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IMB Annual Reports

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

811 reports 171 establishments 800 with key concerns

Annual reports

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811 matching reports.

Nottingham
Published 13 Nov 2024
Self-harm: 898 Assaults: 296 Staff assaults: 114
AI-generated report summary HMP Nottingham, a Category B adult male and YOI establishment, has an operational capacity of 950. The reporting year saw increases in self-harm incidents (898), prisoner assaults (296), staff assaults (114), and use of force (760), with two deaths in custody. The Board raises concerns about restricted time out of cell, particularly for vulnerable prisoners, persistent healthcare staff shortages impacting provision, and insufficient capacity for mental health transfers. Positive developments include improved food quality, a new neurodiversity lead, and reduced IMB applications.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Increased assaults on prisoners and staff, and a significant rise in self-harm incidents.
  • Persistent lack of suitable mental health provision and transfer capacity.
  • Restricted time out of cell and low engagement in purposeful activity.
  • High proportion of inexperienced staff and limited effectiveness of key worker scheme.
  • Loss of prisoner property on transfer and issues with inter-establishment complaints.
  • Impact of wider prison estate capacity issues on transfers and resettlement planning.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Sudbury
Published 8 Nov 2024 · 507 prisoners
Self-harm: 5 Assaults: 6 Staff assaults: 3
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Sudbury, an open Category D resettlement prison, ended its reporting year with 507 prisoners. The report notes no deaths in custody and low self-harm incidents but highlights recurring concerns regarding the poor standard of dormitory accommodation and significant issues with prisoner property loss on transfer. While commendations are made for effective resettlement programs and improved complaint responses, the Board calls for improvements in digital connectivity, broader activity provision, and more consistent staff contact, particularly for new arrivals.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Poor standard of dormitory accommodation and insufficient kitchen appliances (lack of halal-specific microwaves).
  • Lack of sufficient support for prisoners adjusting to open conditions and poor contact with Initial Point of Contact (IPOC) officers.
  • Very little progress in improving technical connectivity (Wi-fi) to support learning and resettlement.
  • Loss of prisoner property on transfer remains a significant and recurring source of concern.
  • Inconsistencies and lack of communication from OMU staff in processing ROTL applications.
  • Lack of activities for prisoners outside usual working hours, leading to boredom, and the limited range of existing activities.
  • Education and training offer needs to be broadened and refreshed to reflect modern employment opportunities.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Peterborough (men)
Published 7 Nov 2024
Self-harm: 436 Assaults: 184 Staff assaults: 97
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Peterborough (Men) is a category B remand, local and reception/resettlement prison run by Sodexo Justice Services, with an operational capacity of 944. The reporting year was challenging due to population pressures, staff shortages, and management changes, resulting in a restricted regime and impacted prisoner morale. Despite efforts to maintain safety, concerns persist regarding purposeful activity, healthcare provision, and the quality of key work.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The adverse impact of population pressures, staff shortages, management changes, and lack of good-quality, purposeful activity on prisoners, leading to restricted regime, curtailed exercise, and poor morale.
  • Gaps in how the healthcare unit deals with patient complaints and a lack of communication addressing prisoners’ concerns, with healthcare being the principal reason for IMB applications.
  • Inconsistent delivery of key work to the required standard.
  • A very long waiting list for mental healthcare provision, and the prison was without a psychiatrist for much of the reporting year.
  • Too many prisoners with severe mental health issues having to be restricted in the healthcare unit, or segregated in the care and separation unit, often for long periods.
  • Managers’ responses to complaints are too often considered to be incomplete, terse and dismissive.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Peterborough (women)
Published 7 Nov 2024
Self-harm: 1,355 Assaults: 47 Staff assaults: 109
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Peterborough (Women) struggled significantly with a lack of decent regime and severe staffing shortages during the reporting year, impacting prisoner morale and increasing violence. While management of self-harm and staff-prisoner relations remained commendable, issues with the new healthcare provider regarding medication, complaints, and mental health waiting lists persisted. The Board expressed strong concerns about the slow progress on mental health legislation and the critical need for improved purposeful activity and resettlement accommodation for women.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The pervasive lack of a decent and rehabilitative regime, with frequent curtailment of time out of cell and disproportionate facility closures in the women's prison.
  • Severe staff shortages, high sickness levels, and instability in both frontline and management teams, impacting all aspects of prison life.
  • Ongoing challenges with the new healthcare provider, including staffing, timely medication, and a significant number of unresolved patient complaints.
  • The persistent poor quality and insufficient provision of education, work, and skills opportunities.
  • Delays in the enactment of the Mental Health Bill and a continued lack of suitable approved accommodation for women on release.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Buckley Hall
Published 6 Nov 2024 · 444 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Buckley Hall, a Category C training prison, has seen improvements in healthcare provision and staff-prisoner relationships. However, the report highlights significant concerns including persistent security weaknesses, frequent regime disruptions due to staff shortages, and the deteriorating state of the prison’s infrastructure. The Board is particularly worried about the high levels of self-harm, inadequate support for IPP prisoners, and the restrictive nature of social video calls.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Security weaknesses at the prison gate and identified in the security audit.
  • Frequent regime disruptions and wing lockdowns due to staff shortages.
  • Poor building fabric, including unreliable heating and showers.
  • Concerning levels of self-harm incidents and ACCT documents.
  • Ongoing issues with support and release planning for IPP prisoners and general resettlement funding.
  • Restrictive timing of social video calls impacting family contact.
  • Lack of specific support networks for the increasing older prisoner population.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Thameside
Published 5 Nov 2024 · 1,220 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Thameside is a privately operated local Category B/C prison for adult male prisoners, often occupied close to its operational capacity of 1232, with a 75% remand population. The IMB reports persistent concerns regarding healthcare provision, increasing delays in mental health transfers, and issues with the maintenance of the estate including lifts and in-cell technology. While some improvements have been noted in areas like reception, significant challenges remain in staffing, violence reduction, and ensuring fair and humane treatment, particularly concerning property management and the disproportionate disciplining of Black/mixed race prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Persistent issues with healthcare provision, including staffing, medication management, and lengthy delays in transferring mentally ill prisoners to secure hospitals.
  • Significant estate maintenance problems, particularly the frequent breakdown of lifts and in-cell/wing terminal CMS equipment, which hinder access to facilities and daily prisoner life.
  • Challenges in safety, including an increase in violence, shortcomings in ACCT documentation, and the continued absence of confidential face-to-face support for vulnerable prisoners.
  • Inadequate management of prisoner property and inconsistencies in the incentives scheme, leading to prisoner frustration and perceptions of unfairness.
  • Recruitment issues negatively impacting education and resettlement services, contributing to a high number of prisoners released without stable accommodation.
  • Disproportionate use of force and adjudications for Black/mixed race and Gypsy, Roma and Irish Traveller prisoners, suggesting potential unconscious bias.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Wymott
Published 1 Nov 2024 · 1,192 prisoners
Self-harm: 465 Assaults: 171
AI-generated report summary HMP Wymott continues to face significant challenges due to chronic staffing shortages, impacting regime delivery, purposeful activity, and healthcare provision. While the Board noted effective management of safety incidents and good resettlement work, concerns persist regarding poor accommodation, inadequate mental health support, and the lack of employment opportunities stemming from workshop closures. The report highlights a need for substantial investment in infrastructure and better staffing to improve prisoner conditions and services.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Increase in violence, illicit drug use, and associated debt/bullying.
  • Poor state of accommodation, particularly on A and B wings, and unreliable heating/hot water on G and H wings.
  • Significant infrastructure problems in the kitchen, impacting meal provision for the large population.
  • Healthcare provision, especially mental health support, is not good enough, with long waits for interventions and secure transfers.
  • Lack of purposeful activity and employment opportunities on the Category C side due to the prolonged closure of workshops.
