Prison Overcrowding & Staff Vacancies
Prison overcrowding combined with high staff vacancies severely undermining the ability of prisons to deliver rehabilitation and ensure safety.
Source spread
Where this theme appears
This theme appears across 16 independent accountability sources, so the source mix matters as much as the headline total.
12 inquiry recs
142 PFD reports
116 committee recs
1 HSSIB rec
18 PPO recs
11 NAO recs
1024 IMB recs
289 IMB reports
17 Article 2 learning points
7 detention investigation recs
1 DHR rec
198 LGO/SPSO decisions
34 CJINI reports
Browse by source
Source-grouped records are useful for tracing where a concern came from. Large sections show the 50 strongest matches for that source; counts still show the full theme total.
Inquiry recommendations(12)
3 — Central funding for single-cell accommodation
Recommendation: If the resources currently available to the Prison Service are insufficient to produce a significant decrease in enforced cell-sharing, central government should allocate further funds to the Prison Service to enable more prisoners to be accommodated in cells on their …
Unknown
2 — Review resources towards single cells
Recommendation: The Prison Service should review whether the resources currently available to it might be better deployed towards achieving this goal, without compromising standards in other areas, and should set a date for realising this objective.
Unknown
1 — Eliminating enforced cell-sharing as objective
Recommendation: The elimination of enforced cell-sharing should remain the objective of the Prison Service, and the achievement of this goal should be regarded as a high priority.
Unknown
65 — Mandatory personal officer schemes
Recommendation: It should be mandatory for all establishments to have a personal officer scheme. That includes busy local prisons, although if time for personal officer work is limited, it should be used constructively.
Unknown
39 — Missing cell-sharing risk assessment form on arrival
Recommendation: If prisoners arrive on a wing without a copy of the cell-sharing risk assessment form, they should be placed in a single cell until the form is found or a new one completed.
Unknown
15 — Minimising mixed-status wings
Recommendation: Wings holding convicted and unconvicted prisoners together should be kept to a minimum, and should only be used when there is no operational alternative.
Unknown
10 — Guideline content: common background and interviews
Recommendation: The guidelines should proceed on the assumption that the lack of privacy which cell-sharing entails is more likely to be ameliorated if prisoners with a common ethnic and religious background share cells. But that should only be the starting point …
Unknown
4 — Placing at-risk prisoners with a cellmate
Recommendation: The Prison Service should retain its practice of placing prisoners who are at risk of suicide or self-harm, but who are not so vulnerable as to require being on suicide watch at all times or accommodated in a safer cell, …
Unknown
16 — Review young offenders on adult wings
Recommendation: The Prison Service should review whether the advantages of holding young offenders on the same wing as adult prisoners outweigh the disadvantages, and whether the practice should be extended to other establishments.
Unknown
12 — Guidelines on requests to share with named prisoner
Recommendation: The Prison Service should publish guidelines to assist officers in handling requests by prisoners to share a cell with a particular prisoner. Practical problems should not be treated as an insuperable hurdle preventing an otherwise suitable move of a prisoner …
Unknown
11 — Senior officer decides cell-share allocations
Recommendation: All decisions about who a prisoner should share a cell with should be made, if possible, by a senior officer. If that cannot be done, the decision should be reviewed by a senior officer at an early opportunity. The suitability …
Unknown
R2 — HMP Maghaberry lessons learned
Recommendation: Many of the problems of HMP Maze in 1997 arose from the fact that by then it was the sole prison in Northern Ireland holding the most dangerous terrorist prisoners. We are aware that HMP Maghaberry is currently the sole …
Gov response: There are three recommendations in the panel’s report. They cover the retention of prison records, whether any relevant lessons can be learnt for HMP Maghaberry, and whether a process similar to the Patten reforms of …
Noted
Prevention of Future Deaths reports(142)— showing 50 strongest matches
Luke Ashcroft
Concerns: Concerns were raised about the self-harm risk posed by corded telephones suspended at head height in anti-ligature cells and the potential for limited telephone access in the CSU to hinder prisoners in crisis from contacting support services.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • The establishment has reviewed current telephony arrangements within the Care and Separation Unit (CSU). • Interim risk reduction measures are being implemented, including modifying CSU cell doors to route … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • The establishment undertook a review of current telephony arrangements within the Care and Separation Unit. • Interim risk reduction measures are being implemented, including modifying cell doors to route … (AI summary)
Responded
Ronald Meikle
Concerns: The coroner noted the ready availability of illicit drugs in HMP Woodhill, inconsistent responses to intoxicated prisoners, and fragmented information-sharing across multiple systems. Concerns were also raised about blocked observation panels hindering welfare checks and inadequate management of prisoner vulnerabilities.
Response (Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust): • The Trust has implemented improvements across clinical practice and governance, embedding learning from the case. • Specific measures include revised handover documentation, a new policy for managing intoxication, increased … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison Probation service): • HM Inspectorate of Prisons stated it would keep the coroner's findings on file for HMP Woodhill. • Inspectors will be made aware of this information for their next inspection … (AI summary)
Overdue
Thomas Ruggiero
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns about high levels of inexperienced prison officers across the wider prison estate, noting that insufficient numbers of experienced staff contribute to safety issues and insufficient communication within prisons.
Overdue
Thomas Ruggiero
Concerns: The coroner identified that the emergency cell bell system can be silenced by other prisoners, potentially delaying staff response to distress. Concerns were also raised about incomplete ACCT documentation due to some staff not valuing its completion, and persistent confusion among prison staff regarding 'Code Blue' emergency procedures.
