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IMB Annual Reports

780 reports 170 establishments 768 with key concerns

780 annual reports from Independent Monitoring Boards covering 170 establishments. IMBs provide independent oversight of prisons, immigration removal centres, and secure training centres. Source: imb.org.uk.

Key findings

Patterns across the corpus

98% of IMB reports flag key concerns. Independent monitors cover 170 establishments across prisons, immigration removal centres and secure training centres.

Annual reports

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2023 PRISON Concerns Scotland and Northern Ireland Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHF)
Published 24 Oct 2023
The Scotland and Northern Ireland STHF IMB report highlights generally humane treatment by staff but identifies significant concerns across multiple facilities for the period February 2022 to January 2023. Key issues include the unsafe removal of prescription medication, inadequate disability provisions, and the unsuitability of airport holding rooms for increasingly prolonged detentions. The Board also notes long-overdue building alterations at Larne House and ventilation issues across the estate, urging urgent action from the Home Office and facility managers.
Key concerns identified
  • Medication being removed from detained people without a satisfactory regime for administration, posing serious health risks.
  • The lack of adequate provision for people with disabilities across the estate, including unsuitable facilities and lack of showering facilities.
  • Prolonged detention (more than eight hours or overnight) in airport holding rooms that are not equipped or suitable for extended stays.
  • Unimplemented planned alterations at Larne House RSTHF to provide separate facilities for women and to upgrade basic bedroom furnishings.
  • Inadequate ventilation systems across many holding rooms and the residential STHF.
  • Safety and security concerns regarding remote CCTV monitoring of detainees in the Controlled Waiting Area at Prestwick Airport.
2022 PRISON Concerns Kent Coast Short Term Holding Facilities (STHF)
Published 23 Oct 2023
The IMB report for Kent Coast STHFs in 2022 documented a year of unprecedented small boat arrivals, leading to significant overcrowding and challenges across Western Jet Foil, Kent Intake Unit, and Manston. A primary concern was the widespread practice of detaining individuals for periods far exceeding the statutory 24-hour limit in conditions deemed unsuitable, particularly at Manston. While staff were commended for their compassion, critical issues persisted regarding lack of privacy for sensitive interviews, inadequate basic provisions, poor sleeping arrangements, and insufficient information for detainees about their processing journey.
Key concerns identified
  • Prolonged detention of individuals beyond 24 hours in unsuitable marquee accommodation at Manston, leading to severe overcrowding and distress.
  • Significant lack of privacy during induction interviews at KIU and healthcare screenings at Manston, which compromised the identification of vulnerabilities.
  • Detainees' pervasive confusion regarding their processing journey and lack of information about their length of stay, adversely impacting their welfare.
  • Inadequate and unhygienic living conditions, including insufficient sleeping mats, crowded spaces, frequently out-of-order showers at KIU, and limited provision of clean clothes and wash kits.
  • Insufficient variety and repetitive nature of food provided at Manston for individuals detained for prolonged periods.
  • A lack of transparency from contractors, as evidenced by the Board's inability to obtain weekly figures on length of stay at Manston.
2023 PRISON Concerns Peterborough (men)
Published 20 Oct 2023
Self-harm: 420 Assaults: 166 Staff assaults: 82
HMP/YOI Peterborough (Men) is generally well-led with a disciplined and fair regime and positive staff-prisoner relationships. However, the Board is extremely concerned about the inhumane treatment of prisoners with severe mental illness who are inappropriately held in prison. Other key issues include a near doubling of prisoner-on-prisoner fights, poorly integrated healthcare services, and challenges with key worker engagement and post-release accommodation.
Key concerns identified
  • The number of prisoners showing extreme symptoms of mental illness who are inappropriately held in prison, leading to inhumane suffering and a strain on staff.
  • Prisoner on prisoner fights have nearly doubled in the last year.
  • Healthcare services are poorly integrated due to multiple contracts, leading to communication issues and delays in essential medication and hospital referrals.
  • Key worker allocation and contact has been less than expected, with insufficient time for staff and low prisoner awareness of the system.
  • The prevalence of psychoactive drugs, like spice, despite measures to control their entry.
  • Securing ample post-release accommodation remains a significant challenge.
2023 PRISON Concerns Peterborough (women)
Published 20 Oct 2023
Self-harm: 2,882 Assaults: 23 Staff assaults: 65
HMP/YOI Peterborough (Women) is generally well-led, offering a disciplined and fair regime with humane treatment. Key strengths include improved safety focus, reduced self-harm (despite a prolific individual temporarily skewing numbers), and increased education attendance. However, significant concerns remain regarding the influx of severely mentally ill prisoners not receiving appropriate external care, delays in prescribed medication, and inconsistencies in key work delivery and regime due to staff shortages. The Board highlights challenges in resettlement, particularly accommodation, and issues with delays in offender management processes.
Key concerns identified
  • The number of prisoners showing extreme symptoms of mental illness, who should be diverted to appropriate healthcare.
  • Prisoners being left without prescribed medications for days or weeks upon arrival or transfer, leading to anxiety and self-harm.
  • Inadequate climate control in cells, with insufficient fans in summer and heating issues in winter.
  • The inconsistent quality and compliance of key worker allocation and contact, with some prisoners unaware of the system.
  • Concerning delays in arranging assessment and admission to hospital for mentally unwell prisoners.
  • Staff shortages leading to curtailment of the regime, particularly at weekends and impacting library access.
  • Delays in risk assessments for Home Detention Curfew (HDC) and Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) applications due to Community Offender Management (COM) input.
  • Securing ample post-release accommodation remains a significant challenge.
  • Unserviceable key kitchen equipment causing strain on meal provision.
  • Shortage of smaller/petite size clothing options for prisoners.
  • Bland and "stodgy" food, with requests for more salads and fruit.
  • Insufficient staff resources to consistently and promptly process social video call applications for family contact.
  • Significant postal delays causing distress and frustration, likely due to staff shortages.
2022 PRISON Concerns Kirkham
Published 20 Oct 2023 · 470 prisoners
Self-harm: 3 Assaults: 4 Staff assaults: 4
HMP Kirkham, a Category D open prison, maintained a population of 470 against a capacity of 699 during 2022. The Board reported low levels of violence and no deaths in custody, commending staff efforts to re-establish a workable regime post-Covid. Key concerns included the persistent transfer of unsuitable prisoners, the urgent need for CCTV and in-cell technology upgrades, and the curtailment of prisoner activities due to staff redeployments. Despite challenges, 100% of prisoners were accommodated on release, and 62% secured employment.
Key concerns identified
  • The continued transfer of prisoners unsuitable for open conditions, leading to increased returns to closed conditions, despite ministers' assurances.
  • The urgent need for a CCTV upgrade.
  • The lack of in-cell technology and telephony, contributing to illicit mobile phone use and associated issues.
  • Curtailment of various activities (gym, C2W, mail room) due to staff redeployment, despite high staffing levels.
  • Disparity in prisoner pay between outworkers and internal activities, causing discontent.
  • Persistent issues with billet maintenance, including ventilation, unrefurbished showers, and heating/hot water.
  • Significant waiting times for standard dental check-ups (21 weeks).
  • Ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of property transfers between prisons.
2023 PRISON Concerns Whatton
Published 19 Oct 2023 · 802 prisoners
Self-harm: 333 Assaults: 49 Staff assaults: 17
HMP Whatton, a Category C training prison, had an average population of 802 against an operational capacity of 817. While staff maintained a safe environment and implemented a normal daily regime, the Board highlighted concerns including increased assaults, high self-harm incidents, and significant delays in transferring mentally unwell prisoners to secure care. Substandard B wing accommodation and inadequate resettlement support for released prisoners were also noted.
Key concerns identified
  • Increased levels of assaults on both staff and prisoners.
  • Increased levels of self-harm remain a concern, with a number of chronic and acute self-harmers responsible for a high proportion of incidents.
  • Prisoners released from HMP Whatton, a training prison, are at a disadvantage regarding resettlement support due to lack of dedicated staffing or finance, despite approximately 200 prisoners being released annually into the community.
  • The substandard accommodation in the B wings, containing some of the smallest cells in the prison estate and deemed unfit for purpose, continues to be a concern, with no funding available for replacement and pipework replacement delayed by 12 months.
  • Healthcare services continue to be under great pressure, particularly due to ongoing shortages of specialist healthcare staff and the poor condition of healthcare accommodation.
  • A significant backlog of prisoners awaiting accredited offending behaviour programmes remains a concern, impacting sentence plans, parole hearings, and release dates.
  • Changes in the parole system and high rejection rates of Parole Board recommendations are causing significant anguish among prisoners, particularly those with sexual offence convictions, regarding potential delays to Category D transfers and release.
  • Progression for IPP prisoners remains a significant concern, with increased anxiety following the government's rejection of Justice Select Committee recommendations on re-sentencing and licence periods.