  • Sacrifice of library access due to staff shortages, risking the service's future.
  • Triaging of hospital escorts by non-clinical prison staff, which the Board considers a clinical decision.
  • The continued impact of staffing shortages across all areas of the prison, leading to regime restrictions and service curtailments.
  • The ongoing gross injustice of IPP sentences and the high number of IPP prisoners held at Wymott.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Whitemoor
Published 31 Oct 2024
Self-harm: 409 Assaults: 44 Staff assaults: 95
AI-generated report summary HMP Whitemoor, a high-security Category B training prison, faced significant challenges in the reporting year (June 2023 - May 2024), particularly due to staff shortages and a changing prisoner demographic. These issues led to curtailed regimes, limited purposeful activity, and inadequate access to family and legal visits. While the prison made efforts in areas like property handling, cleanliness, and managing self-harm incidents, key concerns persist regarding the appropriateness of holding Category B prisoners in Category A conditions and the quality of purposeful engagement.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The two-thirds of Category B prisoners at Whitemoor are held in overly restrictive Category A conditions, hindering progression.
  • Lack of formal standards to ensure purposeful activity is constructive and effectively delivered.
  • Inadequate and unreliable access to visits, including legal ones, causing distress and potential human rights issues.
  • Persistent regime curtailments due to staff shortages, impacting time out of cell and all activities.
  • Insufficient multidisciplinary support for ACCT reviews, potentially compromising self-harm and suicide prevention.
  • Problems with food provision, serveries, kitchen equipment, and ongoing rodent infestation.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Pentonville
Published 29 Oct 2024 · 1,195 prisoners
Self-harm: 610 Assaults: 600 Staff assaults: 180
AI-generated report summary HMP Pentonville, a Category B local prison, experienced significant challenges in the reporting year, marked by overcrowding with a population of 1,195 against a CNA of 909. The prison saw a 28% increase in violence and a 13% rise in self-harm incidents, alongside chronic issues with infrastructure, pest infestations, and limited time out of cell for prisoners. Staffing shortages impacted key services, and critical concerns included the lack of mental health secure beds and the unsatisfactory conditions of worship areas.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The inhumane conditions due to overcrowding, lack of privacy, and severe infrastructure issues like widespread infestations and plumbing problems.
  • The significant increase in violence (28%) and self-harm (13%), exacerbated by understaffing in Safer Custody and inadequate ACCT documentation.
  • The unacceptably long periods of cell confinement (22 hours a day for many), hindering rehabilitation and undermining decency.
  • Critical healthcare issues including a severe lack of secure hospital beds, leading to unwell prisoners remaining in custody, and pharmacy staff vacancies.
  • Persistent staffing pressures and redeployment in key departments like Safer Custody, Equality, and OMU, impacting service delivery and support for prisoners.
  • The appalling state of the main mosque roof and the ongoing rat infestation in the kitchen which required ministerial intervention.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Lincoln
Published 24 Oct 2024 · 651 prisoners
Self-harm: 277 Assaults: 98 Staff assaults: 72
AI-generated report summary HMP Lincoln, a Category B reception and resettlement prison, continues to treat prisoners fairly and humanely despite challenges from its Victorian infrastructure and high transient population. Positive aspects include improved cleanliness, effective neurodiversity support, and dedicated staff. However, key concerns persist regarding maintenance backlogs, slow access to specialist mental health facilities, property management issues, and inadequate support for remand prisoners and vulnerable populations.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Long-standing maintenance issues, particularly heating, hot water, and cell availability, due to Victorian infrastructure, remain a significant concern.
  • Delays in access to specialist mental health facilities remain challenging, with transfers taking months.
  • The high transient population impacts prisoners' ability to complete education and training and exacerbates property management issues.
  • Deficiencies in kit distribution, laundry processes, and external cleanliness (food waste attracting pigeons) persist.
  • Accessibility for prisoners with mobility issues is compromised by the non-operational A Wing lift.
  • Support for remand prisoners regarding release planning is inadequate.
  • The daily food allowance is increasingly insufficient for providing nutritional meals.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Yarl’s Wood IRC
Published 17 Oct 2024 · 310 prisoners
Self-harm: 29
AI-generated report summary Yarl's Wood IRC experienced a challenging year with a marked increase in violence and self-harm incidents, linked to higher occupancy and a greater proportion of TSFNOs. The Board raised significant concerns about the length of detention, the fragility of the centre's infrastructure, and the unsuitable environment of the CSU for detainees with mental health crises. Despite staffing improvements, issues persist with communication about immigration cases and the oversight of Rule 35 reports.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • There has been a marked increase in violence at Yarl’s Wood, linked to increased occupancy and the proportion of Time-Served Foreign National Offenders (TSFNOs).
  • The centre’s fabric has been exposed as fragile during major incidents, raising questions about its fitness for the purpose of detention.
  • Length of detention remains a significant issue, with increasing periods for both men and women, and poor communication about case progression contributing to detainee frustration.
  • Detainees with severe mental health crises are being kept in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) whilst waiting for transfers to external mental health beds, in an environment deemed unsuitable.
  • There is little or no oversight or auditing of Rule 35 applications, making it unclear which governing body ensures their quality.
  • Women on the Nightingale unit feel exposed and uncomfortable due to men on the Crane unit being able to see them in the outdoor exercise area.
Report year 2023 IRC Concerns
Five Wells
Published 16 Oct 2024 · 1,700 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Five Wells, a privately run Category C prison, increased its population to 1,700 by March 2024, leading to the doubling up of some cells. While the Board noted significant operational improvements under new leadership and generally good accommodation, it raised serious concerns about the prevalence of illicit substances, self-harm, and the management of use of force incidents. Challenges persist in staff recruitment, education provision, and the under-resourcing of the IMB itself.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Prevalence of illicit substances and high rates of positive drug tests.
  • Common self-harm incidents and the need for improved ACCT management.
  • Poor management of use of force incidents, posing risks to staff and prisoners.
  • Persistent building design issues, including lack of airflow in common areas and unusable low mobility cells.
  • Suspension of key worker support for most of the year and high number of complaints about lost property.
  • Education department struggles due to staffing issues and the suspension of ROTL for outside employment.
  • The Board is significantly under-resourced with only six members monitoring over 1,700 prisoners.
  • Overcrowding concerns with two prisoners sharing cells designed for one.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Belmarsh
Published 11 Oct 2024 · 720 prisoners
Self-harm: 367 Assaults: 128 Staff assaults: 109
AI-generated report summary HMP Belmarsh, a Category A local prison, faces significant challenges in providing purposeful activity and rehabilitation opportunities, particularly for HSU and sentenced prisoners, amid rising illicit item seizures and high violence levels. While healthcare provision has improved under a new provider, mental health support, transfers, and bed shortages remain problematic. The Board is concerned about overcrowding, prolonged segregation stays, and the indefinite detention of IPP prisoners, emphasizing the need for increased resources and improved regimes for vulnerable groups.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Inadequate provision of education, skills and work activities, negatively impacting health, wellbeing, and rehabilitation.
  • Persistent problems with maintenance and slow repair times for damaged cells.
  • Overcrowding across the estate leading to prisoners being held in inappropriate categories and denied access to rehabilitative courses.
  • Too many prisoners held in the Segregation Unit for extended periods, sometimes over 100 days, often due to challenging behaviour for which no suitable accommodation exists.
  • Limited time out of cell, lack of purposeful activity, and difficulties with family/legal calls for prisoners in the High Security Unit (HSU).
  • A marked increase in illicit items, including drugs and mini mobile phones, posing significant safety and security concerns.
  • The indefinite detention of IPP prisoners, with no clear progression pathway or realistic possibility of parole, is considered inhumane.