Response (HM Prison Probation Service): • HMP Swaleside reissued local instructions for emergency cell bell responses and the 'Code Blue' emergency call process, introducing a quality assurance process and practical simulations. • The prison is … (AI summary)
Responded
Reggie John
Concerns: Concerns included insufficient communication between prisons regarding the prisoner's constant watch status, a lack of robust multi-disciplinary ACCT review processes, and instances where the Prison Service Order 2700 policy was not followed, impacting healthcare documentation.
Response (Worcestershire Health Care NHS): • The Trust stated it would ensure appropriate information is communicated to receiving prisons upon prisoner transfer. • The Trust confirmed that expectations for nurses reviewing and documenting Assessment, Care … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • HMP Bristol implemented a system for its safer custody team to contact receiving establishments and escort contractors regarding prisoners on open ACCTs, with these communications recorded on Prison-NOMIS. • … (AI summary)
Overdue
Damion Anthony Andre Martin
Concerns: Concerns were raised regarding the prison's initial risk assessment missing a known suicidal risk factor, the lack of refresher training in basic life support for officers, and a restricted cell observation window. An officer also reportedly did not visit the cell during a roll check.
Overdue
Billy Paul Thomas Salton
Concerns: The coroner identified delays in custody progression due to unstaffed overnight processing units, a lack of understanding among staff regarding observation levels, and inadequate record-keeping and handovers between shifts, along with issues in monitoring CCTV cells.
Response (Medacs): • Medacs confirmed that new healthcare staff are now required to sign to acknowledge awareness of policy and procedure locations. • A new procedure, 'Pre and post clinical assessment guidelines … (AI summary)
Response (Greater Manchester Police): • An ongoing review of divisional policing, 'Transforming Divisional Policing', has been asked to identify ways to process detainees more efficiently. • The review aims to reduce the periods of … (AI summary)
Overdue
Kirk Duboise
Concerns: The coroner noted a delay in summoning an ambulance and that relevant forms were not seen by staff assessing the risk of self-harm for a new prisoner.
Response (Care UK): • Care UK introduced and disseminated a colour code system for summoning ambulances and issued a Governor's notice to staff. • Training on ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork) … (AI summary)
Overdue
Lee Curran
Concerns: PPO recommendations for high cholesterol and NICE-compliant investigations for loss of consciousness were not fully implemented. The coroner also noted inaccurate medical record entries by prison staff and doctors' lack of awareness regarding NICE guidelines for transient loss of consciousness.
Overdue
Lee MacPherson
Concerns: The coroner noted issues with the timely completion and transfer of police risk assessments, alongside a lack of shared understanding between SERCO and prison staff regarding accompanying documentation. Handover details on the Prisoner Escort Record (PER) were also not completed by prison staff.
Overdue
Christopher Shapley
Concerns: The Person Escort Record form lacked a section for prior hospital treatment and had issues with securely attaching warning documents, hindering information transfer to the prison. Furthermore, prison staff did not always review all available risk information, and efforts to find a suitable cellmate were insufficient.
Overdue
David O’Garro
Overdue
Adam Williams
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns regarding the need for improved communication training for nursing staff during emergencies and questioned whether dynamic assessments adequately consider the need for prisoner restraint. Additionally, the coroner noted the potential benefit of additional CCTV in common prison areas.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • Healthcare staff will ensure two members of staff attend all health emergencies called over the radio. • Duty Managers have received advice and guidance on emergency escorts since the … (AI summary)
Responded
Sean Brock
Concerns: A reduction in the number of prison officers at HMP Woodhill by one third may compromise prisoner safety and put lives at risk, according to evidence provided by a Governor.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • The identified total staffing forecast for HMP Woodhill includes an agreed complement of officers considered necessary to provide safe, decent, and secure conditions. • HMP Woodhill is addressing current … (AI summary)
Responded
Stephen Farrar
Concerns: The coroner noted the absence of a formal self-harm or suicide risk assessment for Mr. Farrar upon his admission to Woodhill Prison, despite clear risk factors, and the general lack of such assessment tools in prisons.
Overdue
Yohannes Kidane
Concerns: Concerns were noted regarding inadequate night staffing on healthcare wards, which compromises the ability to conduct effective ACCT observations and affects staff welfare due to staff not taking breaks.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • HM Prison and Probation Service reviewed night staffing levels at HMP Birmingham and concluded they were acceptable. • A Prison Custody Officer is deployed to patrol the healthcare centre … (AI summary)
Response (Birmingham Solihull NHS): • Birmingham Community Healthcare Trust reviewed its skill mix for Ward 1, which will result in the conversion of funding for unqualified staff into qualified nurses, with recruitment for an … (AI summary)
Responded
Satheeskumar Mahatheaven
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • HMP Pentonville and HMP Thameside have implemented local policies and new procedures to improve information sharing between prison staff, healthcare providers, and external agencies. • Staff at both prisons … (AI summary)
Responded
Connor Smith
Concerns: Concerns were raised about the quality of the PPO's investigation, specifically regarding inaccurate attendance records at a segregation review hearing. Such errors could impede the learning of lessons from similar cases.
Response (Prisons Probation Ombudsman): • The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) acknowledged an apparent minor factual inaccuracy in its report. • The PPO stated that it did not believe further specific action could be … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • A notice was issued to senior managers who chair Segregation Review Boards. • The notice advised that documentation for meetings must not have names entered in advance and that … (AI summary)
Overdue
John Stabler
Concerns: The coroner noted a need to review and redesign the Prisoner Escort Record. Concerns were also raised about the availability of Wing System medical records in reception areas at HMP North Sea Camp and HMP Lincoln.