  • Delays in transferring prisoners needing secure psychiatric care to hospital, exceeding the proposed 28-day statutory limit, continue to be an issue.
  • The Eureka key security system has been unserviceable for over three years, awaiting replacement.
  • Key working has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and there are concerns that not all prison staff prioritize it adequately.
  • The new property framework for prisoners’ property has shown no evidence of meeting its objectives in improving transfers between establishments, leading to continued losses and distress.
2023 PRISON Concerns Birmingham
Published 18 Oct 2023
Self-harm: 528
HMP Birmingham has continued to improve under strong leadership, providing a calm environment where prisoners generally feel safe. However, the report highlights significant concerns including persistently low staffing levels leading to restricted regimes, cancelled activities, and reduced key worker support. The Board also raises issues with the disproportionate use of force and segregation on black and mixed-heritage prisoners, prolonged remand times without resettlement support, and unsuitable living conditions in some shared cells.
Key concerns identified
  • Inadequate staffing levels are causing restricted regimes, insufficient purposeful activity, and a reduction in key worker support.
  • The prisoner officer appointment process and high attrition rates contribute to an inexperienced workforce and unsuitable appointments.
  • Long remand times, up to four years, leave unsentenced prisoners without crucial pre-release support.
  • Disproportionate use of force and segregation on black men and men of mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds remains a stubborn concern.
  • High use of force incidents and inconsistent body-worn video camera activation.
  • Unsuitable living conditions in shared cells, with ongoing issues like leaking roofs and heating problems.
2023 PRISON Concerns Stoke Heath
Published 17 Oct 2023 · 750 prisoners
Self-harm: 246 Assaults: 95
HMP/YOI Stoke Heath, a Category C training and resettlement prison, experienced an increase in self-harm incidents and near misses, alongside a noticeable rise in illicit items. While overall violence remained low, prisoners spent more time in their cells due to staffing shortages and inadequate purposeful activity, impacting sentence progression. Healthcare provision was generally met, though dental waiting times were long and planned mental health interventions limited. The Board highlighted concerns regarding prisoner property, resettlement support, and the need for more varied education and work opportunities.
Key concerns identified
  • Increase in self-harm incidents (8%) and doubled near misses.
  • Noticeable increase in illicit items, especially drugs.
  • Prisoners spending more time in cells due to staffing shortages and lack of purposeful activity.
  • Prisoner property issues remain a major source of complaints.
  • Excessively long waiting times for dental appointments (20 weeks).
  • Limited planned interventions for severe and enduring mental health issues.
  • Inadequate education and work opportunities, making sentence progression difficult for many.
  • Rising number of prisoners without accommodation on release and difficulties maintaining family contact.
  • Inadequate facilities for people with disabilities, including restricted access to healthcare and education.
2023 PRISON Concerns Wymott
Published 12 Oct 2023 · 1,192 prisoners
Self-harm: 426 Assaults: 68 Staff assaults: 42
HMP Wymott faces significant challenges including a rise in violence and self-harm, severe staff shortages impacting safety and regime, and inhumane conditions on A and B wings where refurbishment is repeatedly delayed. Overcrowding forces prisoners to double up in unsuitable cells, while healthcare struggles with inadequate facilities and high agency staff reliance. The Board commends efforts in education and resettlement, and the positive feedback on the new J wing.
Key concerns identified
  • Rise in violence and self-harm linked to drugs, bullying, and debt.
  • Dire and inhumane conditions of showers and toilets on A and B wings, with refurbishment continually delayed.
  • Overcrowding issues, including doubling up in unsuitable cells, forcing prisoners to eat on beds or toilets.
  • Chronic staff shortages impacting safety, regime, healthcare, and purposeful activity.
  • Persistent struggles in healthcare provision, marked by inadequate facilities, high reliance on agency staff, and long waiting times for dental care.
  • The ongoing plight and lack of progression for prisoners serving IPP sentences, with government disinterest in addressing their situation.
2023 PRISON Concerns Lincoln
Published 11 Oct 2023 · 656 prisoners
Self-harm: 258 Assaults: 110 Staff assaults: 43
HMP Lincoln, a Category B prison, experienced a decrease in self-harm incidents and drug finds during the reporting period, alongside generally positive staff-prisoner relationships. However, significant concerns persist regarding the length and quality of maintenance work by Amey, and the inadequate access to specialist mental health facilities. Other key challenges include the impact of increasing operational capacity, difficulties for transient prisoners accessing education, issues with property transfers, and unsuitable infrastructure for vulnerable prisoners.
Key concerns identified
  • The persistent delays and poor quality of repair and maintenance work by Amey, leading to cells being out of use.
  • Timely access to specialist mental health facilities for prisoners requiring transfers.
  • The impact of increasing operational capacity on maintaining safety and decency within the prison.
  • Challenges for transient prisoners to access and complete meaningful training opportunities to reduce reoffending.
  • Ongoing issues with the loss or delay of prisoners’ property during transfers between establishments.
  • Inadequate support for remand prisoners with release planning, as they are not eligible for probation services.
  • The unsuitability of the Victorian infrastructure to provide adequate provisions for increasing numbers of frail elderly, disabled, and those with dementia or end-of-life care.
  • The current daily food allowance of £2.20 being insufficient to provide nutritional meals given rising inflation.
  • Ongoing problems with heating and hot water, coupled with general delays in maintenance and repairs.
  • Persistent issues with food waste and debris outside accommodation wings, attracting pigeons.
  • Inefficiencies in kit collection and distribution, leading to insufficient items for new arrivals and discrepancies in laundry returns.
  • A significant number of cells in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) being offline due to maintenance issues or legionella risks.
2023 PRISON Concerns Wandsworth
Published 11 Oct 2023 · 1,584 prisoners
Self-harm: 886 Assaults: 524 Staff assaults: 524
HMP Wandsworth faced severe challenges in the reporting year, marked by chronic staff shortages leading to a limited and inconsistent regime. The prison recorded significant increases in assaults, self-harm, and ACCT cases, underscoring serious safety concerns exacerbated by easy access to contraband. Inhumane living conditions, including overcrowding, poor heating, and inadequate healthcare facilities (with a new centre remaining unopened), persisted, while vital services like library access and resettlement support were also hampered by understaffing.
Key concerns identified
  • Chronic staff shortages severely undermine the prison's ability to function and deliver a consistent regime, with unavailability rates frequently exceeding 50%.
  • The prison is unsafe, experiencing significant increases in prisoner-on-prisoner (28%) and prisoner-on-staff (21%) assaults, a 49% rise in use of force, and a 29% increase in ACCT cases.
  • Inhumane and overcrowded living conditions persist, with most men sharing single cells, frequent lack of heating and hot water, and grossly inadequate shower facilities.
  • The new multi-million pound healthcare centre remains unopened over a year past its scheduled date, while existing vulnerable units are unhygienic and dangerous.
  • Critical medications are frequently not administered, posing serious risks to prisoner health.
  • Remand prisoners continue to receive no housing support, increasing their vulnerability and risk of reoffending on release.
2022 PRISON Concerns Liverpool
Published 10 Oct 2023
Self-harm: 347 Assaults: 90 Staff assaults: 31
HMP Liverpool, a Category B local adult male prison, generally provided a safe and humane environment in 2022 despite an old Victorian infrastructure and frequent regime closures due to staffing issues. The Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships, maintained healthcare services, and satisfactory educational provision. Key concerns persist regarding long segregation periods for mentally ill prisoners, inconsistent main gate security, ongoing property issues during transfers, and insufficient investment for rehabilitation.
Key concerns identified
  • Long periods of segregation for prisoners experiencing mental health difficulties.
  • Inconsistent and not robust security arrangements at the main gate for staff/visitors, posing a contraband risk.
  • Prisoner property continues to go astray during transportation between establishments.
  • Insufficient investment to fund facilities and staffing levels to improve job prospects and rehabilitation.
  • Improvement needed on the uptake and activation of body worn video cameras by all on duty officers.
  • Inconsistent deployment of staffing to the Mandatory Drug Testing (MDT) programme.
2023 PRISON Concerns Whitemoor
Published 6 Oct 2023 · 315 prisoners
Self-harm: 122 Staff assaults: 4
HMP Whitemoor, a high-security prison, operated at a reduced capacity of 315 due to electrical upgrades, against an operational capacity of 458. Staff shortages significantly impacted purposeful activity and time out of cell, contributing to prisoner frustration and perceived stagnation in progression. Key concerns include a notable number of staff assaults, issues with illicit drugs, long waits for dental care and secure mental health beds, and frozen prisoner pay against rising canteen prices. The Board highlighted the need for funding for basic estate improvements and a review of the Dispersal System's impact on progression.
Key concerns identified
  • Four serious assaults on staff, with lower-level violence and indiscipline reflecting problems with newer officers.