  • Long delays in transferring prisoners requiring treatment in secure mental health hospitals and a shortage of in-patient beds in the Healthcare Centre.
  • The significant increase in vulnerable prisoners, with some held on houseblocks outside the dedicated unit due to capacity issues.
  • Detention of young offenders in an adult prison like Belmarsh, which can be traumatising and negatively impact their mental health.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Gatwick pre-departure accommodation
Published 11 Oct 2024
AI-generated report summary The IMB report for Gatwick Pre-Departure Accommodation for 2023 highlights concerns regarding the detention of four families, all of whose removal attempts failed. The Board questions the fairness and humanity of the process, particularly noting the trauma to children and callous treatment of a pregnant mother. Key recommendations include the closure of the PDA and prohibiting the detention of pregnant women.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The Board questions the value, fairness, and humanity of detaining families with children in the PDA, noting it may prolong or add to existing trauma.
  • Children are sometimes placed in the position of interpreting for their parents, taking on responsibilities beyond their years, leading to unfair and unequal treatment.
  • The Home Office's decision-making process led to callous treatment and unnecessary suffering for a pregnant mother and her young children during an attempted removal.
  • Significant concerns exist regarding the severe impact of detention on the mental and emotional well-being of all family members, particularly children.
  • The high proportion of failed removals from the PDA suggests that the benefits do not outweigh the distress caused by its use.
  • The IMB's exclusion from a Home Office "lessons learned" review following a serious incident undermines the aim of learning and independent oversight.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Woodhill
Published 10 Oct 2024 · 338 prisoners
Self-harm: 240
AI-generated report summary HMP Woodhill, a Category B training prison, faced an Urgent Notification in 2023 due to safety, violence, and staffing concerns. Following a reduction in population, the prison has seen improvements in areas such as ACCT processes, staff training, and the general decency of some units. However, significant challenges persist, including high rates of assaults, ongoing staffing consistency issues, long waiting times for mental health transfers, and insufficient purposeful activity. The IMB highlights continuing concerns around property management, support for neurodiverse prisoners, and the adequacy of resettlement planning.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Prisoner-on-prisoner assaults remain among the highest in the estate.
  • The number of ACCTs remains high, with observation logs sometimes missing or incomplete.
  • Lack of staffing consistency challenges positive relationships between prisoners and staff.
  • The fabric of the buildings is showing its age, with unacceptable shower standards and inconsistent cleaning schedules.
  • Men with complex and severe mental health needs are held in the Segregation Unit for too long, with slow progress to specialist settings.
  • Prisoners requiring severe mental health services wait too long for assessment and transfer.
  • There are insufficient jobs and education opportunities for prisoners.
  • Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are a concern, with staff unable to locate files and no centralized record.
  • Prisoners with learning disabilities and other challenges (LDCs) are significantly over-represented in adjudications.
  • Support for resettlement is not adequate for most prisoners.
  • The use of illicit spice and adapted vapes increased, leading to medical emergencies.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Frankland
Published 9 Oct 2024 · 840 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP Frankland, a Category A dispersal prison, operated close to its 852 capacity, maintaining a generally safe environment despite some serious assaults. The IMB noted improvements in healthcare provision, reducing a previous 'enhanced surveillance' status, and a 75% achievement rate in education. Persistent concerns include outdated CCTV, ongoing kitchen equipment breakdowns and heating issues causing lost workdays, and long-standing problems with prisoner property during transfers. The Board also highlighted challenges in mental health provision for complex cases and inadequate facilities for older and disabled prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Outdated CCTV provision compromises safety by creating blind spots around the estate.
  • Frequent breakdown of essential kitchen equipment affects food provision and incurs extra costs.
  • Loss of working days for prisoners in workshops due to ineffective heating, a persistent issue over several years.
  • Prisoners are held in segregation for longer periods than regulations stipulate.
  • Persistent complaints regarding late arrival or non-arrival of prisoner property during transfers.
  • Ongoing concern about illicit drug availability within the establishment.
  • Complaints regarding healthcare, particularly medication, remain an issue.
  • Inadequate facilities for pharmacy dispensing on lower wings require upgrading.
  • Mental health provision for complex cases is a concern, and dementia care services still need improvement.
  • Unsuitable physical environment and showering provision for disabled and older prisoners.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Swinfen Hall
Published 8 Oct 2024 · 618 prisoners
Self-harm: 369 Assaults: 149 Staff assaults: 62
AI-generated report summary HMP Swinfen Hall failed to deliver anticipated improvements and meet rehabilitation objectives in the reporting year, largely due to severe staffing shortages impacting regime and purposeful activity. The Board remains seriously concerned about mental health provision, the inconsistent drug strategy, and the weak handling of prisoner applications. While some areas like healthcare access and chaplaincy were positive, overall outcomes for prisoners suffered due to insufficient staff confidence and inadequate regime delivery.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Staffing issues (sickness, inexperience) severely restricting regime, purposeful activity, and key worker sessions.
  • Persistent serious concerns regarding the availability of appropriate mental health support and transfers to secure NHS units.
  • Weak and unaccountable management of prisoner applications and complaints, leading to a lack of prisoner confidence.
  • Insufficient purposeful activity, with around half the population not engaged, leading to excessive time in cells and frequent wing closures.
  • Inconsistent and insufficient mandatory drug testing, coupled with a weak strategy to prevent drug ingress, which fuels debt, self-harm, and violence.
  • Lack of effective support for self-isolating and wing-restricted prisoners, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and deteriorating mental health.
  • Increasing issues of property lost during transfers between establishments.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
North Sea Camp
Published 4 Oct 2024 · 224 prisoners
Self-harm: 2
AI-generated report summary HMP North Sea Camp generally provides a safe and humane environment, with a strong emphasis on humane treatment and a wide range of release preparation programs. Positive developments include improved facilities management, a proactive safer community team, and good healthcare services that receive positive feedback from prisoners. Key concerns include persistent delays in offender management paperwork, the unresolved situation for IPP prisoners, and poor accommodation standards with no plans for replacement or conversion of dormitories. Additionally, issues with prisoner property transfers, lack of on-site end-of-life care, and difficulties for disabled prisoners accessing resettlement opportunities remain.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • There are still apparent delays with community offender managers (COMs) updating OASys paperwork, which delays ROTL boards, parole hearings, and can lead to prisoners spending more time in prison than necessary.
  • No tangible progress has been made regarding the unresolved situation of IPP prisoners since the abolition of the sentence in 2012.
  • There is no provision for in-cell telephony, which hinders the maintenance of family ties, especially as prisoners often arrive from establishments where this is available.
  • The quality of some accommodation is poor, and the space allocated to prisoners sharing rooms is inadequate, with no current plan to replace decommissioned ageing units.
  • There is no budget allocated to convert dormitories (housing four to six prisoners) into smaller rooms.
  • A recurring problem exists with prisoner property not always arriving in its entirety on transfer, leading to long waits or complete loss of items.
  • There is no on-site facility for suitable end-of-life care for prisoners with chronic and serious health issues, forcing them to remain on units amidst daily prison life.
  • Wheelchair users experience difficulties accessing approved premises for resettlement overnight release (ROR), which can delay their sentence plan and parole board hearings.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Coldingley
Published 3 Oct 2024 · 507 prisoners
Self-harm: 71 Assaults: 154 Staff assaults: 66
AI-generated report summary HMP Coldingley, a Category C resettlement and training prison, faced a challenging year marked by significant increases in violence, staff shortages, and poor living conditions for many prisoners. A third of the population continues to lack in-cell sanitation, relying on an unreliable night system, while staffing issues have led to more unplanned lockdowns and a decline in key work and purposeful activity. The Board also highlighted concerns about the rising demand for mental health services, the ineffectiveness of the ISFL wing, and the lack of progress for IPP prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Significant increases in violence (prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, staff assaults, use of force) driven by population pressures, low staff visibility, and easy availability of illicit items.