Overdue
Jason Lawson
Concerns: Welfare checks failed to ascertain the prisoner had died. There is no computer system to track non-attendance for prescriptions or lapsed prescriptions, and no policy for 24-hour medical observation in prisons without constant supervision.
Overdue
James Colton
Concerns: The coroner noted inadequate diagnosis and treatment of Mr Colton's developing cancer at the prison, insufficient provision of pain medication, and a lack of continuity of care and communication among healthcare staff, exacerbated by GP workload.
Response (Worcestershire Health Care NHS): • Staff study sessions were held to discuss learning from the case. • Every inpatient now has a named nurse, and two nurses are assigned to each wing to improve … (AI summary)
Overdue
Darren Wright
Concerns: The staff nurse did not know the location for a Code Blue emergency, and prison officers who responded lacked recent CPR training due to resource limitations which created gaps in trained personnel.
Response (Serco): • Serco stated it no longer provides services to HMP Norwich and therefore has no power to implement the recommendations at that location. • Serco stated it would use the … (AI summary)
Response (Virgin Care Services Limited): • The induction process for new and agency staff has been reviewed and revised to include shadowing time, with a checklist template to be introduced by 31 March 2015 and … (AI summary)
Response (Ministry of Justice): • The Ministry of Justice stated that HMP Norwich operates within existing first aid regulations, with a risk assessment in place and appropriate staff trained. • It confirmed that a … (AI summary)
Responded
Blaise Farry
Concerns: The coroner noted insufficient staffing levels at HMP Wormwood Scrubs prevented the implementation of a nominated Officer scheme, despite previous recommendations from the Prisons Ombudsman.
Overdue
David Hallett
Concerns: The coroner raised concerns regarding inadequate resourcing and lack of preparation within HMP Rye Hill's healthcare department following its re-roll, leading to substandard care. Similar issues could arise in future national re-rolls of prisons.
Overdue
Douglas Birch
Concerns: Prison officers were either unaware of or did not follow the requirement to elicit a response from prisoners when unlocking cells, and they were also not consistently receiving or reading Prison Service Orders.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • A notice to staff was issued at HMP Swaleside on 10 August 2015, setting out local procedures for mandatory welfare checks and requiring staff and supervising officers to sign … (AI summary)
Responded
Samuel Gale
Concerns: The coroner noted an ACCT was closed without consultation with healthcare, chaplaincy, or management. Concerns were also raised about whether only the person primarily responsible for a prisoner's ACCT should be authorised to close it.
Response (Serco): • Policy changes have been made to ensure only manager grade staff can close an ACCT, and ACCTs cannot be closed without a review by at least two people and … (AI summary)
Response (NHS England): • NHS England stated it is reviewing templates for the new Health & Justice Information System, including those for first night screening and risk assessment. • Deployment of the new … (AI summary)
Responded
Carl Foot
Overdue
Dean Boland
Concerns: The coroner identified insufficient staff awareness and multi-disciplinary coordination regarding drug issues within the prison. Additional concerns included inadequate medication administration checks, limited cell searches, lack of overnight prisoner monitoring, and insufficient measures to prevent drugs entering the facility.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • Training on supervising opiate substitution medication was completed for detox unit staff, with awareness training scheduled for completion by January 2016. • Mandatory attendance for B Wing prison officers … (AI summary)
Overdue
Derek Thomas
Concerns: The coroner noted that procedures for identifying suicidal intent failed under demanding conditions due to insufficient support for inexperienced staff. There was also a lack of clarity and communication between GEOAmey and prison reception staff regarding the handover of critical SASH forms.
Response (HMP Durham): • Nursing staff have been instructed to read and review all documents provided for patients during reception screening. • Staff have been reminded at meetings and briefings about the importance … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • HMP Durham's Head of Operations instructed reception staff to physically check and cross-reference all documentation, obtain signatures, and verbally hand over self-harm warnings and court return information. • A … (AI summary)
Response (Care UK): • Care UK stated it ceased to be the healthcare provider at HMP Durham on 31st March 2015. • Care UK indicated it would forward the coroner's concerns to heads … (AI summary)
Response (GEOAMEY): • Refresher training for escort and court officers on completing the Prisoner Escort Record (PER) is 90.91% complete, with remaining officers scheduled to complete it. • The organisation is undertaking … (AI summary)
Overdue
Ronnie Olliffe
Concerns: Concerns were raised regarding the failure to issue a Code Blue in accordance with policy, a lack of understanding of its implications for summoning an ambulance, and not considering or using an available defibrillator when appropriate.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • All night staff received and signed to confirm understanding of the Medical Emergency Response Codes policy. • A Notice to Staff was issued and staff were briefed on emergency … (AI summary)
Responded
Sheldon Woodford
Concerns: The coroner identified that the SASH document is not consistently identifiable to all relevant staff during the reception process, and noted insufficient training for officers in ACCT processes.
Overdue
Samuel Blair
Concerns: The coroner highlighted a lack of comprehensive mental health assessment and proper record-keeping regarding Mr Blair's medication upon prison reception. Also noted were delays in emergency response, including communication of ambulance gate location and difficulties in accessing resuscitation equipment.