  • More needed to be done to suppress illicit drugs.
  • Prisoners' pay has been frozen since 2016, while canteen prices increased by 50%.
  • The Segregation Unit held too many men who could not or would not relocate, reducing care for others.
  • Difficult access to dentists, limited mental health services due to staff shortages, and absence of psychiatry cover.
  • Long waits for secure hospital beds for mentally ill prisoners, usually spent in the Segregation Unit.
  • Limited time out of cell and lack of predictable regime.
  • Frequent closure of education classes and workshops, with low prisoner enthusiasm to return.
  • Prisoners perceive little prospect of progression due to limits on regrading and Parole Board rejections.
  • The Dispersal System may not be the best way to hold Category B prisoners, imposing greater restrictions.
  • Funding is urgently needed for basic decency and safety works, particularly showers.
  • Whitemoor’s residential areas need further development to support enhanced prisoners and their progression.
  • Prisoners’ pay rates need to be increased to compensate for substantial price increases.
2023 PRISON Concerns Coldingley
Published 5 Oct 2023 · 500 prisoners
Self-harm: 60
HMP Coldingley, a Category C training prison, maintains a relatively open regime and positive staff-prisoner relationships, contributing to low self-harm levels. However, the Board notes a concerning rise in violence, use of force, and illicit substances, often linked to population pressures and insufficient new arrival checks. Significant challenges remain, including dilapidated older wings lacking in-cell sanitation, a struggling kitchen, and persistent issues with lost property and perceived disproportionality in treatment for some ethnic minority groups.
Key concerns identified
  • Increase in violence, use of force, and debt/gang-related incidents, exacerbated by insufficient checking of new arrivals.
  • Lack of effective and coordinated CCTV, particularly in older wings, undermines safety and hampers evidence gathering.
  • Appalling and unhygienic conditions due to lack of in-cell sanitation in older residential blocks, with refurbishment delayed until at least 2026.
  • Significant increase in illicitly brewed alcohol ("hooch") and manufacturing of new psychoactive substances (NPS).
  • Coldingley's Care and Separation Unit (CSU) is dilapidated and frequently used for vulnerable prisoners due to the absence of alternative dedicated facilities.
  • Concerns regarding food quality, faulty kitchen equipment, understaffing, and the withdrawal of special diets for food intolerances.
  • Persistent issues with lost property during transfers, causing detriment to prisoners and increasing complaints.
  • Disproportionality in the use of force on Muslim prisoners and the allocation of preferred jobs and accommodation to white prisoners.
2023 PRISON Concerns Stafford
Published 4 Oct 2023 · 743 prisoners
Self-harm: 99 Assaults: 16 Staff assaults: 8
HMP Stafford, a Category C training prison, generally provides safe and humane treatment, with significant improvements in medicines management. However, the report highlights critical issues, including the long-standing and hazardous state of prison roadways, which poses a serious safety risk. Persistent staff shortages continue to disrupt the regime, leading to lost activities, and a self-inflicted death involving an IPP prisoner raised serious questions. Additionally, concerns were noted regarding security compliance, reduced library services, and service delivery from the new visits management contractor.
Key concerns identified
  • The critically poor and hazardous state of roadways and walkways within the prison, which has been an unaddressed issue for 18 years and poses a significant risk of serious injury.
  • Ongoing staff shortages, leading to frequent lost activities, wing closures, and prisoner frustration.
  • Significant security concerns regarding unlocked gates/doors and staff non-compliance with wearing body-worn cameras.
  • The self-inflicted death of an IPP prisoner, the first in a long time, raising questions about the impact of such sentences.
  • Reduced library services and extended opening hours due to staffing vacancies.
  • Inconsistent and unsatisfactory service delivery from the new visits management contractor (PACT) compared to the previous provider.
  • Persistent issues with "out of stock" catalogue items, causing considerable upset and delays for prisoners.
2023 PRISON Concerns Woodhill
Published 3 Oct 2023 · 500 prisoners
HMP Woodhill, a Category B training prison, faced significant challenges during the reporting year, primarily due to persistent staff shortages that severely impacted regime consistency and access to purposeful activity. Key concerns included high levels of violence, the deteriorating state of the prison estate, and overburdened mental health services leading to long waits for transfers. The IMB called for urgent action on staff recruitment, infrastructure maintenance, and improving opportunities for prisoner progression and resettlement.
Key concerns identified
  • Prisoner on prisoner assaults remain among the highest in the Long-Term High Security Estate.
  • The number of ACCTs remains high, and reviews are not regularly carried out by the case co-ordinator.
  • Levels of violence have led to a significant increase in the use of segregation.
  • Inconsistency of staffing and inexperienced staff are challenging for relationships and support.
  • The fabric of the building is deteriorating, with unacceptable showers and breaking flooring.
  • Concerns are increasing about the use of segregation for those with complex mental health needs.
  • Mental health services are unable to cope, leading to long waits for assessment and transfer.
  • There is insufficient suitable accommodation for older and disabled prisoners across the LTHSE.
  • Access to education, library services, and workshops is severely impacted by staff shortages.
  • Insufficient jobs and education opportunities result in long waiting times and a lack of access to suitable programmes for long-term prisoners.
  • The property system is inadequate, causing significant issues for prisoners and requiring a radical overhaul.
  • Lack of supervision by wing staff leads to vulnerable men being at the back of the queue for clothing, bed linen, and food.
2022 PRISON Concerns Parc
Published 29 Sep 2023
Self-harm: 1,285
This report for HMP Parc covers a period dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to significant regime restrictions and staff shortages. Despite these challenges, the Board found that staff maintained a safe environment for prisoners, with reductions in some violent incidents. However, healthcare, mental health support, and purposeful activity were severely impacted by limited resources and external agency support, and concerns persisted regarding drug entry and food quality.
Key concerns identified
  • Drugs continued to enter the prison despite lengthy lockdowns and limited social visits.
  • Staff shortages significantly impacted prisoners due to restricted regimes and lack of communication.
  • Healthcare faced ongoing challenges with staff shortages, limited external mental health support, and protracted waiting lists.
  • There was a high level of failed healthcare appointments, indicating a need to review the system.
  • Complaints regarding food quality, quantity, and choice continued, necessitating a review of catering provision.
  • The library service's effectiveness needs examination to restore previous levels of uptake.
  • Disproportionality in use of force figures for young adults and BAME prisoners requires investigation to identify underlying causes.
2022 PRISON Concerns Isle of Wight
Published 28 Sep 2023 · 995 prisoners
Self-harm: 967 Assaults: 66 Staff assaults: 79
HMP Isle of Wight experienced a challenging 2022, marked by a population increase and the gradual easing of Covid restrictions, which allowed for a return to some normal regime activities. However, chronic staff shortages significantly hampered access to work, education, and healthcare, leading to prisoners spending considerable time locked up. The Board raised serious concerns regarding the inadequacy of mental health provision, the impact of staff shortages on all aspects of prison life, and the need for clarity and funding for the estate and the management of the Category C prisoner population.
Key concerns identified
  • Chronic staff shortages severely limiting access to regime activities, work, education, and healthcare.
  • Urgent need to strengthen mental health provision and carefully consider the relocation of complex mental health patients to mainstream prisons.
  • The importance of early funding decisions for essential infrastructure work and the poor condition of many buildings.
  • The need for an early decision on whether the prison will continue to hold a significant number of Category C prisoners.
  • Ensuring timely and full compliance with ACCTs, CSIPs, and Use of Force reviews.
  • Consistently failing to meet Key Worker targets and assuring their quality.
  • Lack of focus on meeting literacy targets, improving programme availability, and restoring regular library access.
2023 PRISON Concerns Wealstun
Published 27 Sep 2023 · 850 prisoners
HMP Wealstun, a Category C prison, has an operational capacity of 856 and a CNA of 809. The IMB reports improvements in reception processes and generally good collaboration between prison and healthcare teams. However, significant concerns persist regarding unacceptable time out of cell, pervasive part-time work, and critically low key worker session delivery. Overcrowding, the poor condition of older wings, and challenges in managing illicit items also remain key issues.
Key concerns identified
  • Overcrowding and the use of double cells are unacceptable, coupled with the poor and deteriorating condition of older wings, which require significant refurbishment.
  • The length of time prisoners spend out of their cells remains unacceptably low, leading to limited purposeful activity, widespread part-time working, and a critical shortage of key worker sessions.
  • Despite improved recruitment, staffing levels are effectively reduced by non-effectives and detached duty, hindering the delivery of a full regime and vital key worker support.
  • The prison continues to house severely mentally ill individuals awaiting appropriate institutional placement, and Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) prisoners receive very little additional support.
  • Illicit drugs and unprescribed medication are still found within the prison, exacerbated by the lack of dry cells in segregation to confirm or deny contraband possession.
  • Opportunities for progression and resettlement are limited due to a lack of full-time work or education spaces, and the transfer of prisoners with less than 15 weeks remaining hinders effective release preparation.
