners resulted in a loss of outdoor space and natural light.
Gaps in mental health and psychosocial substance misuse service leadership led to reduced oversight and extremely long waiting times (up to 34 weeks) for interventions.
Inconsistent communication regarding CSU transfers and Rule 45 hearings hinders the IMB's oversight.

2025 PRISON Concerns Buckley Hall

Published 15 Oct 2025 · 460 prisoners

Assaults: 90

HMP Buckley Hall, a Category C training prison, has a population of 460 men. The Board noted significant improvements in healthcare and positive engagement in DARS and family visits, alongside strong staff dedication. However, chronic staff shortages severely impact the regime, leading to frequent lockdowns and cancelled activities. Key concerns include an ineffective maintenance contract, persistent property issues during transfers, and the detrimental impact of the birthday parcel policy. The Board also highlighted tired accommodation, hygiene issues, and a high number of self-harm incidents.

Key concerns identified

The maintenance contract with Amey is viewed as expensive and ineffective, hampering necessary repairs such as TV signal updates, laundry facilities, and toilets.
Significant problems with property during transfers, including bags failing to arrive with men and valuables not being sent.
Increasing numbers of long-term residents are being transferred out of Buckley Hall against their will, disrupting family ties and progression.
The policy prohibiting birthday parcels sent by family members is detrimental to men without sufficient funds to purchase items from the catalogue.
There is an ongoing delay in introducing the promised 'handyman scheme'.
Incidents of self-harm are high, with 81 reported in the final quarter of the reporting year.
Accommodation and facilities are tired, with poor quality repairs, frequent shower outages, and an inconsistent television signal.
Overcrowding is an issue, with cells being small for two people, leading to men being sent to CSU for refusing to share.
Persistent hygiene concerns in the serveries, where food is often left uncovered overnight.
Rats are a significant problem, exacerbated by rubbish bags left in unsecured cabinets outside wings.
Cooking equipment on most landings is unhygienic and unsafe, and a dedicated wing kitchen proposal is stalled due to population pressures.
The waste compactor has been out of use for much of 2025, leading to expensive and insufficient skip usage.

2025 PRISON Concerns Swaleside

Published 14 Oct 2025 · 922 prisoners

HMP Swaleside has faced significant challenges, including a major influx of inexperienced staff leading to operational and relationship issues, and a pervasive problem with gang culture, illicit drug use, and high violence levels. Despite some positive developments in healthcare and equality initiatives, major concerns persist regarding prisoner mental health, an inadequate regime, overcrowding, and the effectiveness of security measures against contraband. The Board highlights the urgent need to address staff experience, regime provision, mental health support, and the management of illicit items and violence.

Key concerns identified

Persistent gang culture, widespread illicit drug use (over 50% estimated) and associated debt, fear, and violence, including the manufacturing of bladed weapons.
High levels of violence, including assaults on staff (107 in last 3 months) and prisoner-on-prisoner, with officers sometimes intimidated from reporting incidents or activating body worn video cameras.
Chronic staff inexperience due to a large influx of new recruits, impacting fair treatment, staff-prisoner relationships, and leading to communication challenges.
Inadequate regime provision, with insufficient time out of cell (7.25 hours per week reported) and frequent delays or cancellations of purposeful activity.
Significant concerns regarding prisoner mental health, including insufficient in-reach staff, inappropriate use of CSRU for severe mental health cases, and extreme delays in transfers to secure units.
Overcrowding pressures and inappropriate prisoner allocations, with Swaleside being used for purposes it is not equipped for, like resettlement, leading to further instability.
Ineffective measures to combat contraband entry (drugs, phones, weapons) via drones and the main gate, with illicit items consistently ranked as a ‘serious risk’.
Persistent issues with maintenance of kitchen equipment, delays in fitting new equipment, and the continued reliance on Swaleside’s kitchen to feed HMP Standford Hill, creating significant pressure.
A backlog of adjudications, with a high number dismissed or unaddressed due to prisoners refusing to attend, undermining prison discipline.
Lack of adequate support for prisoners upon release and persistent theft of stock from the DHL workshop.

2025 PRISON Concerns Wandsworth

Published 10 Oct 2025 · 1,467 prisoners

Self-harm: 726 Assaults: 360 Staff assaults: 354

HMP Wandsworth has shown encouraging recovery under new leadership, with notable improvements in safety metrics like reduced assaults and self-harm incidents. However, the prison continues to face significant challenges including unacceptable staff absence levels, inhumane living conditions with widespread cell sharing, and persistent issues with its healthcare infrastructure, particularly the inadequacy of mental health units and the functional shortcomings of the new Nightingale unit. Regime delivery remains inconsistent due to staff shortages, frequently limiting prisoners' time out of cell and access to purposeful activity.

Key concerns identified

Staff absence and inexperience remain unacceptable, hindering regime delivery and care.
Despite improvements, the prison is not safe, with violence levels still too high and basic operational errors noted.
Living conditions are inhumane due to cell sharing, failing infrastructure, inadequate heating/hot water, and vermin/mould issues.
The new healthcare unit has design faults and no residential capacity, leaving inadequate mental health units in use and causing long waiting times for clinics.
Inadequate support for foreign national prisoners, who comprise nearly half the population, persists.
Prisoners are frequently denied sufficient time out of cells, impacting access to exercise, showers, education, and other activities.
Significant issues with lost or mislaid prisoner property continue to cause distress.