Response (London Ambulance Service NHS Trust): • The London Ambulance Service (LAS) updated its Computerised Gazetteer to record multiple vehicular entrances for HMP Pentonville and requested prison staff to specify the entrance during 999 calls. • … (AI summary)
Response (Care Uk): • Care UK stated it would collaborate with Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust (BEH-MHT) to implement their action plan and ensure all healthcare staff are aware of it. … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • HM Prison and Probation Service issued Prison Service Instruction 29/2015, which requires establishments to conduct First Aid risk assessments. HMP Pentonville confirmed its local risk assessment is up to … (AI summary)
Overdue
Kevin Dermott
Concerns: The report highlights inadequate mental health care, incomplete care planning, and significant communication deficits during multiple prison transfers, which led to a failure to recognise a relapse in the deceased's condition and properly observe ACCT procedures.
Response (NHS England): • NHS England developed national service specifications for mental health services in prisons in December 2013, outlining an integrated stepped care model. • The Health & Justice Indicators of Performance … (AI summary)
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • Management checks on the Assessment; Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) process are being increased, including daily checks by Offender Supervisors and weekly checks by Custodial Managers. • A … (AI summary)
Response (Department of Health): • The Department of Health ensured that colleagues at the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) received a copy of the report and requested a direct response. • The Government announced … (AI summary)
Responded
Liam Lambert
Concerns: The ACCT document process was incomplete, with information not fully used and appropriate individuals not always invited to reviews. Additionally, resourcing pressures were noted to affect officers' ability to ensure prisoner safety from self-harm.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • A Safer Custody toolkit was introduced in August 2016, and staff received reminders and new templates for ACCT document completion and review procedures. • Management checks are regularly undertaken … (AI summary)
Overdue
Haydn Burton
Concerns: Prison staff at Winchester Prison were not implementing ACCT plans in line with national policy, including inadequate observations. There were also unclear confidentiality rules for Prison Listeners regarding suicide threats and limitations in the NOMIS database for recording closed ACCT plans.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • HMP Winchester committed to ensuring all operational staff are trained in ACCT procedures, with refresher training scheduled monthly, and a plan developed for ACCT case managers and assessors. • … (AI summary)
Overdue
Michelle Barnes
Concerns: Concerns were raised that an ACCT was not opened for an individual given distressing news, despite her being very upset. Instead, a vague instruction to "offer support" was given, with no clear plan or documentation on what support should be provided.
Overdue
Tedros Kahssay
Response (Care UK): • Care UK implemented changes to reception screening templates, including mandatory questions for reviewing Person Escort Records and obtaining consent for general practitioner records. • The prescriptive scoring system for … (AI summary)
Overdue
Andrew Machin
Concerns: The coroner noted limited support for Mr Machin during a lengthy disciplinary investigation and suspension. There was no internal investigation into his dismissal process, despite its proximity to his death.
Overdue
Mark Lilliott
Concerns: The coroner noted a delay in prison officers accessing a radio to call for emergency assistance, due to officers leaving the cell and difficulty communicating across noisy prison levels. Although this did not affect the outcome in this specific case, such delays could be critical in future emergencies.
Overdue
Calam Atour
Concerns: The coroner raises concerns that future staffing reductions at HMP Erlestoke, exacerbated by benchmarking that does not account for prisoner types, could create an unsafe working environment for officers and compromise the safeguarding of prisoners.
Overdue
Wayne Cornlouer
Concerns: The coroner noted that Night Orders now include a medical emergency coding system (code red/code blue) but raised concerns about whether all staff are aware of this change.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • The Notice to Staff regarding emergency codes and ambulance requests was re-issued on 28 September 2016, and the local emergency code protocol was distributed and displayed. • Existing staff … (AI summary)
Responded
Roy Hoey
Concerns: The coroner noted ambiguity in the interpretation of national and local safer custody guidance regarding the conditions and process for initiating an ACCT plan when a prisoner is identified as being at risk of suicide or self-harm.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) stated it would revise PSI 64/2011 by the end of April 2017. • The revision aims to resolve potential confusion among staff regarding … (AI summary)
Responded
Arthur Morley
Concerns: The coroner noted an apparent lack of a specific audit of possible ligature points on the wings since December 2015.
Overdue
Vilhelmas Borkertas
Overdue
Edwin O’Donnell
Concerns: The coroner identified that the nurse undertaking initial health screening lacked access to pertinent prisoner documentation, including the Prisoner Escort Report and digital medical records. Concerns were also raised about the recording of such documentation and the sufficiency of ACCT training for probation staff.
Response (HM Prison Probation Service): • The Senior Officer in reception now provides a copy of the Person Escort Record (PER) to healthcare staff. • Revised procedures will be implemented to ensure second health screenings … (AI summary)
Responded
Stephen Shaylor
Concerns: The prison's stabilisation wing had insufficient capacity for inmates needing detox and night welfare checks. The method of conducting night welfare checks through a cell door hatch was considered inadequate for ascertaining if a prisoner was breathing or alive.
Response (Care UK): • Care UK stated that Health Care Assistants conduct night welfare checks, with a nurse available for assistance and an ISMS nurse reviewing checks the following day. • Care UK … (AI summary)
Overdue
Robert Richards
Concerns: The coroner identified inadequate management of bullying and vulnerable prisoners at HMP Wandsworth, due to staffing, communication, and cell allocation. Deficiencies also included resuscitation training, medical supply restocking, and communication between healthcare and prison.
Overdue
John Chapman
Concerns: The coroner noted a lack of formal procedure for prison reception staff to routinely share self-harm and welfare alerts from the CNomis system with nurses during a prisoner's reception medical screen. This could mean significant alerts are not seen by healthcare staff.
Response: • A meeting between the prison and healthcare took place to discuss improving information sharing during the reception process. • It was agreed that PER forms will be routinely passed … (AI summary)
Responded
John O’Meara
Concerns: The coroner identified two concerns: delays in emergency service calls due to prison officers not strictly following the Code Blue/Red system, and an insufficient number of passive dogs to control Novel Psychoactive Substances in prisons.