2023 PRISON Concerns Pentonville
Published 26 Sep 2023 · 1,140 prisoners
Self-harm: 487 Assaults: 40 Staff assaults: 16
HMP Pentonville, a Category B local prison, faced significant challenges in 2022-2023, primarily due to overcrowding, antiquated facilities, and staff shortages impacting the regime and key work scheme. While the prison achieved notable successes in disrupting contraband and establishing a Neurodiversity Unit with positive outcomes, concerns persist regarding vulnerable prisoner safety, low time out of cell, and minimal resettlement support for its large remand population. Healthcare services showed improvements in patient access and staffing, but overall infrastructure and staffing levels continue to hinder humane conditions and effective rehabilitation.
Key concerns identified
  • Vulnerable prisoners on the VPU are not rigorously separated, compromising their safety.
  • Referrals for Challenge, Support and Intervention Plans (CSIP) dropped significantly, potentially increasing violence.
  • The antiquated fabric and facilities of the prison are poorly managed by GFSL, directly impacting prisoner experience.
  • The regime has normalised only one hour out of cell per day for many prisoners, with even less time at weekends.
  • The key worker scheme was virtually extinguished due to staff shortages and security operations.
  • Persistent problems with prisoner property on transfer and within the prison cause significant stress.
  • Low attendance at education and activities remains a persistent problem, with only 65% engagement.
  • Resettlement preparations for the unprecedented 75% remand population are minimal, with many released without a plan.
  • Overcrowding forces prisoners into small cells, often in pairs, with unscreened toilets, leading to inhumane conditions.
  • Disproportionate use of restraints on Black, Muslim, and young adult prisoners remains a concern.
  • The equality officer position was vacant, leading to a backlog of Discrimination Incident Reporting Forms and infrequent meetings.
  • The Muslim chaplain is overstretched due to increased demand and recruitment delays.
2023 PRISON Concerns Littlehey
Published 20 Sep 2023 · 1,171 prisoners
Self-harm: 365 Assaults: 63 Staff assaults: 17
HMP Littlehey is a Category C training prison for men convicted of sexual offenses, holding 1,171 prisoners. The Board commended the prison for its generally safe environment, compassionate end-of-life care, and excellent PE regime. Key concerns include persistent overcrowding due to shared cells, long waiting times for specialist healthcare, and significant issues with managing prisoner property transfers between prisons. The report also highlights the over-representation of Black and Muslim prisoners in adjudications and use of force incidents, and ongoing problems with heating infrastructure and the use of temporary freezers.
Key concerns identified
  • Too many prisoners are forced to share cells, including those designed as single cells, and this number continues to increase.
  • There are concerns about the performance of five London prisons in responding to property complaints from HMP Littlehey prisoners.
  • Prisoners who are already very unwell have been transferred to HMP Littlehey, which lacks a 24-hour healthcare facility, raising concerns about their well-being.
  • Funds are not available to replace old, rusty, and torn gym equipment, posing potential health and safety risks.
  • Several cells on a wing were found to have no internal heating during extreme cold and remain offline.
  • Waiting lists for offending behaviour programmes remain long, impacting parole considerations.
  • The use of temporary freezers has been ongoing for over three years, despite funding being allocated for replacements.
  • Diversity and inclusion data continues to show an over-representation of Black and Muslim prisoners in adjudications and Muslim prisoners in use of force incidents.
  • There has been a noticeable increase in the number of complaints at HMP Littlehey, and the Discrimination Incident Report Form (DIRF) process is not operating effectively.
  • Maintenance of NHS-owned wheelchairs remains an issue despite the prison workshop being able to repair prison-owned ones.
  • The segregation environment is not conducive to helping prisoners with mental health issues improve.
  • Food Forums are not regular, and the Prison Council is perceived by prisoners as a "talking forum" rather than action-oriented.
  • The Prison Service continues to struggle with properly managing prisoners' property during transfers between prisons.
  • The lack of in-cell telephony and faults with shared phones caused significant frustration for prisoners.
2023 PRISON Concerns Standford Hill
Published 19 Sep 2023 · 460 prisoners
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
HMP/YOI Standford Hill is recognized as a well-run Category D prison, excelling in resettlement and providing substantial opportunities for prisoners to gain skills and employment, contributing to low re-offending rates. The prison maintains a safe environment with zero reported self-harm, assaults, or deaths in custody during the reporting period, and healthcare provision has significantly improved. Key concerns include the persistent poor performance of GFSL, the potential negative impact of the TPRS on resettlement, and the need for scanning equipment and modern monitoring technology.
Key concerns identified
  • The performance of Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) remains unsatisfactory, with slow maintenance response times and bureaucratic procedures.
  • The Temporary Presumptive Recategorisation Scheme (TPRS) could dilute resettlement work and reduce involvement in the Working Out Scheme.
  • There is a lack of scanning equipment to deter illicit items, despite its availability elsewhere in the prison estate.
  • Technological solutions for monitoring prisoners on ROTL and WOS are available but not approved, hindering efficiency.
  • The quality and variety of food provision are regularly criticised by prisoners.
  • Sporadic internet facilities and the overall condition of some buildings remain unaddressed issues from the previous year.
2023 PRISON Concerns Styal
Published 15 Sep 2023 · 380 prisoners
HMP/YOI Styal faced significant challenges during the reporting year, primarily due to staffing shortages that compromised safety, regime consistency, and access to essential services. The prison recorded high rates of assaults and self-harm, often linked to an unpredictable daily routine. Despite these issues, the Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships, improvements in induction and MBU facilities, and Styal's leading performance in employment outcomes for women on release.
Key concerns identified
  • Staffing shortages and inexperience have compromised safety, consistency of regime, and access to key work and activities.
  • HMP/YOI Styal has the highest rates of prisoner-on-prisoner and prisoner-on-staff assaults, and the third highest self-harm in the female estate, largely due to an unpredictable regime.
  • The prison continues to receive individuals with severe mental health needs, for whom specialist facilities are lacking, placing undue pressure on prison resources.
  • Accommodation in residential houses remains a key concern due to ongoing maintenance issues, inadequate facilities, and a lack of decency, particularly regarding toilets and bathrooms.
  • Inconsistent and untimely administration of medicine, compounded by inadequate pharmacy accommodation and staff shortages, negatively impacts prisoners' health access.
  • Access to education, vocational training, and the library is hindered by staff availability and regime restrictions, limiting purposeful activity and progression opportunities.
2023 PRISON Concerns Swinfen Hall
Published 14 Sep 2023 · 614 prisoners
HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall, a Cat C training prison and YOI, reported a prisoner population of 614 at the end of April 2023. The Board observed positive movement towards increased prisoner support and a shared vision from the Governor and SLT, particularly in developing work opportunities. However, significant concerns remain regarding the restricted regime, with many prisoners experiencing 23-hour lock-ups, inadequate provision of basic items, and a persistent lack of sufficient secure mental health spaces leading to long transfer waits. The report also highlights issues with overloaded Offender Management Unit staff affecting prisoner progression, an understaffed Business Hub, and inconsistent quality in handling prisoner complaints and property issues.
Key concerns identified
  • A regime requiring 23 hours a day in cell for many.
  • Lack of provision of basic items (toilet covers, toilet rolls, curtains) and delays in access to property.
  • Limited access to purposeful activity for many prisoners.
  • Excessive caseloads for Probation Prison Offender Managers (POMS), adversely affecting OASys reports and prisoner progression.
  • Insufficient spaces in secure mental health units and long waiting times for transfers for seriously mentally ill prisoners.
  • The Business Hub is understaffed, hindering access to essential prisoner services.
  • Inconsistent quality and fairness of complaint responses, with many unanswered or illegible.
  • Inadequate out-of-hours GP service, particularly concerning night visits.
  • A persistent backlog in dental treatment.
  • Lack of formal funding and resources to adequately support prisoners on direct release.
2023 PRISON Concerns North Sea Camp
Published 13 Sep 2023 · 224 prisoners
Self-harm: 4 Assaults: 1 Staff assaults: 1
HMP North Sea Camp, an open Category D male resettlement prison, maintained a safe and humane environment with generally positive staff-prisoner relationships and good healthcare provision during the reporting year. Key challenges include persistent delays caused by Community Offender Managers impacting ROTL and Parole Board hearings, the insecurity faced by IPP prisoners, and ongoing issues with accommodation quality, property transfers, and routine maintenance due to contract failures. The Board noted diligent efforts in resettlement, purposeful activity, and equality, supported by robust internal programs.
Key concerns identified
  • Community offender managers often take a long time to update OASys and complete paperwork for ROTL boards, leading to postponed Parole Board hearings and potentially longer prison stays.
  • The situation surrounding Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) prisoners requires resolution to alleviate their insecurity, with the Board disappointed by the rejection of a resentencing exercise.