  • Unacceptable living conditions for a third of prisoners who lack in-cell sanitation and rely on an antiquated, unreliable night sanitation system.
  • Kitchen facilities are largely unfit for purpose, with wet and unsafe floors and old equipment.
  • Lack of independent external auditing for Discrimination Incident Reporting Forms (DIRFs) and general distrust in the complaints system.
  • Vulnerable prisoners, including those on ACCT plans, are often held in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU), which is not a suitable environment.
  • Staff shortages have severely undermined key work, leaving a quarter of prisoners without an allocated key worker, and led to reduced time out of cell and increased unplanned lockdowns.
  • Rising demand for mental health services results in higher caseloads and longer waiting times for prisoners.
  • The Incentivised Substance Free Living (ISFL) wing is overcrowded and ineffective in preventing illicit substance use.
  • Low attendance and capacity utilisation in education and industries, coupled with blockages in prisoner transfers, hinder progression and resettlement.
  • The increasing number of IPP prisoners feel 'stuck' due to limited opportunities for progression.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Norwich
Published 2 Oct 2024 · 792 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Norwich, a multi-functional prison, faces significant challenges with dilapidated buildings and high levels of violence and self-harm during the reporting year. While staff show dedication, issues like low prisoner pay, inadequate healthcare access, and a failing key worker system undermine efforts for rehabilitation and humane treatment. The IMB raises repeated concerns about unsuitable detention for mentally unwell prisoners and substandard facilities, particularly the segregation unit.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Dilapidated and poorly maintained buildings with broken heating, leaking roofs, and inadequate laundry facilities.
  • High levels of violence, particularly prisoner-on-prisoner and gang-related assaults, exacerbated by illicit items and debt.
  • Significant issues with healthcare access, including cancelled appointments due to staff shortages and lack of escorts, and an overstretched mental health team.
  • Inhumane treatment of prisoners with severe mental health issues or learning difficulties held in custody due to lack of appropriate external placements.
  • The segregation unit is not fit for purpose and lacks purposeful activity, leading to it becoming a "destination of choice" for some.
  • Low prisoner pay rates have led to financial hardship and demotivation, impacting work/education attendance.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Stocken
Published 1 Oct 2024
AI-generated report summary HMP Stocken is a Category C training prison with an operational capacity of 1,071, generally providing a safe and humane environment. The report highlights improvements in education and vocational training and increased staff recruitment and retention, but raises concerns about prolonged mental health transfer delays, property transfer issues, and the prison's unfunded role in direct resettlement. The Board also notes the need for refurbishment in older parts of the estate and long waiting times for accredited programmes.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Delay in transferring mentally ill prisoners to secure mental health facilities, leading to extended stays in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU).
  • The continued issue of prisoner property not being transferred with individuals, causing delays and problems upon arrival.
  • Lack of planned refurbishment or enlargement for older parts of the establishment, including the CSU, despite the need for remedial work.
  • The increasing number of prisoners held 'out of area', negatively impacting family ties.
  • HMP Stocken not being funded as a resettlement prison, despite an increasing number of prisoners being released directly from the establishment.
  • Long waiting times for accredited offending behaviour programmes.
  • Concerns regarding the interpersonal skills of some new and young prison officers.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Send
Published 27 Sep 2024 · 247 prisoners
Self-harm: 479 Assaults: 11 Staff assaults: 9
AI-generated report summary HMP Send is a closed prison for adult women and transgender prisoners, reporting a population of 247 at the end of March 2024, with an operational capacity of 255. The Board generally found staff efforts commendable in ensuring safety, noting reductions in self-harm and assaults compared to the previous year. Key concerns highlighted include the persistent lack of in-cell technology, staffing shortages affecting offender management and mental health services, and the continued detention of IPP prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The needs of complex individuals with multiple mental health issues are not served well in prison, and such prisoners should be accommodated in secure mental health units.
  • The continued detention of IPP prisoners is unfair and inhumane.
  • The practice of potentially using an escort chain or handcuff of a prisoner to an officer during a breast screening is a concern.
  • There is a persistent absence of in-cell technology, with no progress or future plans, failing to prepare prisoners for a digital society.
  • Persistent low local pay levels for prisoners, inconsistent across the female estate, erode spending power.
  • Shortages of offender managers at Send and in the community damage prisoners' ability to reintegrate into society.
  • Inconsistent approach to induction paperwork and frequent changes to discrimination incident report form (DIRF) handling limit effective monitoring.
  • Delays in refunds from DHL and the long-term absence of a library computer are impacting prisoners.
  • The initiative to tackle obesity needs consistent follow-through, and more prisoners should be engaged in education.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Winchester
Published 26 Sep 2024
Self-harm: 795 Assaults: 284 Staff assaults: 232
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Winchester has shown progress in certain areas, particularly in leadership and reducing complaints, but continues to face significant challenges. Overcrowding and dilapidated infrastructure, coupled with severe staff shortages in healthcare and increased prisoner churn from early release schemes, exacerbate safety concerns, including a sharp rise in self-harm and assaults. The prison struggles to provide adequate purposeful activity and timely mental health transfers, impacting overall prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Overcrowding and dilapidated infrastructure are constant problems, leading to cramped, unhygienic, and unsafe living conditions, with many cells unfit for purpose and maintenance being slow.
  • Increased prisoner churn due to early release schemes (ECSL) is overwhelming staff, leading to prisoners being released without adequate preparation and increasing reoffending risk.
  • Significant increases in self-harm (47%), prisoner-on-staff assaults (85%), prisoner-on-prisoner assaults (35%), and use of force (43%), indicating an unsafe environment.
  • Persistent staff shortages, especially in healthcare (47% vacancy rate), impacting timely access to care, and the inexperience of new officers affecting de-escalation.
  • Mental health patients face significant delays (exceeding 28 days) for transfers to specialist facilities, with the CSU often used to manage those in crisis despite staff lacking specialist training.
  • Low time out of cell (around 1.5 hours daily for many) and high unemployment (38%) among prisoners contribute to boredom and challenging behaviour, with only 55% receiving regular key worker sessions.
  • The mandatory GP visits to the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) every 72 hours were not met several times, including for entire weeks/months.
  • Limited resources and support for remand prisoners released directly from court, increasing their risk of reoffending.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Featherstone
Published 24 Sep 2024
AI-generated report summary HMP Featherstone, a Category C training prison, faced significant challenges during the reporting year ending October 2023, primarily stemming from the dilapidated state of its infrastructure and chronic staffing shortages across key departments like healthcare and the OMU. These issues led to regime disruptions, delays in medication, and a persistent problem with property management. While there were positive developments such as improved education outcomes and a reduction in violence, the Board raised serious concerns regarding the inappropriate housing of mentally unwell prisoners in the CSU and inadequate gate security.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Dilapidated state of the prison, with temporary repairs not addressing underlying problems.
  • Chronic staffing shortages impacting healthcare, the Offender Management Unit, and leading to regime disruptions and medication delays.
  • Inappropriate and prolonged housing of prisoners with severe mental health issues in the Care and Separation Unit.
  • Inadequate gate security measures leading to concerns about illicit item smuggling.
  • Persistent issues with prisoner property, both on transfer and within the establishment.
  • Concerns regarding the quantity, quality, and inconsistent portion sizes of food provided to prisoners.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Wealstun
Published 20 Sep 2024 · 908 prisoners
Self-harm: 83 Assaults: 15 Staff assaults: 2
AI-generated report summary HMP Wealstun, a Category C training and resettlement prison, experienced significant population pressures and increased prisoner churn during the reporting year. While some areas like healthcare access and catering showed improvements, the Board raised serious concerns regarding the persistently high levels of self-harm and violence attributed to illicit materials, the poor condition of older wings, and the restrictive regime offering limited time out of cell and part-time work. The report highlights an urgent need for increased funding for staffing, purposeful activity, and addressing systemic issues related to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The significant increase in prison population and high churn rate continues to strain reception, induction, and offender management processes, hindering effective resettlement planning.