Response (HM Prison and Probation Service): • The member of staff referenced in the concern is no longer employed at the prison. • The Governor will keep the situation under review to identify further steps to … (AI summary)
Responded
Emily Hartley
Concerns: The coroner identified that prison is not an appropriate environment for individuals with significant mental health problems. There is a noted lack of secure, therapeutic facilities focused on treatment, particularly within the female prison estate, a concern first raised a decade prior.
Response (HM Prisons and Probation Service): • The Government is developing a strategy to improve outcomes for women in the community and in custody, building on the principles set out in Baroness Corston's report. • HMPPS … (AI summary)
Overdue
Select committee recommendations(116)— showing 50 strongest matches
#51 —
Recommendation: The Probation Institute added another potential cause, arguing that âthe decline in use of community penalties can be partially explained by âprisoncentricityâ as a dominant theme in political discourseâ, defining âprisoncentricityâ as âthe dominance of thinking that imprisonment is the …
Response attribution not verified
#2 —
Recommendation: While we were conducting our inquiry, prisons reached their operational capacity. The Government is building new prisons, originally driven by the need to replace old prisons whose condition is extremely poor and which incur considerable running costs. The focus now …
Gov response: 8. As the Lord Chancellor highlighted in his oral statement to Parliament in October 2023, (The Government’s approach to criminal justice 2) the prison population in England & Wales has been under acute pressure due …
Position Not Stated
#15 —
Recommendation: For prisons to be safe settings conducive to rehabilitation—where prisoners can spend time out of their cells, build relationships with staff, and take part in purposeful activity—there must be enough staff with the right experience to operate effectively. This requires …
Response status not verified
#13 —
Recommendation: The prison capacity crisis in England and Wales reflects a trend of inflating sentences and insufficient investment in the prison estate by successive governments. While population pressures are facing both England and Wales, we are concerned by reports of particular …
Response status not verified
#5 —
Recommendation: We recognise that the justice system in Wales has been under immense strain in recent years—peaking in the summer of 2024 when demand for prison places came concerningly close to exceeding supply—and agree with Minister Timpson that it is best …
Response status not verified
#6 —
Recommendation: Staff shortages and increased workloads within the probation service preceded the Covid-19 outbreak. Whilst the Committee recognise that Covid-19 means that some areas of work have stopped, it is clear that staff workloads are still extremely high, and staff morale …
Response attribution not verified
#21 —
Recommendation: An ageing prison population creates specific pressures on the prison system. Currently, the response to these and the treatment of older prisoners is highly inconsistent across the prison estate. Though the Model for Operational Delivery: Older Prisoners contains useful operational …
Response attribution not verified
#2 —
Recommendation: At the very least, older prisoners will remain a significant proportion of the prison population. It is likely that the size of the cohort will rise further after increases in police numbers and changes to sentencing come into effect. It …
Response attribution not verified
#14 —
Recommendation: We recommend, however, that the Government investigate the reasons behind the relatively high level of remand into custody and explain the reasons behind that, particularly given the pressures on the custodial estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
Response attribution not verified
#13 —
Recommendation: We welcome the sourcing and installation of temporary units to increase headroom across the prison estate. We welcome the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Summer Statement on 8 July that £60m is being made available to …
Response attribution not verified
#12 —
Recommendation: It is not clear what impact increased court activity will have on the prison population, and how MoJ and HMPPS intend to manage any potential influx as a result of increased court activity. The Committee are pleased to note that …
Gov response: On 26 November, the department published updated prison population projections as National Statistics for 2020 to 2026. As the recently published prison population projections show, despite the decrease in recent months due to the COVID-19 …
Position Not Stated
#2 —
Recommendation: The Committee recognise the necessity of the measures introduced to minimise the spread of the virus and save lives and commend staff and prisoners for adapting to these changes. However, we do not believe that the current regime is sustainable …
Gov response: Our National Framework, which sets out in detail how we will take decisions about easing coronavirus-related restrictions in prisons, was published in June. This roadmap for easing restrictions in prisons has been guided by public …
Position Not Stated
#31 —
Recommendation: The Ministry and HMPPS told us that the fall in cases coming through from the courts, and the subsequent lower demand for prison places, had given it the headroom it needed to manage the prison estate during the pandemic. They …
Response attribution not verified
#28 —
Recommendation: As part of our inquiry, we received written evidence from the Prison Reform Trust, Professor Nicola Padfield the University of Cambridge, and from Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe at the Institute of Criminology at the University of Cambridge. They told us that …
Response attribution not verified
#25 —
Recommendation: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, HMPPS expected demand for prison places to rise because of the government’s August 2019 announcement to recruit an additional 20,000 police officers. The NAO reported that HMPPS could need new prisons to be ready from late …
Response attribution not verified
#24 —
Recommendation: We asked HMPPS how it was managing crowding in prisons given the extent of the issue. HMPPS told us that its reconfiguration programme across the prison estate would help ensure that people were in the right environment for their sentence, …
Response attribution not verified
#23 —
Recommendation: Rising demand for prison places, places being taken out of use and delays in building new prisons have put significant pressure on the capacity of the prison estate. At December 2019, the prison population had reached 98% of the usable …
Response attribution not verified
#11 —
Recommendation: We asked HMPPS why it tolerated such unacceptable levels of prisoner assaults on staff and what it was doing to reduce levels of assaults on staff and self-inflicted deaths. HMPPS asserted that it was very concerned by the number of …
Response attribution not verified
#8 —
Recommendation: Poor conditions and crowding within the prison estate are in large part the result of historical under-investment in maintenance. HMPPS regularly has to take prison cells out of permanent use because of the state of disrepair. Between 2009–10 and 2019–20, …
Response attribution not verified
#7 —
Recommendation: Deteriorating conditions within the prison estate have been a concern for many years. HM Inspectorate of Prisons (the Inspectorate) has consistently reported that many prisoners endure unsafe, poor and overcrowded living conditions. Between 2015–16 and 2019–20, the Inspectorate rated more …
Response attribution not verified
#4 —
Recommendation: We are not convinced that the Ministry’s plans to create more capacity will allow it to match the expected increase in the prison population whilst keeping prisoners safe under its care. Rising demand for prison places, places being taken out …
Response attribution not verified
#12 —
Recommendation: In July 2021, the Department estimated that its court recovery plan and the increase in police officers would result in a shortfall of 4,000 prison places by the end of 2023, over and above the 18,000 additional prison places that …
Response attribution not verified
#17 — Backlog directly correlates with remand population, increasing prison pressures and leading to 'time served' releases.