  • The quality and allocated space of shared accommodation are poor, with no current plan to replace decommissioned aging units or convert dormitories to smaller rooms.
  • Delays in completing routine maintenance jobs and issues with property not arriving in its entirety upon transfer are concerning, with contract failures not consistently resulting in penalties for providers.
2023 PRISON Concerns Five Wells
Published 12 Sep 2023 · 1,200 prisoners
HMP Five Wells, a Category C prison, opened in February 2022 and housed 1200 prisoners by March 2023, below its operational capacity of 1680. The IMB noted successes such as positive visitor feedback and streamlined safeguarding, but raised significant concerns including widespread illicit items, severe staffing shortages, and numerous design flaws in the new build. Key areas needing development involve consistent regime application, improved food and canteen services, and the re-establishment of resettlement-focused programmes like ROTL.
Key concerns identified
  • The number and range of illicit items found in the prison, including widespread availability of drugs.
  • High proportion of inexperienced operational staff and persistent staff shortages, affecting support and rule enforcement.
  • Numerous design faults in the new build, rendering some cells unusable and impacting airflow and facility locations.
  • Inconsistent application and management of the incentives scheme, causing prisoner frustration.
  • Poor quality, quantity, and limited choice of food, with observed shortages and an unworkable canteen system.
  • Delays in the roll-out of key worker support and the non-delivery of anticipated intervention programmes and ROTL.
2023 PRISON Concerns Lancaster Farms
Published 11 Sep 2023 · 540 prisoners
Assaults: 14 Staff assaults: 6
HMP Lancaster Farms, a category C resettlement prison, has largely provided a safe environment, though some pandemic regime restrictions were slow to lift. While primary healthcare is reasonable, mental health provision faces significant challenges due to staffing and a lack of specialist transfer capacity. Key worker contact and prisoner property management remain ongoing concerns for the Board, alongside issues of cell decency and delayed purposeful activity opportunities.
Key concerns identified
  • High levels of self-harm among a small number of prisoners with complex mental health needs, who remain at the establishment due to lack of specialist provision.
  • Inconsistent key worker contact, with prisoners sometimes unaware of their key worker or not receiving regular meetings.
  • Persistent issues with accommodation decency, including broken toilet screens, lack of toilet seats in double cells, poor ventilation in some cells, and drainage problems.
  • Delays and lack of communication regarding prisoner complaints, especially those related to previous prisons or property transfers.
  • Significant issues with prisoner property management, including losses or delays during transfers and confusion over parcels.
  • Challenges in mental healthcare provision, including staffing levels and difficulties transferring prisoners with severe mental illness to specialist units.
  • Delays in reintroducing offending behaviour programmes, hindering progression for prisoners seeking re-categorisation.
2023 PRISON Concerns Swaleside
Published 8 Sep 2023 · 828 prisoners
Assaults: 231 Staff assaults: 214
HMP Swaleside experienced an unprecedented year of staff shortages, severely impacting the regime and humane treatment of prisoners with restricted time out of cell. Despite these challenges, the Board commends the SLT and staff for implementing an improving regime, which saw a decline in violence and self-harm incidents. Key concerns remain around staff retention, the poor state of facilities, long segregation times, inadequate resettlement support, and the high number of deaths in custody.
Key concerns identified
  • Persistent and unprecedented staff shortages significantly impacting the regime, wellbeing, and staff morale.
  • Humane treatment of prisoners compromised by regime restrictions, including long periods in cells and limited meaningful activity.
  • The poor condition and lack of refurbishment for many wing showers.
  • The concerning length of time some prisoners spend in the Care, Separation and Reintegration Unit (CSRU).
  • Inadequacies in the Employability Hub, leading to prisoners being released without proper support.
  • Disruptions and stability issues caused by the change in Offender Flow and Allocation system, bringing younger, shorter-term prisoners to a Category B trainer.
  • The high number of deaths in custody during the year (10), following 7 in the previous year.
  • The ongoing issue of drugs, especially spice, within the prison despite security improvements.
  • Lack of suitable courses and programmes for IPP prisoners to demonstrate progression towards release.
  • Continued reliance of HMP Standford Hill on Swaleside's kitchen, adding significant pressure.
  • Unusable cells due to maintenance issues, despite some improvement from GFSL.
  • Restricted keywork provision, limited to only the most vulnerable prisoners.
  • Inadequate facilities for female officers, including shared locker rooms.
  • A range of equality and access issues, including in-cell technology only in English, lift problems, and limited chaplaincy for some faiths.
2023 PRISON Concerns Send
Published 7 Sep 2023 · 177 prisoners
Self-harm: 867 Assaults: 19 Staff assaults: 13
HMP Send is a closed women's prison that made significant efforts to ensure prisoner safety and humane treatment during a challenging year. While the Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships, persistent staff shortages, particularly in OMU and probation, negatively impacted services and progression. Key concerns include high self-harm rates, the lack of digital in-cell technology, the unjust detention of IPP prisoners, and property issues during transfers.
Key concerns identified
  • Self-harm incidents remain worryingly high, particularly from a small number of prolific individuals, highlighting that prison is not an appropriate place for those with severe mental health issues.
  • The continued lack of digital in-cell technology is unacceptable, hindering prisoners' preparation for life in a digital society.
  • The continued detention of two IPP prisoners well beyond their tariff is considered unjust and inhumane.
  • Persistent staff shortages across the Offender Management Unit (OMU) and for probation officers severely impact prisoners' progression and resettlement prospects.
  • Significant delays and losses of prisoner property during transfers between establishments continue to be a concern, with a lack of consistent process.
  • Shortcomings exist in the management of discrimination incident report forms (DIRFs), compounded by the absence of independent scrutiny.
2022 PRISON Concerns Leeds
Published 6 Sep 2023
Self-harm: 547 Assaults: 177 Staff assaults: 101
The IMB report for HMP Leeds covering 2021-2022 found the prison to be generally safe, although expressing concern over 24 deaths in custody and incidents of unsecured doors. While staff-prisoner relationships were mostly satisfactory, issues with staff conduct and an inability to deliver key worker sessions due to shortages were noted. Accommodation remains unsatisfactory, particularly due to cell sharing, and the lack of external mental health places means many prisoners with severe needs are held inappropriately. Positive aspects included healthcare provision, commended catering staff, and successful prisoner engagement in projects like the Lock-In cafe and bird of prey care.
Key concerns identified
  • Significant number of self-inflicted deaths in custody over the reporting period.
  • Uncommonly high number of incidents where doors and gates were left unsecured by staff, posing a security risk.
  • Inappropriate accommodation with prisoners sharing small, single-occupancy cells with limited fresh air and dignity, a concern raised "yet again" by the IMB.
  • Increasing number of prisoners with severe mental health issues who remain in prison due to insufficient community mental health placements.
  • Lack of progression opportunities for IPP prisoners, affecting their chances of release and mental well-being.
  • Ongoing issues with prisoner property, including losses during transfer and within the establishment, leading to a dramatic increase in applications.
2023 PRISON Concerns Oakwood
Published 5 Sep 2023 · 2,067 prisoners
Self-harm: 1,139 Assaults: 270 Staff assaults: 64
HMP Oakwood, a Category C training and resettlement prison, reported a generally safe and respectful environment for the year ending March 2023, with reductions in self-harm and violent incidents. Healthcare provision by Practice Plus Group was equivalent to community standards, though mental health services faced challenges. Key concerns included persistent issues with food quality and servery hygiene, property losses, underperforming key worker sessions, and delays in mental health transfers due to a lack of secure placements.
Key concerns identified
  • The lack of availability of forensic, secure mental health places, resulting in prisoners with complex needs remaining in the Segregation Unit (CSU) beyond the stipulated 28 days without adequate support.
  • Persistent issues with food provision, including concerns about quality, portion sizes, servery hygiene, broken equipment, and an ineffective complaints monitoring system for food.
  • Ongoing problems with prisoner property losses, particularly during transfers and within the establishment, indicating a lack of adherence to the Prisoner Property Policy Framework.
  • Challenges within the key worker system, with significantly fewer sessions delivered than targeted and concerns about the quality and meaningfulness of these interactions.
  • Concerns regarding the quality and delivery of some education courses provided by Novus, coupled with difficulties for prisoners in securing available places.
  • A high percentage (17%) of adjudications being dismissed or not proceeded with, suggesting potential issues with the reporting or investigation process.
  • Prisoners' confusion about the distinction between complaints and requests, alongside variable quality and legibility in complaint responses.
2023 PRISON Concerns Downview
Published 1 Sep 2023
Self-harm: 1,153 Assaults: 24 Staff assaults: 31
HMP/YOI Downview experienced a challenging reporting year marked by significant operational changes and an increase in prisoners with complex mental health needs, leading to increased self-harm and use of force incidents. While staff demonstrated compassion, issues like delayed mental health transfers, inconsistent medication distribution, and an un-embedded key worker scheme persisted. The Board expressed concerns about population pressures, property loss during transfers, and a reactive approach to the new transgender policy.