  • The persistent issue of illicit materials entering the prison contributes to high levels of debt, bullying, violence, and self-harm.
  • The physical condition of older A and B wings remains a significant concern, with accommodation built in the 1960s requiring major refurbishment or replacement to ensure humane living conditions.
  • The regime continues to offer mostly part-time work and limited time out of cell, particularly at weekends, negatively impacting prisoner wellbeing, progression, and rehabilitation prospects due to a lack of funding for full-time opportunities and staff.
  • The number of key worker sessions remains very low, and insufficient funding for staff in all functional areas, not just officers, is impacting the delivery of vital services and relationships.
  • The housing of severely mentally ill individuals in prison awaiting appropriate institutional placement and the inhumane treatment of IPP prisoners.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Liverpool
Published 19 Sep 2024
Self-harm: 400 Assaults: 129 Staff assaults: 51
AI-generated report summary HMP Liverpool has shown positive progress in some areas, including education and the key worker scheme, but faces significant challenges. The Board is concerned by increases in self-harm, violence, and deaths in custody, compounded by high staff absence leading to regime closures. Major issues include inhumane delays in mental health transfers for segregated prisoners and a critical lack of accessible accommodation for those with disabilities.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Rising self-harm, suicides, and violence against both prisoners and staff.
  • Inhumane delays in mental health transfers for segregated prisoners, leading to prolonged stays in the CSU and deteriorating mental health.
  • Persistent staff absence causing frequent regime closures, impacting prisoner well-being and purposeful activity.
  • Significant issues with illicit items due to delayed cell searches and lack of action on positive drug tests, coupled with drone activity.
  • Acute shortage of accessible cells for prisoners with disabilities and a chaotic mental health referral process.
  • Ongoing problems with lost prisoner property during transfers and unaddressed complaints from other establishments.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Styal
Published 18 Sep 2024 · 420 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Styal, a local women's prison with an operational capacity of 454 and population of approximately 420, faced significant challenges in safety during the reporting year, including high rates of assaults and self-harm. The Board raised key concerns regarding deteriorating accommodation standards in the houses, ongoing issues with healthcare provision and medication administration, and insufficient purposeful activity and library access. While positive relationships and some improvements were noted in areas like induction and perinatal care, systemic issues stemming from complex prisoner needs and staffing pressures persist.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Styal recorded the highest rates of prisoner-on-prisoner and prisoner-on-staff assaults, and the third highest level of self-harm in the female estate.
  • Accommodation across the 17 houses remains a key concern, with long-standing maintenance delays, inadequate facilities, and insufficient seating and bathrooms.
  • Concerns are increasing about the use of segregation for prisoners with complex mental health needs due to a lack of community mental health facilities.
  • Spectrum has struggled to consistently provide safe and timely medication administration, exacerbated by healthcare staffing shortages and regime demands.
  • There's a notable increase in prisoners with complex health and mental health conditions, straining healthcare and social care services.
  • The prison continues to fail in providing prisoners their statutory entitlement of 30 minutes per week in the library.
  • Attendance at work and education is insufficient, and the prison lacks enough activity spaces for all eligible prisoners.
  • Significant pressure exists in finding suitable accommodation for prisoners upon release.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Warren Hill
Published 17 Sep 2024 · 270 prisoners
Self-harm: 69 Assaults: 3 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary HMP Warren Hill is a Category C prison maintaining a safe and humane environment with effective safety measures and good staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns include the outsourced food provision, the impact of Ministerial intervention on prisoner progression and ROTL, and the need for investment in the estate and digital education. The IMB highlights improvements in key worker delivery, healthcare, and resettlement support, advocating for on-site kitchen facilities and reinstatement of ROTL to further enhance prisoner experience and preparation for release.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The ongoing poor provision and quality of food from the HMP Hollesley Bay kitchen, with the IMB repeatedly urging the reinstatement of an on-site kitchen at Warren Hill.
  • Disappointment and disquiet regarding Ministerial intervention delaying or preventing progression to open conditions or release following successful parole hearings, and the continued suspension of the ROTL pilot.
  • The need for further investment in the prison's estate, particularly for the refurbishment of shower blocks beyond the one currently underway, some of which were highlighted in last year's report.
  • Lack of sufficient digital technology training and access, such as in-cell laptops, which are crucial for preparing prisoners for successful resettlement in the modern world.
  • Difficulties and discrepancies in funding and provision of social care for prisoners due to local authority differences, impacting those with physical or mental incapacities.
  • Misuse of legitimate prescription medications, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, by a small percentage of the population.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Rye Hill
Published 13 Sep 2024 · 662 prisoners
Self-harm: 343 Assaults: 43
AI-generated report summary HMP Rye Hill is a privately run Category B training prison for men convicted of sexual offences, currently transitioning to become an all-Category C facility, holding 662 prisoners against an operational capacity of 625. The report highlights improvements in education and employment, good staff-prisoner relationships, and a new neurodiversity team, but raises significant concerns about the systemic injustice of IPP sentences, protracted compassionate release processes, and persistent issues with property transfers and inter-prison moves.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The injustice of the IPP sentence and its impact on prisoners' mental health and wellbeing, with no centrally directed, long-term solution.
  • The compassionate release process remains unnecessarily difficult and slow due to the requirement for hospital consultant confirmation, causing delays for terminally ill prisoners.
  • Prisoner-requested transfers within the estate are almost impossible, leading to prisoners being held far from family and friends, negatively impacting their mental wellbeing.
  • The persistent problem of prisoner property not being sent on transfer into HMP Rye Hill, despite existing policies, with no effective process to address missing items.
  • Concerns about the accelerated timeframe for the new building's opening and the subsequent transition to an all-category C establishment, particularly regarding the allocation of prisoners and support for Category B prisoners during this change.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Preston
Published 12 Sep 2024 · 670 prisoners
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Preston is a Category B local prison for men, with an average population of 670 and an operational capacity of 680. The prison recorded four deaths in custody and opened 736 ACCT cases, reflecting high self-harm rates, while violence remained an issue. Positive developments include increased time out of cell and a fully operational key worker scheme. However, key concerns include the poor state of the Victorian estate, inadequate kitchen maintenance, and gaps in resettlement support from external agencies, especially for remand prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The national contract for kitchen maintenance is poorly delivered, leading to costly delays in equipment repair.
  • Significant issues persist with the fabric of this Victorian prison, including an unfit reception area and a dilapidated OMU structure.
  • The NHS Reconnect service rejects some prisoners on release, creating a gap in vital resettlement support.
  • A minority of staff treat prisoners disrespectfully, negatively impacting relationships and undermining pro-social modelling efforts.
  • Ongoing delays with PINs applications cause significant frustration for prisoners and staff.
  • Prisoner property management, particularly during cell clearances, remains a major concern, leading to loss and numerous complaints.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Parc
Published 10 Sep 2024
Self-harm: 1,101 Assaults: 453
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Parc reported eleven deaths in custody and a substantial increase in illicit item finds during the reporting period. The Board noted significant issues with inadequate mental health provision, excessive waiting lists for appointments, and critical staffing shortages impacting key worker sessions, healthcare, and education. Concerns were also raised about the quality and quantity of food, ineffective complaints handling, and the anxiety experienced by IPP prisoners due to release uncertainty. Positively, self-harm and violence incidents saw significant reductions.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Eleven deaths in custody occurred during the reporting period.
  • There was a substantial increase in illicit item finds and failed mandatory drug tests.
  • Constant complaints were received regarding the quality and quantity of food.