Recommendation: MoJ told us that there is a direct correlation between the number of cases in the backlog and the size of the remand population awaiting trial, and that this is adding to prison capacity pressures and making it harder to …
Response attribution not verified
#15 — Remand population has surged to a 50-year high, with many exceeding custody time limits.
Recommendation: The remand population has grown sharply in recent years. The number of people on remand in September 2024 was 17,600, 20% of the prison population, the highest level in 50 years, up from 9,602 (11% of the prison population) in …
Response attribution not verified
#4 — Urgently reduce remand numbers to 2019 levels and publish granular remand population data.
Recommendation: The remand population is at its highest number for 50 years, and the length of time some defendants on remand wait for their cases to be heard is disrupting their lives and their families’ lives, and adding to prison overcrowding. …
Response attribution not verified
#27 — Prison capacity crisis significantly strains probation services, exacerbating staffing shortages and rising demand
Recommendation: MoJ and HMPPS told us that the impact of the prison capacity crisis on probation is “significant” and “rising” with pressures likely to increase further if Ministers make decisions to decrease the prison population.88 In September 2024, HMPPS had 5,413 …
Response attribution not verified
#26 — MoJ projects continued prison crowding, impacting resettlement activity and rehabilitation outcomes
Recommendation: According to MoJ’s most recent estimate, reoffending in England and Wales costs society approximately £18 billion a year (2017–2018 prices).84 Given MoJ’s and HMPPS’s acknowledgement that crowding impacts prison regimes and can reduce access to purposeful activity and harm rehabilitation, …
Response attribution not verified
#25 — Operating prisons at full capacity negatively impacts regimes, prisoners, and victims of crime
Recommendation: We asked MoJ what it had done to understand the impact of the crisis on prisoners and prisoner outcomes.82 MoJ said that the fact it had managed to continue running such a full estate was a testament to the huge …
Response attribution not verified
#24 — Overcrowding negatively impacts prison education and pre-release services, hindering reintegration efforts
Recommendation: We also received evidence on how the crisis has impacted education and pre–release services. For example, the Prisoners’ Education Trust told us that overcrowding means education departments in prisons are unlikely to have the capacity needed, and prisoners are more …
Response attribution not verified
#23 — Crowding and capacity pressures severely impact prisoner health and drug treatment in prisons
Recommendation: Several stakeholders provided written evidence on how crowding and capacity pressures are impacting health and drug treatment in prisons.78 For example, HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) noted that the strain at some reception prisons are under means that prisoners do …
Response attribution not verified
#22 — HMPPS maintains safety 'red lines' during overcrowding, acknowledging continued challenges
Recommendation: We asked HMPPS what it was doing to keep prisoners safe in the context of prisons being so overcrowded.75 It explained that it had introduced three “red lines” which it had stuck to rigidly. These included: keeping at least 1,500 …
Response attribution not verified
#21 — Severe overcrowding in adult male prisons increases violence and reduces prisoner wellbeing
Recommendation: The adult male estate was operating at 98.0% to 99.7% occupancy between October 2022 and August 2024, with many prisons severely overcrowded.71 HMPPS confirmed that around a quarter (23.6%) of prisoners are sharing cells designed for one person, often with …
Response attribution not verified
#20 — Ninety-nine percent prison occupancy creates significant inefficiencies across the justice system
Recommendation: HMPPS told us that operating at 99% occupancy creates inefficiencies in the estate and wider justice system. For example, it explained that prisoners often arrive in the wrong part of the estate or wrong part of the country. This means …
Response attribution not verified
#14 — Ministry of Justice relies on independent sentencing review to manage future prison capacity
Recommendation: MoJ confirmed that it is relying on the Government’s response to the sentencing review to help it manage the expected gap between capacity and demand.46 Given its forecasts suggest it could run out of places again in early 2026, we …
Response attribution not verified
#13 — Ministry of Justice projects significant prison capacity shortfall by early 2026
Recommendation: According to its December 2024 statement on prison capacity, in its central forecast MoJ will run out of capacity again by early 2026 and will be 5,400 places short by November 2027.40 This is lower than the 12,400 places shortfall …
Response attribution not verified
#6 — Submit plan to improve rehabilitation, increase probation capacity, and reduce reoffending rates.