Key concerns identified
  • Significant rise in transfers of women with complex and acute mental health issues, for whom prison is an inappropriate environment and staff are not adequately trained.
  • Long delays in transferring severely mentally unwell women to secure psychiatric units, despite assessments.
  • Population pressure leading to transfers of unsuitable prisoners, impacting prison operation and safety.
  • Unnecessary disruption and loss of property, monies, and educational progress for women transferring between prisons, exacerbated by administrative failures and poor inter-prison communication.
  • The key worker system is not embedded, and there is a lack of consistency in the application of prison rules by inexperienced and redeployed staff.
  • Medication distribution problems consistently disrupt the regime, and healthcare consulting rooms lack privacy curtains.
  • Concerns regarding the new transgender policy's reactive management and resource planning impact on E wing, and the absence of commissioned dementia testing for an aging prison population.
2023 PRISON Concerns Winchester
Published 31 Aug 2023 · 678 prisoners
Self-harm: 540 Assaults: 212 Staff assaults: 124
HMP Winchester made steady progress in a challenging environment, marked by improved staff numbers and a positive shift in culture, yet persistent issues with its Victorian infrastructure and overcrowding remain. While self-harm incidents decreased overall, the number of individuals involved increased, and prisoner-on-prisoner assaults rose. Healthcare experienced staffing shortfalls affecting GP and dental waiting times, and activity placements remained inadequate for the population. Key concerns include the dilapidated estate, resettlement support, and delays in critical infrastructure projects.
Key concerns identified
  • Poor physical environment and dilapidated Victorian infrastructure, with major issues remaining unaddressed.
  • Insufficient work and education placements for the prison's population.
  • Lack of effective support for remand prisoners and others to secure housing on release, leading to many being released homeless.
  • Delays in the construction of the new Care and Separation Unit (CSU) and the approval/installation of a modernised CCTV system.
  • Inconsistent handling and management of prisoner property, leading to complaints.
  • Overcrowding and its associated issues, including the holding of prisoners on cellular confinement on ordinary wings.
  • Persistent staff non-compliance with systems and procedures.
  • Increase in the number of individuals repeatedly self-harming and prisoner-on-prisoner assaults.
2023 PRISON Concerns Low Newton
Published 29 Aug 2023 · 262 prisoners
Self-harm: 398 Assaults: 17 Staff assaults: 41
HMP/YOI Low Newton is a well-managed women's prison that successfully adapted its regime post-Covid. While praised for its safe environment, estate improvements, and dedicated staff, it is significantly hampered by staff shortages, impacting regime delivery and key worker scheme consistency. The Board highlights concerns regarding funding for essential facilities, the management of complex prisoners, and the need for improved transport arrangements and oversight of disciplinary processes.
Key concerns identified
  • The segregation facility housed a prisoner with substantial behavioural difficulties, causing great difficulty; a better way to help such prisoners needs consideration.
  • More flexibility on Friday release of prisoners is needed, pending new legislation.
  • There are outstanding capital funding needs for enhanced CCTV, a wellbeing clinic, segregation unit heating, and education facilities; funding prioritisation should be accurate.
  • Reconsideration of drugs search policy and equipment in the women’s estate is needed.
  • Prisoner transport arrangements should be changed to prevent women prisoners' late arrivals.
  • The key worker scheme needs continued prioritisation against competing staff demands.
  • The Board needs better oversight of adjudications and GOOD reviews in the safety and support unit.
2023 PRISON Concerns Ranby
Published 25 Aug 2023
Self-harm: 425 Assaults: 108 Staff assaults: 54
HMP Ranby, a Category C training prison, generally provides a safe environment with satisfactory healthcare, though mental health transfers face significant delays. The Board raised concerns regarding cell sharing, inadequate purposeful activity, and difficulties prisoners face in accessing offender managers. Staffing has improved but retention of new officers is an concern, while the prison struggles to maintain its training role due to overcrowding and a high churn of short-sentence prisoners. The Board’s ability to monitor was impacted by administrative and equipment issues.
Key concerns identified
  • Cell sharing in single-occupancy cells, where prisoners eat and use the toilet, is questioned as fair and humane and has been an ongoing concern.
  • Prisoners consistently struggle to access or even identify their offender manager and POM Officer.
  • Purposeful activity is sometimes poor, and a high churn of short-sentence prisoners prevents many from completing rehabilitation or skilled work courses.
  • Significant concerns persist regarding the length of detention for IPP prisoners and the extended waits for severe mental health cases to be transferred to appropriate institutions.
  • Rehabilitation and release planning are inadequate, with the prison struggling to balance its training and resettlement roles due to overcrowding and population churn.
  • Issues with prisoner property, particularly loss or damage during transfers, remain a major source of frustration and complaints, as do delayed refunds from DHL and problems with canteen deliveries.
  • The daily food budget of £2.17 per prisoner makes it difficult to provide adequate quality and quantity, leading to frequent complaints.
  • Staff retention is a concern, with 25% of new probationary officers leaving within their first year, and primary healthcare services are understaffed due to lengthy vetting processes.
  • The Board's ability to effectively monitor the prison is hampered by a lack of administrative support, non-attendance by governors at meetings, and unserviceable office equipment.
2023 PRISON Concerns Rye Hill
Published 24 Aug 2023 · 661 prisoners
Self-harm: 246 Assaults: 39
HMP Rye Hill, a Category B training prison primarily for men convicted of sexual offences, housed 661 prisoners at the end of the reporting year. The Board noted positive developments in prisoner-led initiatives, low violence, and improvements in healthcare provision and education efficiency. However, significant concerns persist regarding the progression and anxiety of IPP prisoners, the lack of compassionate releases, inconsistent medication transfers across the prison estate, and inadequate support for sexual offence prisoners transitioning to release.
Key concerns identified
  • IPP progression and the anxiety caused by the rejection of recommendations around re-sentencing and reducing licence periods, particularly for those with complex needs and without dedicated budget provision.
  • Inconsistent application of processes across the prison estate for ensuring prisoners have sufficient prescribed medication when transferring to Rye Hill.
  • The continued lack of compassionate releases despite numerous applications and an increase in terminally ill prisoners dying in custody.
  • Challenges for sexual offence prisoners in progressing from Category B to C and D prisons, and the increasing number of direct releases without specialist support.
  • Older prisoners being required to retake English and Maths level 1 qualifications for work roles due to inability to prove prior attainment, despite clear proficiency.
2022 IRC Concerns Gatwick IRC/RSTHF
Published 23 Aug 2023
Assaults: 33 Staff assaults: 55
Gatwick IRC, comprising Brook House and Tinsley House, generally provided a safe environment in 2022 despite high rates of detainee distress and an increase in violence. The Board noted improvements in safeguarding governance, positive staff interactions, and expanded healthcare services. However, significant concerns remain regarding the detention of vulnerable individuals, ineffective Rule 35 processes, persistent issues with legal and accommodation support, and Home Office data provision.
Key concerns identified
  • High rates of detainee distress, with many reporting suicidal feelings or depression.
  • An increase in violence, including assaults on staff and detained men, and a rise in fights.
  • Failure of the Detention Gatekeeper to prevent the detention of a significant number of men with mental health issues.
  • Inappropriate and insufficient use of Rule 35, leading to continued detention of vulnerable individuals.
  • Persistent barriers to meaningful legal support and substantial delays in providing suitable bail accommodation.
  • A growing cohort of long-staying detainees becoming 'stuck' in the system, with a lack of proactive solutions from the Home Office.
  • Significant problems in obtaining even straightforward summary data from the Home Office and, to some extent, from Serco.
2023 PRISON Concerns North East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber STHF
Published 22 Aug 2023
Self-harm: 0 Assaults: 0 Staff assaults: 0
This is the first annual report for the North East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humberside IMB, covering Short-Term Holding Facilities (STHFs) from February 2022 to January 2023. While staff conduct and detainee treatment generally received positive feedback, significant concerns arose regarding the unsafe opening and managing large intakes at Swinderby Residential STHF. The Board also highlighted the critical and unresolved issue of Home Office policy preventing detainees in all STHFs from taking prescribed medication, deeming it inhumane and dangerous.
Key concerns identified
  • The unsafe opening of Swinderby RSTHF, including alarm system and healthcare provision issues.
  • The Home Office policy preventing detainees from taking prescribed medication for pre-existing conditions, which is viewed as inhumane, dangerous, and a repeated concern.
  • The unsafe arrival process of a large intake of detainees at Swinderby, exacerbated by vehicle size and missing documentation.
  • The lack of privacy and confidentiality in reception interviews at Swinderby RSTHF, potentially hindering vulnerability identification.