2025 PRISON Concerns Thameside

Published 9 Oct 2025 · 1,232 prisoners

Self-harm: 676 Assaults: 678

HMP Thameside, a busy local Category B/C prison, faces significant challenges despite efforts to maintain safety. Key concerns include persistent issues with healthcare provision, delays in mental health transfers, and inadequate resettlement services leading to poor outcomes for prisoners. While there have been improvements in staffing levels and specific unit regimes, the Board remains concerned about the quality of ACCT documentation, inconsistent application of incentives, and late court returns.

Key concerns identified

Persistent issues with the quality and oversight of ACCT documentation and CSIPs, along with the absence of an effective Listener scheme.
Significant and ongoing shortcomings in healthcare provision, including poor administration, long waiting times, medication issues, suboptimal staffing, and critical delays in mental health transfers to external facilities.
Inadequate and inconsistent resettlement services, particularly probation and pre-release support for all prisoners, including remand, often leading to homelessness and a lack of employment on release.
Challenges in maintaining fair and consistent treatment, exemplified by poor management of prisoner property and inconsistent application of the incentives policy.
Late arrivals of court vans after lock-out times, negatively impacting prisoner and staff welfare.
Lack of secure storage for visitor property and inconsistent visitor information, which remains unaddressed.

2025 PRISON Concerns Whitemoor

Published 8 Oct 2025 · 4,581 prisoners

Self-harm: 285 Assaults: 25 Staff assaults: 83

HMP Whitemoor experienced a challenging year with initial low staff morale, though improvements in cleanliness and regime were noted from November 2024. Violence remained a concern with several serious incidents, and staff shortages significantly impacted purposeful activity and time out of cell towards the end of the reporting period. The Board highlighted issues with food, aging infrastructure, and delays in healthcare transfers, while commending improvements in family visits and the thorough review of use of force incidents.

Key concerns identified

Five serious incidents of violence against officers, as well as four committed by prisoners against other prisoners, one of which was an apparent homicide. Violence against staff increased in later months.
The Board was concerned about food quality and quantity, portion sizes, hygiene in serveries and the poor state of the main kitchen.
There remain some showers on each wing in very poor condition.
Segregation staff found it difficult to deal humanely with some seriously mentally ill prisoners who attacked officers whenever their cell was opened.
Keywork sessions improved in frequency, but the quality of discussions varied widely.
Important functions such as visits administration and general applications processing suffered from staff absence.
The administration of social and legal video visits was chaotic, leading to long waits and frequent short notice cancellations.
21% of health appointments were missed, with 9% (over 1000 appointments) due to officers not escorting prisoners.
Staff shortages late in the reporting year reversed the trend of improved opening for Education and workshops.
Vocational work continued to be low quality, with no replacement for previously lost contracts. Unemployment was almost double the target. Anticipated major cuts in the education budget will worsen the situation.
Aging infrastructure and an inadequate property management system.
Insufficient training to new officers on how to manage prisoner relationships.

2025 PRISON Concerns Norwich

Published 7 Oct 2025 · 773 prisoners

Assaults: 256 Staff assaults: 134

HMP/YOI Norwich continues to face significant challenges with persistent violence, self-harm, and the dilapidated state of its infrastructure, particularly the segregation unit. While staff are commended for their care and some improvements are noted in reception processes and family contact, systemic issues like overcrowding, delays in mental health transfers, and lack of purposeful activity for vulnerable groups undermine progress. The Board raises critical questions about policy, resourcing, and equitable treatment, highlighting a pressing need for a safer and more humane environment.

Key concerns identified

Persistent violence, self-harm, and the presence of illicit items, exacerbated by a lack of effective perimeter security.
The dilapidated state of the prison's estate, particularly the segregation unit and heating systems, which are not fit for purpose.
Inequities in access to purposeful activity, education, and healthcare for prisoners with disabilities and older prisoners, and the lack of essential rehabilitation programmes.
The continued detention of foreign national men beyond their sentence expiry and delays in mental health transfers, leading to prolonged stays in segregation.
Suboptimal healthcare provision, including inconsistent emergency equipment, long waiting times for appointments, and rejected mental health referrals.
Ineffective key worker scheme and limited communication channels for prisoners, alongside concerns about the quality and meaningfulness of ACCT documents, especially for non-English speakers.

2025 PRISON Concerns Five Wells

Published 3 Oct 2025 · 1,735 prisoners

Self-harm: 2,326 Assaults: 589

HMP Five Wells, a Category C prison, has experienced positive changes under new leadership and a return to a full 'green' regime, enhancing purposeful activity and staff support. Despite these improvements, the prison faces significant challenges, including a rise in self-harm and violent incidents, widespread illicit substances, and ongoing issues with property management and building design. Concerns also persist regarding healthcare communication, staffing vacancies, and effective resettlement outcomes for prisoners.

Key concerns identified

The continued prevalence of illicit substances and a high rate of positive drug tests.
An increase in self-harm incidents and the need for improvement in the ACCT process.
Poor management of use of force incidents, posing risks to staff and prisoners.
Persistent issues with prisoners sharing single cells and unresolved building design flaws, such as poor airflow.
A high number of complaints about property loss, especially during transfers, linked to an inefficient paper-based national system.
Challenges in healthcare, including inaccessible complaints boxes for some, a lack of electronic communication, and prisoners' lack of understanding regarding medication changes.
Staffing issues affecting the education department and leading to long periods of unallocated prisoners.
The absence of a resident psychologist impacting parole assessments.
External factors influencing resettlement outcomes like employment and accommodation, and the failure to meet ROTL targets.
The lack of a facility to provide photographic ID on release.
National issues concerning an increasing number of recalled prisoners, faults in new prison design, and IMB member recruitment.