Recommendation: MoJ’s and HMPPS’s main focus has been on managing the capacity crisis rather than rehabilitating offenders to reduce reoffending. In 2020, the previous Public Accounts Committee reported that HMPPS was operating hand to mouth by reacting to immediate crises. This …
Response attribution not verified
#5 — Set out evaluation of prison capacity pressures on safety, violence, and access to services.
Recommendation: The prison capacity crisis risks undermining the safety and security of prisons and reduces HMPPS’s ability to rehabilitate offenders. Due to MoJ’s and HMPPS’s failure to deliver additional prison capacity, the adult male prison estate was operating at 98.0% to …
Response attribution not verified
#4 — Set out methodology to estimate Criminal Justice System costs due to prison capacity pressures.
Recommendation: The prison capacity crisis has led to decisions and inefficiencies which represent poor value for money. Maintaining and making best use of the existing prison estate represents better value than building new places. However, capacity constraints mean that MoJ and …
Response attribution not verified
#3 — Produce business case to rapidly address prison estate maintenance backlog and re-tender contracts.
Recommendation: Despite releasing thousands of prisoners early, MoJ forecasts it will run out of capacity again in early 2026. According to its central prison population forecast, MoJ will run out of places again in 2026, and be short of 5,400 prison …
Response attribution not verified
#21 — HMPPS aims to close 3,150 probation staff shortfall through 25% capacity freeing measures.
Recommendation: In July 2025, HMPPS estimated that there would be a shortfall of 3,150 full- time equivalent probation staff in 2026–27, out of approximately 15,000 full-time equivalent sentence management staff required, even after its recruitment and prioritisation measures.44 Through its OFPS …
Response attribution not verified
#19 — Our Future Probation Service' programme faces concerns about further disruption and staff pressure.
Recommendation: Crest Advisory and the Rehabilitating Probation Project Team also highlighted concerns that the programme will cause further disruption to the service, exacerbating pressures on already over-stretched staff.39 HMPPS told us that it was conscious that the service had been through …
Response attribution not verified
#17 — Our Future Probation Service' programme aims to address staff shortfalls with a high-risk approach.
Recommendation: MoJ told us that HMPPS’s ‘Our Future Probation Service’ programme is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address the root causes of the problems faced by the Probation Service, including shortfalls in staff.33 The programme will introduce new digital tools - over …
Response attribution not verified
#16 — Probation Service faces persistent high staff turnover and sickness rates due to mental ill health.
Recommendation: MoJ and HMPPS stated that they were focussing on improving staff retention as well as recruiting more staff. In the year ending March 2025, the leaving rate for probation staff was 9.3%, up from 6.2% in 2021, and sickness rate …
Response attribution not verified
#15 — Probation staff face immense pressure from constant policy changes and high workloads.
Recommendation: In addition to high caseloads, staff have also had to deal with a high level of change. In 2023–24, HMPPS estimated there were around 100 new national proposals to change probation processes—84% of which were business- as-usual changes, such as …
Response attribution not verified
#14 — Persistent staff shortages create unsustainable workloads for probation officers across all regions.
Recommendation: Persistent staff shortages mean that probation staff have been working at a level that is unsustainable for years.26 At March 2025, there were 5,636 full-time equivalent probation officers in post, 79% of HMPPS’s target staffing level - a shortfall of …
Response attribution not verified
#9 — Probation officer workloads remain excessively high despite prioritisation measures and new programmes.
Recommendation: HMPPS first introduced a prioritisation framework to help reduce staff workloads in 2022. But workloads remained high, in particular for probation officers, who were working at around 118% capacity on average, with highs of 126% in some regions including London …
Response attribution not verified
#8 — Workforce shortages and high staff turnover remain key reasons for poor Probation Service performance.
Recommendation: We pressed MoJ on why performance had worsened over the last few years. MoJ explained that workforce shortages, which it inherited upon unification, exacerbated by high staff turnover, were the main reason for poor performance.10 Written evidence from the Rehabilitating …
Response attribution not verified
#5 — Set out plans to manage staffing shortfalls, staff training, and workload reduction contingencies.
Recommendation: We are not satisfied that HMPPS’s new programme will free up sufficient capacity to improve performance. HMPPS aims to close the current shortfall of 3,150 probation staff by March 2027, by freeing up operational capacity by 25% through its ‘Our …
Response attribution not verified
#3 — Set out when staff workloads will reduce and how to manage future changes.
Recommendation: Longstanding staff shortages have left probation staff dealing with excessive and unmanageable workloads. At March 2025, there were 5,636 full-time equivalent probation officers in post, 79% of target staffing. According to HMPPS’s data, probation officers have been working on average …
Response attribution not verified
#169 — High prison population and overcrowding exacerbate drug demand by limiting purposeful activity and support.
Recommendation: The high prison population and overcrowding lead to a lack of purposeful activity and poor mental health support which exacerbate the existing drivers of drug demand. Efforts to reduce demand are therefore made more challenging and complex. This undermines any …
Response attribution not verified
NCEPOD recommendations(1)
PPO death in custody recommendations(18)
Governors of prisons with MCBS units
Governors should ensure that association and exercise groups in MCBS units are regularly risk assessed.
Governors of prisons with MCBS units
Governors should ensure that managers and staff in MCBS units: are aware that certain personality traits and behaviours may make individual prisoners more vulnerable to assault; are aware of potential conflicts between individuals; and record, monitor and manage such issues …
The Governor
The Governor should review the numbers of night orderly staff and consider stationing one or more assist night orderlies at the further end of the prison to minimise delays in entering cells at night.