  • Overreliance on police stations for overnight immigration detention due to transport difficulties and lack of suitable residential STHF transfers.
  • Inadequate capacity for shared facilities (dining, IT, games, translation phones) at Swinderby RSTHF when operating at fuller capacity.
2022 IRC Concerns Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre
Published 18 Aug 2023
Self-harm: 150 Assaults: 58 Staff assaults: 22
The IMB annual report for Heathrow Immigration Removal Centre (HIRC) for 2022 highlights persistent issues despite generally safe conditions. Key concerns include the safety implications of processing South Coast Arrivals, the continued detention of individuals with severe mental health issues, and a dilapidated infrastructure leading to major service disruptions and a site evacuation. The report also raises concerns about the quality of food, the inappropriate use of the Care and Separation Unit, and a lack of effective engagement from the Detention Engagement Team.
Key concerns identified
  • The arrival and management of South Coast Arrivals in the Short-Term Holding Facility area severely compromised safety due to overcrowding and truncated health assessments.
  • People who are mentally unfit for detention continue to be assessed and approved by the Home Office Gate Keeper for detention, with failings of the Detention Engagement Team contributing to self-harm incidents.
  • The dilapidated infrastructure frequently experienced loss of services (power, gas, water, communications), culminating in a 42-hour power and water outage and site evacuation.
  • Concerns persist regarding the variety, quantity, and quality of food, impacting detainee wellbeing and Centre safety.
  • The Care and Separation Unit was inappropriately used for removal directions and for detainees refusing to share rooms.
  • The lack of effective Detention Engagement Team (DET) engagement with residents throughout the year led to frustration and incidents of indiscipline.
  • There is significant distrust in the official complaints process, with 85% of Contractor-related complaints being ruled unsubstantiated.
  • Too many detainees are held for unacceptably long periods without a prospect of imminent removal, with the longest stayer held for 1,177 days.
  • Persistent delays in finding suitable bail accommodation, particularly for time-served foreign national offenders (TSFNOs), combined with poor communication about bail status.
2023 PRISON Concerns Leyhill
Published 17 Aug 2023 · 462 prisoners
Self-harm: 5 Assaults: 12 Staff assaults: 1
HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, faces a complex transition with reduced capacity due to construction and a changing demographic towards a younger population. While safety, healthcare uptake, and education attendance are positive, significant concerns persist regarding resettlement delays for IPP prisoners due to a lack of approved premises and inefficiencies in external probation. Alarm systems, staffing levels, and the increasing presence of illicit items also require urgent attention, alongside challenges in food budgeting and healthcare screening for new arrivals.
Key concerns identified
  • Lack of spaces in approved premises leading to incarceration beyond release dates
  • Delays in IPP prisoner resettlement and the inefficiency of external probation services
  • Inability of prisoners to raise an alarm in their rooms and general alarm system functionality issues
  • Staffing challenges, including high new staff numbers, detached duty, and external probation service shortages
  • Changing prison population demographics, with an increase in younger prisoners, OCG members, and illicit items like steroids, syringes, and mobile phones
  • Food budget not keeping pace with inflation, leading to prisoner complaints about portion size
2023 PRISON Concerns Erlestoke
Published 16 Aug 2023 · 467 prisoners
Self-harm: 215 Assaults: 65 Staff assaults: 37
HMP Erlestoke, a Category C training prison, held 467 prisoners with an operational capacity of 468 during the reporting year ending March 2023. The prison experienced a reduction in self-harm incidents to 215 and violent incidents to 102 (65 prisoner-on-prisoner, 37 prisoner-on-staff), with no deaths in custody. Key improvements included enhanced gate security and the introduction of in-cell laptops for prisoners. However, significant challenges persist, notably chronic staff shortages across healthcare, education, and key working, persistent issues with illicit substances, and an inadequate constant watch cell. Delays in essential building works and national issues like parole restrictions for IPP prisoners continue to impede progression and resettlement efforts.
Key concerns identified
  • Parole restrictions for prisoners eligible for open conditions.
  • Lack of hope and solutions for IPP prisoners following the rejection of resentencing.
  • Chronic national shortage of suitable mental health provision for complex and vulnerable prisoners.
  • Inadequate daily food budget for prisoners, despite rising food costs.
  • Lack of a long-term maintenance plan and poor performance by Government Facilities Services Limited (GFSL).
  • Repeated delays in the replacement of residential wings, impacting the Progression Regime.
  • Insufficient healthcare facilities and staff to accommodate the planned increase in operational capacity.
  • Persistent access to illicit substances within the prison.
  • Inadequate and potentially dangerous constant watch cell.
  • Lack of meaningful job opportunities for prisoners.
  • Reduced time out of cell at weekends.
  • Poor first night accommodation.
  • Overly long induction programme.
  • Lack of suitably adapted cells for disabled people.
  • Low healthcare attendance at first ACCT reviews.
  • Poor IT infrastructure in healthcare.
  • Under-resourcing and recruitment difficulties for the mental health team.
2023 PRISON Concerns Rochester
Published 15 Aug 2023 · 696 prisoners
HMP/YOI Rochester maintained a stable and safe environment despite ongoing staff shortages, which impacted the regime for much of the year. While staffing improved by year-end, concerns persist regarding dilapidated buildings, property losses, and the availability of illicit drugs. The Board noted good mental healthcare provision and staff-prisoner relationships but raised significant concerns about the lack of suitable accommodation for released prisoners and the low education attendance rates.
Key concerns identified
  • Lack of suitable accommodation for prisoners on release or HDC, particularly in the South East.
  • Ongoing poor condition of accommodation, with dilapidated Edwardian buildings and failing infrastructure in newer blocks.
  • Persistent problem of property losses during transfers between establishments, and a general lack of care for prisoner property.
  • Haphazard cell clearance checks, especially when prisoners are moved to the Segregation Unit.
  • Significant increase in complaints and applications to the IMB, particularly related to property issues.
  • Ongoing vermin problem at the prison.
  • Persistent availability of illicit drugs, especially NPS, which contributes to debt, bullying, intimidation, and violence.
  • Erratic attendance of healthcare representatives at Good Order and Discipline (GOOD) reviews.
  • Repeated exceeding of the 42-day segregation time limit when a prisoner's status is changed to Category B.
  • GP waiting times of 17 days and occasional late arrivals by GPs.
  • Shortage of Category D (open conditions) places in the South East, causing frustration for prisoners awaiting transfer.
  • General continuing shortage of experienced prison officers and high levels of sickness/absence, impacting regime delivery.
  • Shortage of trainers for vocational training courses like Welding, Plastering, and Carpentry.
  • Low education attendance rates (around 70%) not recovering to pre-Covid levels.
  • A significant number of prisoners being released without accommodation, leading to homelessness and vulnerability.
2023 PRISON Concerns Moorland
Published 11 Aug 2023 · 1,058 prisoners
Self-harm: 337 Assaults: 86 Staff assaults: 28
HMP/YOI Moorland is a Category C public sector resettlement prison for adults and young offenders, also serving as a foreign national hub, with an operational capacity of 1,058. The report highlights generally good accommodation and staff-prisoner relationships, with improvements in healthcare waiting times and education access. However, key concerns persist regarding staffing levels impacting regime and key work, ongoing issues with illicit substances, and significant delays in mental health transfers to specialist units, alongside a lack of prisoner confidence in the complaints system.
Key concerns identified
  • Inconsistencies in the use of body-worn video cameras during use of force incidents remain a concern.
  • There are ongoing issues with illicit substances getting into the prison despite security measures.
  • Prisoners express little confidence in the complaints and discrimination incident reporting form (DIRF) systems, often reporting that forms go astray or receive no response.
  • Concerns persist regarding the limited budget for food, leading to complaints about small portion sizes.
  • The Board remains concerned about undue delays in transfers to specialist psychiatric units, with a statutory time limit of 28 days for transfers not yet in law.
  • Lack of access to rehabilitative programmes, such as Horizon, is causing frustration, particularly for IPP prisoners and those for whom such programmes are specified by the parole board.
  • Lost property, both within the establishment and during transfers, continues to be a significant cause of frustration.
  • The incentives scheme is often perceived by prisoners as punitive rather than motivating.
2022 PRISON Concerns Northumberland
Published 10 Aug 2023 · 1,327 prisoners
Self-harm: 314 Assaults: 151
HMP Northumberland generally provides a safe and humane environment, with improvements in regime and education post-Covid, and promising employment initiatives like The Recruitment Junction. However, significant challenges persist concerning mental health support and transfers, unreliable healthcare provision, and poor resettlement outcomes, especially regarding post-release employment and housing. These issues, particularly mental health and homelessness, remain areas of repeated concern for the Board.
Key concerns identified
  • The availability of mental health support for prisoners and delays in identifying appropriate placements for those with serious mental health conditions remain a concern, highlighted as a repeated issue.