  • Mental health provision was inadequate, with excessive waiting lists, insufficient nursing staff, and long waits for ambulance transfers.
  • Staffing shortages led to key workers being below required numbers and impacted the OMU.
  • Education was frequently limited due to regime restrictions and issues with the new provider, Novus Gower.
  • Prisoners serving IPP sentences faced significant anxiety due to uncertainty about release dates.
  • Issues persisted with prisoner property transfers, with items not always accompanying prisoners.
  • The complaints system was often ineffective, with many complaints not receiving timely responses.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Parc young person’s unit
Published 10 Sep 2024
Assaults: 86
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Parc Young Person’s Unit maintained its reputation as a leading YOI, lauded for its strong leadership, innovative programmes, and compassionate staff-child relationships. The unit successfully reduced violence and improved time out of cells, alongside excellent family contact. However, the report raised concerns regarding the challenged healthcare provision following a staff departure and the quality of education delivered by the new provider.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Healthcare became a challenged function due to the departure of the onsite nurse.
  • The new education provider, Novus Gower, was ill-prepared, leading to inadequate teacher numbers and children reporting boredom and disinterest in lessons.
  • A low uptake of library books, with only 290 taken out during the year, was noted as a concern.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Usk and Prescoed
Published 6 Sep 2024 · 536 prisoners
Self-harm: 27 Assaults: 18 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary HMP Usk and Prescoed are considered well-managed with positive outcomes for prisoners, who generally report feeling safe. Key strengths include high levels of purposeful activity, positive staff-prisoner relationships, and good healthcare, despite staffing concerns. However, the Board highlights issues such as the lack of IPP prisoner recategorisation, parole board delays, inadequate healthcare and probation staffing, and persistent property loss during transfers.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Lack of recategorisation for IPP prisoners.
  • Significant delays in parole board hearings.
  • Concerns about access to support for personal social care for prisoners with limited mobility and disabilities.
  • Inadequate healthcare staffing establishment, especially for the increasing number of elderly prisoners with complex needs.
  • Inadequate number of probation officers, a repeated concern from previous reports.
  • Persistent problem with the loss of prisoners' property during transfers between prisons, which has not improved.
  • Impact of increased hospital transfers on staffing levels, leading to additional lockdowns.
  • Delay in gaining support from HMPPS for escorted absence for men suitable for progression to open conditions.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Stafford
Published 5 Sep 2024 · 746 prisoners
Self-harm: 131 Assaults: 12 Staff assaults: 1
AI-generated report summary HMP Stafford, a Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offenses, is largely perceived as safe and calm, with commendations for staff and positive developments in medicines management. However, the Board raised significant concerns over persistent legionella issues and inadequate shower facilities, ongoing staff shortages impacting regime, and the unaddressed plight of IPP prisoners. Challenges also include the poor state of healthcare facilities, insufficient neurodiversity support funding, and difficulties in Board member recruitment.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Persistent legionella issues in the water supply and ongoing shower refurbishment negatively impacting prisoners, with only 63-75% of showers working at times.
  • Ongoing staff shortages impacting the 'normal' running of the prison, leading to lost activities and wing closures, particularly due to detached duty.
  • Continued failure to address the release requirements for IPP prisoners, causing frustration, lack of hope, and feelings of injustice.
  • Insufficient budget allocation (£1500) for neurodiversity support, despite 40% of prisoners being neurodiverse and the importance of this area.
  • Poor condition of healthcare consulting rooms and prison roadways, with little improvement noted since previous inspections.
  • Recruitment and retention challenges for IMB Board members, impacting the Board's capacity.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Downview
Published 3 Sep 2024 · 324 prisoners
Self-harm: 1,171 Assaults: 26 Staff assaults: 48
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Downview experienced significant population pressures and a more complex demographic during the reporting year, leading to an unsettled environment and increased safety incidents. While healthcare saw some positive working relationships and good mental health support, there were critical delays in transferring acutely unwell women to psychiatric units and persistent issues with medication distribution. The Board raised concerns about the accuracy of education attendance data, the inconsistent key worker system, and a decline in library services.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The Care and Separation Unit (CSU) is frequently at full capacity, housing acutely mentally unwell women in an unsuitable, therapeutic-free environment, with unacceptable delays in transfers to psychiatric units.
  • The Board lacks confidence in the accuracy of attendance data for education and activities, and overall purposeful activity is low, coupled with a decline in library provision.
  • Staffing issues persist, including a high rate of inexperienced staff, high sickness absence, and inconsistent embedding of the key worker system.
  • There has been a significant rise in assaults on staff and use of force, attributed to population pressure and a more complex prisoner demographic.
  • Extremely high levels of property loss during inter-prison transfers continue, exacerbated by poor management of family engagement services by PACT.
  • Equalities work remains a low priority, and there is no commissioned provision for dementia testing in the prison.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Swaleside
Published 30 Aug 2024 · 900 prisoners
Assaults: 252 Staff assaults: 192
AI-generated report summary HMP Swaleside, a Category B training prison, faces significant challenges due to unprecedented staff shortages which impact regime delivery and prisoner wellbeing. Despite these difficulties, the Board commends the senior leadership and staff for efforts to improve conditions. Key concerns include a growing gang culture, drug-related debt, persistent issues with IPP prisoners, and delays in mental health transfers, alongside problems with estate maintenance and purposeful activity provision.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The developing gang culture, illegal substance trade, and associated violence remain a significant safety concern within the prison.
  • Persistent and unprecedented staff shortages across all departments profoundly impact the regime, prisoner wellbeing, and service delivery, including healthcare and offender management.
  • Access to mental healthcare and timely transfers to specialist units continue to be problematic, exacerbated by the effects of long-term lockdown.
  • The 'Offender Flow and Allocation' system, which directs younger, shorter-sentenced prisoners to a Category B training prison, negatively affects stability and resettlement efforts.
  • Long-standing estate issues, such as overflowing sewage, broken showers, and non-functional industrial dryers, pose significant health, safety, and hygiene risks.
  • IPP prisoners continue to face limited opportunities for progression and release, despite repeated recommendations for government review.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Standford Hill
Published 29 Aug 2024 · 461 prisoners
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary The IMB finds HMP/YOI Standford Hill to be a well-led and well-run prison, demonstrating high standards in rehabilitation, education, training, and resettlement work, with good healthcare provision and very low rates of violence and self-harm. However, the Board is deeply concerned by the deteriorating condition of some buildings, the unsatisfactory performance of the maintenance provider GFSL, and the impact of early release schemes on the prison's core rehabilitative function. Further concerns include the lack of essential security scanning equipment and inadequate telephony for family contact.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The poor condition of some prison buildings, showing signs of subsidence, with a lamentably slow response from the Prison Service to address these safety issues.
  • Ongoing extreme dissatisfaction with the performance of Gov Facility Services Limited (GFSL) in maintenance and repairs.
  • The failure to install scanning equipment at the open site, hindering security and the prevention of illicit items.
  • Poor telephony provision, which is inconsistent with the need to enhance prisoners’ family contact.
  • The concern that early release protocols could diminish the rehabilitative role and operational capacity of open prisons like Standford Hill.
  • Unhappy with the condition of laundry equipment and a persistent roof leak in the laundry, impacting clean clothing provision.
  • The lack of a Christian minister operating in the prison during the reporting year.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Gatwick IRC
Published 29 Aug 2024
Assaults: 82 Staff assaults: 146
AI-generated report summary The Gatwick IRC experienced a deterioration in safety during 2023, marked by increased violence, assaults on staff, and a rise in use of force incidents, partly attributed to a changing detainee population. Key safeguards for vulnerable individuals, such as Rule 34 and Rule 35 assessments, were found to be insufficient or subject to unacceptable delays. The report highlighted significant concerns regarding inadequate mental health provision, unfair regime practices including prolonged lock-in times, and a lack of effective pathways for release for detainees granted bail.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Deteriorating safety due to increased violence, assaults on staff, and poorly handled anti-social behaviour.
  • Weaknesses in key safeguards: Detention Gatekeeper not robust, insufficient use of Rule 34/35 assessments, and unacceptable wait times for Rule 35 appointments.
  • Inadequate mental health provision and an over-reliance on untrained officers to manage complex needs.
  • Unfair and inhumane treatment including indefinite detention, increased lock-in times, blanket use of control-and-restraint, and excessive handcuffing.
  • Problems with accommodation, cleanliness, and ventilation, exacerbated by pervasive smoking.
  • Failure to establish effective release pathways, leading to extended detention for those granted bail, and lack of meaningful access to legal advice.
  • Concerns about fairness of the complaints process and inadequate pay for work and daily allowances.
  • Significant increase in illicit substances within the centres, with indications of staff involvement in supply.
Report year 2023 IRC Concerns
Low Newton
Published 28 Aug 2024
Self-harm: 704 Assaults: 26 Staff assaults: 81
AI-generated report summary The IMB finds HMP/YOI Low Newton a reasonably safe and clean environment with generally good staff-prisoner relationships. However, the Board is concerned about the increasing number of women with severe mental health issues being sent to prison, impacting self-harm and assault rates. Delays in accessing healthcare and mental health support, along with the negative effects of custodial transport and staffing shortages leading to lockdowns, remain key challenges.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Many prisoners with severe mental ill health and personality disorders are continuing to be sent to prison.
  • Lack of funding for a body scanner.
  • Custodial transport services create trauma for women and adversely impact reception processes.
  • Delays in prisoner access to healthcare and mental health support.
  • IMB's lack of opportunity to attend adjudications.
  • Improvement of relationship between IMB and Governor.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Oakwood
Published 23 Aug 2024 · 2,097 prisoners
Self-harm: 1,388 Assaults: 143 Staff assaults: 82
AI-generated report summary HMP Oakwood is a Category C training/resettlement prison reporting for the year ending March 2024. While the Board found it generally safe with a respectful culture, concerns persist regarding widespread dissatisfaction with food provision, persistent property issues, and significant challenges in mental health service capacity and staffing. Efforts have been made in violence reduction and prisoner support, but key areas require further attention and resource allocation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Widespread dissatisfaction among prisoners regarding food quality and quantity.
  • Persistent issues with missing or lost prisoner property, particularly for incoming prisoners and internal movement.
  • Ongoing recruitment and retention challenges in mental health services, including a psychologist vacancy, leading to insufficient provision and delayed mental health transfers.
  • Absence of a mental health professional during CSU good order reviews for prisoners with significant mental health concerns.
  • Officers not consistently activating body-worn video cameras early enough to capture the full context of use of force incidents.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Wandsworth
Published 22 Aug 2024 · 1,522 prisoners
Self-harm: 998 Assaults: 442 Staff assaults: 518
AI-generated report summary Wandsworth Prison experienced a critical reporting period marked by significant safety and humanitarian failures, culminating in an Urgent Notification from HMIP. Chronic understaffing, decaying infrastructure, and insufficient external support severely undermined the prison's ability to operate safely and humanely. Overcrowding led to inhumane living conditions, with basic regime delivery frequently failing and key services like the new healthcare centre remaining unused.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Chronic and severe understaffing with high inexperience levels, significantly undermining prison function and regime delivery.
  • Unsafe environment characterized by high deaths in custody (10, with 6 self-inflicted), increased self-harm, and easy access to illicit items including drugs and weapons.
  • Inhumane living conditions due to severe overcrowding (over 1,200 prisoners sharing single cells), squalid, poorly maintained cells, and frequent shortages of basic kit, compounded by intermittent hot water and heating.
  • The new multi-million-pound healthcare centre remaining unused for over two years, while existing healthcare units (Addison and Jones wards) are unfit for purpose and undersized.
  • The termination of the effective Remand Project, removing crucial support for remand prisoners.
  • Inadequate support for foreign nationals, who constitute almost 50% of the population, following the termination of the BEST contract.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Berwyn
Published 21 Aug 2024 · 2,000 prisoners
Self-harm: 1,320 Assaults: 558 Staff assaults: 173
AI-generated report summary HMP Berwyn operates as a Category B/C resettlement and training prison, with a population settling at its operational capacity of 2000. The Board observes a generally safe environment with improving regime delivery, although significant staffing churn, particularly among band 3 officers, remains a challenge impacting various aspects of prison operations. Key concerns include persistent long waiting times for mental health transfers, a halted cell refurbishment program, and issues with missed medical appointments and key worker awareness. Despite these, the prison demonstrates positive outcomes in resettlement, with above-target employment and housing rates for prison leavers.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The significant proportion of inexperienced staff.
  • The time taken to address and resolve issues within the prison.
  • Persistent long waiting times for mental health transfers to secure units.
  • The increasing number of prisoners with severe mental health problems in the segregation unit.
  • The halted cell refurbishment program due to increased prison population, exacerbating the problem of peeling paint in cells.
  • High rates of missed medical appointments by prisoners.
  • Many prisoners are unaware of who their key worker is.
  • The ongoing problem with the lack of sufficient dementia training for staff.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Hollesley Bay
Published 16 Aug 2024
Self-harm: 7 Assaults: 1 Staff assaults: 1
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay generally provides a safe and humane environment, effectively handling bullying and aggression with no serious incidents in 2023. The Board commended the assimilation of PCoSO prisoners, the strong emphasis on employability, and the effective use of Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) for resettlement. Key concerns include the Government's rejection of IPP re-sentencing, the negative impact of temporary transfer schemes on prisoner engagement, and the need for greater investment in the open estate, including property management and healthcare provision.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The Government's rejection of re-sentencing for IPP prisoners.
  • The negative impact of temporary presumptive recategorisation scheme (TPRS) on prisoner engagement and meaningful preparation for release.
  • Insufficient investment in the open estate for capital projects and maintenance, alongside the ineffective Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework.
  • Lack of a dedicated search dog for Hollesley Bay and the issue of late prisoner arrivals at prisons without 24-hour healthcare provision.
  • The absence of a key worker scheme in the open estate, which could offer valuable support to prisoners nearing release.
  • The continued need for single rooms across the establishment and the slow, cumbersome medication dispensing arrangements.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Thorn Cross
Published 15 Aug 2024
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 1 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Thorn Cross, an open prison for Category D and YOI prisoners, reported a safe environment with extremely low violence and self-harm incidents. The Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships and good healthcare provision. Key challenges include the Government's lack of progress on IPP re-sentencing, staffing shortfalls impacting training and education, and inadequate kitchen facilities. The report highlights the need to develop mental health provision and improve outcomes in education courses.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Re-sentencing of IPP prisoners is not being addressed by the Government.
  • Staffing issues, including a significant number overdue for control and restraint training, and understaffing in the Offender Management Unit (OMU).
  • The kitchen is too small and equipped with broken items, affecting food quality; there are also too few opportunities for prisoners to cook for themselves.
  • Mental health provision needs development, as the official caseload is very low compared to the number of men reporting mental health issues.
  • Outcomes for English and mathematics courses are poor, exacerbated by staff sickness and lack of cover.
  • The OMU building project is well behind schedule, and there are concerns about OMU staff conduct and delays in ROTL checks.