  • A lack of improvement in ensuring housing for men released into homeless situations, which was also a concern in the previous year.
  • The need for more privacy during general interviews at reception to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Too many ACCTs are closed without adequate exploration of the causes of self-harm, and the use of 'listeners' could be improved.
  • Perceived easy availability of drugs within the prison, as reported in a prisoner survey.
  • Unreliable healthcare provision due to staffing and leadership difficulties throughout 2022.
  • Poor rehabilitation and release planning, evidenced by only 12% of prisoners being in employment six weeks after release, against a target of 20%.
2023 PRISON Concerns Berwyn
Published 9 Aug 2023 · 1,823 prisoners
Self-harm: 941 Assaults: 356 Staff assaults: 109
HMP Berwyn faced staffing shortages and a more challenging prisoner cohort, impacting regimes and increasing violence in early 2023, despite overall reductions in self-harm and staff assaults. The Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships, comprehensive resettlement services, and strong education/work provisions. However, significant concerns remain regarding healthcare (medication restrictions, mental health transfers, appointment attendance), estate maintenance, and the need for improved staff training and activity for vulnerable groups.
Key concerns identified
  • Medication access restrictions for English prisoners, particularly for mental health issues, due to local healthcare provider policies.
  • Long waiting times for seriously mentally unwell prisoners to be transferred to secure psychiatric hospitals due to a lack of beds.
  • The impact of out-of-area transfers and a changed prisoner cohort on safety, housing, and an increase in violence.
  • Persistent staffing shortages across operational roles, probation, offender management, and complaints departments.
  • Rising non-attendance rates at medical appointments (DNA/CNA) and increasing concerns about frailty and dementia.
  • Legacy estate issues, including the heating system, peeling plaster in cells, and slow repairs for laundry machines.
  • A high number of adjudications cancelled due to incorrectly completed paperwork.
  • Insufficient programmes for people with learning difficulties and poor attendance at morning education/work sessions.
2023 PRISON Concerns Onley
Published 8 Aug 2023 · 740 prisoners
Self-harm: 223 Assaults: 80 Staff assaults: 67
HMP Onley, a Category C training and resettlement prison, faced significant challenges primarily due to persistent officer staff shortages during the reporting year. These shortages severely impacted the daily regime, key work delivery, access to education and workshops, and overall purposeful activity, leading to prisoners spending prolonged periods in their cells. The Board also raised concerns about illicit substances, food quality, and delays in prisoner property, while commending positive staff-prisoner relationships and efforts in resettlement and employment on release.
Key concerns identified
  • Persistent and widespread staff shortages significantly impacting regime delivery, key work, security operations, and purposeful activity across the prison.
  • Continued prevalence of illicit substances and inconsistent operation of enhanced gate security due to staffing issues.
  • Poor food quality, insufficient portion sizes, and budget constraints affecting the provision of prisoner meals.
  • Significant delays and loss of prisoner property, causing considerable frustration and a high volume of complaints.
  • Limited access to purposeful activity, education, and workshops due to staffing and a part-time regime, resulting in extended periods of time in cells.
  • The ongoing absence of in-cell lockers for prisoners who require in-cell prescription (ICP) medicines.
2023 PRISON Concerns Thorn Cross
Published 4 Aug 2023
Self-harm: 1 Assaults: 2 Staff assaults: 0
HMP/YOI Thorn Cross is a Category D open prison that maintains a very safe environment with extremely low violence levels and effective drug reduction strategies. Relationships between staff and prisoners are generally positive, fostering a rehabilitative culture. While healthcare provision is deemed excellent and rehabilitation efforts are at the heart of the prison's operations, concerns remain regarding low transfer rates for long-sentence prisoners, property transfer issues, and limitations in internet and mobile phone access for prisoners.
Key concerns identified
  • Low transfer rates for lifers and IPP prisoners, denying them rehabilitation opportunities.
  • Ongoing issues with property transfers resulting in missing items and slow resolution.
  • Lack of internet access for prisoners studying at university and limited mobile phone access for remote family visits.
  • Inconsistent use of Body Worn Video Cameras during use of force incidents and concerns regarding cuff usage.
  • Proposed central dining plans are unsuitable and there are poor facilities for prisoners to cook their own meals.
  • Mental health provision is not available in the evenings and at weekends.
  • Disruption to education attendance due to other prison activities.
  • Ineffective Prison Council and insufficient analysis of prison activities by protected characteristics.
2023 PRISON Concerns Maidstone
Published 3 Aug 2023 · 603 prisoners
Self-harm: 86 Assaults: 77
HMP Maidstone, a Category C foreign national prison with a population of 603, is generally safe but faces significant challenges. Persistent delays in the Home Office immigration system cause profound uncertainty and prolonged detention for prisoners, exacerbating mental health issues. The prison struggles with severe staffing shortages across healthcare, education, and regime provision, alongside an acute lack of quality purposeful activity places. Additionally, communication barriers due to inadequate translation of official documents and the dilapidated condition of the Victorian estate remain key concerns.
Key concerns identified
  • Persistent delays and uncertainty caused by the Home Office immigration system, leading to prolonged detention post-sentence, particularly for those eligible for early removal or already re-categorised to Cat D.
  • Insufficient quantity and poor quality of purposeful activity, education, and vocational training opportunities for prisoners, hindering resettlement efforts.
  • Significant communication barriers due to the lack of official Home Office documentation in prisoners' native languages and unsatisfactory interpretation services.
  • Severe staffing shortages and vacancies impacting mental health services (e.g., psychiatrist post), education provision, key worker sessions, and weekend regimes.
  • Mental health issues exacerbated by immigration-related stress, compounded by a shortage of early intervention resources.
  • Increasing prisoner numbers and the conversion of cells to double occupancy, raising concerns about safety and overcrowding.
  • The poor condition and outdated nature of the prison estate, including damp cells, damaged windows, and frequent utility issues, alongside inadequate CCTV coverage.
2023 PRISON Concerns The Mount
Published 2 Aug 2023 · 1,025 prisoners
Self-harm: 45 Assaults: 90 Staff assaults: 77
HMP The Mount faced a challenging year ending February 2023, marked by a severe drug crisis involving Fentanyl-laced Spice, resulting in nine deaths, five of which were drug-related. Persistent staffing shortages led to a restrictive regime, limiting prisoners' access to education, work, and purposeful activity. Key concerns included overcrowding from cell doubling, significant healthcare waiting times exacerbated by escort shortages, and a failure to deliver adequate resettlement and offending behaviour programmes, contributing to an increase in prisoner complaints.
Key concerns identified
  • The prison is in the midst of a crisis caused by the ready availability of a particularly pernicious form of Spice laced with Fentanyl, leading to common Code Blues and five drug-related deaths in custody.
  • Staffing levels are a major concern, particularly as the number of prisoners increases, with continued loss of experienced officers and new recruits having to go straight to the front line.
  • Education programmes have not improved due to lack of investment, with 50% of workshops standing empty due to the lack of instructors or meaningful activities.
  • A major concern is the conversion of single cells to doubles, and the total lack of any form of privacy and storage capacity for personal property, which needs to be monitored.
  • Significant delays and cancellations of hospital appointments have worsened due to a lack of escorts, impacting prisoners' health and wellbeing.
  • It is disappointing that the prison fails to provide Release on Temporary License (ROTL) opportunities despite prisoners waiting for Category D transfer and local company interest.
2023 PRISON Concerns London STHF
Published 1 Aug 2023
Self-harm: 0
This report covers the London Short-Term Holding Facilities at Heathrow and City Airports, and reporting facilities Becket and Eaton House for the reporting year ending January 2023. The Board found that while holding rooms generally provide a safe environment and most inductions were done well, significant concerns persist around excessive lengths of stay, inadequate facilities, and lack of access to internet and medication. Recommendations target the Minister, Home Office, Border Force, Mitie Care & Custody, and Clearsprings to address these issues, many of which are repeated from previous years.
Key concerns identified
  • Long waits for detainees in CWAs and holding rooms, often exceeding 24 hours, partly due to Border Force staffing and Clearsprings accommodation/transport issues.
  • Inadequate provision and maintenance of facilities, including lack of mattresses, frequently out-of-order showers, absence of toilet seats, child-sized benches for adults, and poor temperature control in holding rooms.
  • Persistent lack of internet access in holding rooms, hindering communication and rendering translation devices unusable.
  • Inconsistent and sometimes poor quality of induction, including failure to offer translators, not informing detainees of their right not to disclose certain information, and lack of DCO engagement.
  • Lack of access to personal medication for detainees at London City Airport and Eaton House.
  • Denied access to holding rooms for wheelchair users due to untrained C&C staff.
  • Concerns regarding the transparency and compassionate handling of the complaints process.
  • Children experiencing extended waits in Controlled Waiting Areas (CWA) where facilities are unsuitable, instead of being accommodated in family holding rooms.
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