  • There is no planned programme of decoration for residential units, leading to some looking tired.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
North East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber STHF
Published 13 Aug 2024
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 1 Staff assaults: 0
AI-generated report summary The IMB report for North East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber STHFs highlights varied conditions across the region's facilities, with particular focus on Swinderby RSTHF. While Swinderby benefits from positive staff-detainee relations and improved facilities, significant concerns persist regarding physical safety during building works, inadequate risk identification processes, and non-compliance with safer detention guidelines. Across all STHFs, the Board criticizes the policy on detainee medication, the unsuitability of some holding rooms, and restricted IMB access to essential documentation.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Significant concerns about physical safety and fire risks at Swinderby RSTHF, exacerbated by the decision to keep the centre open during extensive floor works and the associated suspension of critical safety measures and internet access.
  • Inadequate reception interview processes at Swinderby RSTHF, which compromise the identification of vulnerable detainees, including those at risk of self-harm, torture, modern slavery, or sexual abuse.
  • Systemic failure to implement Assessment Care in Detention and Teamwork (ACDT) requirements locally at Swinderby, potentially leading to under-identification of individuals at risk of suicide or self-harm.
  • The inhumane and dangerous Home Office policy preventing detainees from accessing their prescribed medication across STHFs.
  • Persistent unsuitability of certain holding rooms (e.g., Leeds Bradford Airport, Port of Hull) for immigration detention, leading to concerns about extended detentions and the lack of hot food provision.
  • Restrictions on the IMB's access to full port case files, preventing adequate discharge of monitoring duties and compromising oversight of detainee welfare.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Kirklevington Grange
Published 8 Aug 2024
Self-harm: 2 Assaults: 2 Staff assaults: 1
AI-generated report summary HMP Kirklevington Grange, a Category D open prison, is considered a safe environment with positive staff-prisoner relationships and effective healthcare provision. Notable improvements in resettlement and external employment opportunities were observed. However, the Board expressed concerns over an increase in use of force incidents, an ageing estate infrastructure, and diminished chaplaincy services. Further issues include the impact of TPRS transfers on prisoner progression and persistent problems with property loss during inter-establishment transfers, as well as limited accredited vocational training opportunities.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The increase in use of force incidents (7 in 2023 vs 2 in 2022) is a trend the Board will monitor.
  • The prison's ageing accommodation infrastructure restricts the use of electrical items and their capacity.
  • Chaplaincy services have been diminished due to recruitment issues.
  • Prisoners transferred under the Temporary Presumptive Recategorisation System (TPRS) often have insufficient time remaining to fully engage with Category D resettlement and training opportunities.
  • There are ongoing issues with prisoner property being mislaid or going missing during transfers between establishments, particularly from privately managed prisons.
  • Opportunities for prisoners to gain accredited vocational training and qualifications within the prison's industries are limited.
Report year 2023 PRISON Concerns
Rochester
Published 7 Aug 2024 · 758 prisoners
Assaults: 238
AI-generated report summary HMP/YOI Rochester, a Category C resettlement prison for adult and young adult men, is grappling with increasing self-harm and violence, attributed to unsuitable prisoner transfers, drug-related issues, and new gang activity. Significant concerns include a deteriorating prison estate, a critical shortage of probation officers hindering resettlement efforts, and persistent problems with property management and the inefficient escort system. Despite these challenges, the report notes positive staff-prisoner interactions, satisfactory mental health provision, and commendable purposeful activity initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Increased self-harm and violence, linked to unsuitable transfers, drug debt, and new gang activity.
  • Deteriorating prison buildings, with many wings barely meeting acceptable accommodation standards.
  • Critical shortage of probation officers significantly impacting prisoner progression, offender management, and the success of early release schemes.
  • Persistent issues with property loss during transfers and CSU moves, alongside ineffective volumetric property control.
  • Delays to activities and missed healthcare appointments due to the dysfunctional escort system and absence of controlled freeflow.
  • The ongoing challenge of insufficient suitable bail accommodation and too many prisoners being released without housing.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Erlestoke
Published 6 Aug 2024
Self-harm: 468 Assaults: 111 Staff assaults: 42
AI-generated report summary HMP Erlestoke, a Category C prison, experienced significant increases in self-harm (468) and violence (153 incidents, 111 prisoner-on-prisoner) during the reporting year, with no deaths in custody. Key concerns include inconsistent welfare checks, persistent illicit substances, and the inadequate delivery of key working. While positive developments like a neurodiversity support manager and improved staff-prisoner relations were noted, healthcare provision is strained, and time out of cell remains limited for a quarter of the population. The Board highlights an urgent need for improved mental health provision and clarity for IPP prisoners.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Significant increase in self-harm incidents and inconsistent welfare checks.
  • Persistent issues with illicit substances despite enhanced security.
  • Use of segregation for prisoners with complex mental health needs.
  • Key working system not delivered as planned.
  • Continued loss of prisoner property, causing stress and anxiety.
  • Poor performance of Gov Facility Services Limited (GFSL) impacting decent living conditions.
  • Discrimination faced by disabled prisoners in gaining work.
  • Serious decline in healthcare attendance at first ACCT reviews.
  • Time out of cell not improving for non-employed/educated prisoners.
  • Unacceptably low numbers in vocational jobs and staff shortages impacting training.
  • Lack of hope of release for IPP prisoners negatively impacting their wellbeing.
  • Lack of long-term plan for appropriate mental health provision in the secure estate.
  • Uncertainty about ancillary facilities matching needs for the increased prison population.
  • Offending behaviour programmes eligibility not assessed prior to transfer.
  • Need for a review of the allocations process for job roles.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
North West and Midlands STHF
Published 6 Aug 2024
AI-generated report summary This IMB report for Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHFs) highlights an increase in both Board membership and visits, alongside a rise in the number of people detained during 2023. Key concerns include significant safety risks for female detainees at Manchester RSTHF due to co-location with male Foreign National Offenders and a general lack of essential provisions like hot food, CCTV, and prompt access to prescribed medication in other facilities. The report also notes delays in addressing maintenance issues and reliance on external emergency services for medical needs.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • The co-location of female detainees with male Foreign National Offenders transferred from prisons at Manchester Residential STHF poses a high safety risk.
  • East Midlands Airport holding room lacks fitted and operational CCTV, hot food, and television facilities.
  • There is no secure vehicle bay at Holyhead Port for the transfer of detainees, compromising safety and dignity.
  • Significant delays in rectifying structural and equipment deficiencies across facilities.
  • Detained individuals are still being denied access to prescribed medication in holding rooms.
  • Most facilities rely on NHS ambulance services for medical advice, lacking dedicated medical professionals.
  • Detainees at Holyhead Port are visible to the public during transfers, impacting privacy and dignity.
  • The practice of holding detainees in Controlled Waiting Areas at East Midlands Airport rather than proper holding rooms.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns
Onley
Published 2 Aug 2024 · 726 prisoners
Self-harm: 258 Assaults: 50 Staff assaults: 103
AI-generated report summary HMP Onley is a Category C training and resettlement prison that faced challenges during the reporting year ending February 2024. While staffing levels for officers improved, this did not translate into increased key work activity or a consistently full regime. Key concerns include increased illicit substance availability and drone activity, a rise in prisoner-on-prisoner violence, and persistent issues with property transfers and poor cell/yard conditions. Healthcare saw some improvements in GP/dental wait times, but mental health and drug rehabilitation were affected by staff shortages.
AI-generated summary of key concerns
  • Increased availability of illicit substances and drone activity affecting safety.
  • Significant increase in prisoner-on-prisoner violence.
  • Poor condition of cell windows and outside exercise yards, impacting living conditions, security, and dignity.
  • Persistent concerns over food quantity and quality and menu choices.
  • Delays in property reaching prisoners on transfer, a long-standing and unaddressed issue.
  • Inadequate number of workspaces and instructors, leading to poor prisoner engagement in purposeful activity and resettlement challenges.
  • Difficulties in facilitating hospital appointments and limited drug/alcohol rehabilitation.
Report year 2024 PRISON Concerns

Establishment types

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

Reports by year

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

Key findings

Patterns across the corpus

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