The Director General of Prisons
The Director General of Prisons should urgently consider what additional support can be put in place to address staffing shortages at The Mount and consider, as a matter of urgency, how it can reasonably be expected to deliver an effective …
Regional Probation Director
We draw the Regional Probation Director’s attention to this issue to ensure that the service provision is adequately resourced.
The Director of HMP Lowdham Grange
The Director might wish to consider how key-workers structure meetings with prisoners to focus on specific areas of concern.
The Governor and Head of Healthcare at HMP Woodhill
The Governor and Head of Healthcare at Woodhill must ensure that urgent healthcare appointments are not delayed.
Governors of prisons with MCBS units
Governors should ensure that: there is an effective security and searching strategy in place in MCBS units, which reflects the specific risks of the prisoners housed there; prisoners and cells are searched thoroughly and in line with the local policy; …
Governors of prisons with MCBS units
Governors should ensure that safe and appropriate practices are always followed in the supply of razors to prisoners in MCBS units.
The Governor of HMP The Mount
The Governor should ensure that the key worker scheme provides meaningful and ongoing support to all prisoners in line with national policy.
The Governor
all prisoners receive regular wellbeing checks during the restricted pandemic regime, in line with the Exceptional Delivery Model and that these are recorded on NOMIS;
The Director of HMP Fosse Way
The Director should review whether: • Vulnerable prisoners feel safe enough to leave the wing to attend activities. • Staff have the confidence to challenge poor behaviour including bullying.
The Governor of HMP Berwyn
The Governor should ensure that: prisoners are not placed in cells that do not meet the minimum requirements, in accordance with PSI 17/2012.
The Director General of Prisons and MoJ People Group
The Director General of Prisons and MoJ People Group should consider what additional support can be put in place to address staffing shortages at Humber and consider how it can reasonably deliver a meaningful regime and deliver key work in …
The Governor at HMP Leyhill
The Governor at HMP Leyhill should ensure that if they return prisoners to closed conditions, they must provide a move-on plan and make determined, documented efforts to return the prisoner to the sending prison.
The Governor
The Governor should ensure that incidents of violence, bullying or intimidation are taken seriously, investigated, and dealt with in line with local and national policies, and victims are supported and protected.
The Governor
The Governor will wish to consider this.
HMPPS
ECSL is no longer in place, but HMPPS will also want to be aware of the issues raised by Mr Cosgrove’s death.
NAO audit recommendations(11)
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should improve its case for bolstering the resilience of the estate by evaluating: the costs involved with dealing with a capacity crisis, both in terms of resources and prisoner outcomes.
Partially accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
As part of the government?s mission-driven approach to tackling crime, MoJ, the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, the Home Office and other government bodies should work together to review the coherence of the government?s policy objectives and the size of, and …
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
As part of the government?s mission-driven approach to tackling crime, MoJ, the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, the Home Office and other government bodies should work together to review the coherence of the government?s policy objectives and the size of, and …
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
As part of the government?s mission-driven approach to tackling crime, MoJ, the Cabinet Office, HM Treasury, the Home Office and other government bodies should work together to review the coherence of the government?s policy objectives and the size of, and …
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
To provide greater transparency to the public and parliament, MoJ should commit to routinely publishing capacity projections alongside its demand projections. This should include outlining mechanisms for triggering contingencies to close capacity gaps, if higher-demand scenarios are realised.
Partially accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should combine thinking on policy objectives for the prison estate and improved evidence of different approaches to develop a long-term strategy to improve the resilience of the estate. It should: set out contingency plans for any unexpected increases in …
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should combine thinking on policy objectives for the prison estate and improved evidence of different approaches to develop a long-term strategy to improve the resilience of the estate. It should: set out how it will ensure it has the …
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should combine thinking on policy objectives for the prison estate and improved evidence of different approaches to develop a long-term strategy to improve the resilience of the estate. It should: clarify which current expansion projects will be completed and …
Partially accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should combine thinking on policy objectives for the prison estate and improved evidence of different approaches to develop a long-term strategy to improve the resilience of the estate. It should: include the rationale for its approach based on value …
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should improve its case for bolstering the resilience of the estate by evaluating: lessons learned from delivering the prison expansion portfolio; and
Accepted
Increasing the capacity of the prison estate to meet demand
MoJ should improve its case for bolstering the resilience of the estate by evaluating: the cost-effectiveness of different options to alleviate capacity pressures, given the benefit of experience, and which ones are most suitable when;
Accepted
IMB annual reports(289)— showing 50 strongest matches
Brixton (2020)
This report for HMP Brixton (Sept 2019-Aug 2020) highlights continued improvements in safety, with reduced assaults and self-harm, and commends the compassionate management of Covid-19 lockdown. However, the Board raises significant concerns about the severely restrictive regime during lockdown, including the mental health impacts of prolonged cell confinement, the lack of in-cell education, and inadequate family contact. Persistent issues such as cell overcrowding, delays in D-cat transfers, and the need for an older prisoner strategy also remain key areas for development.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bullingdon (2021)
HMP Bullingdon faced significant challenges during the reporting year (July 2020 – June 2021), exacerbated by Covid-19 restrictions which led to extensive in-cell time and impacted various services. The Board noted chronic overcrowding, an increase in self-harm incidents, and persistent issues with staff experience levels and the provision of mental healthcare. Progression and resettlement efforts were hindered by a high turnover of prisoners, predominantly those on remand or serving short sentences, while the effectiveness of drug interception measures remains a concern.
PRISON
Key concerns
Chelmsford (2021)
HMP/YOI Chelmsford, a Category B local prison, faced significant challenges during a reporting year heavily impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, leading to a restricted regime with limited purposeful activity and prolonged cell confinement. Key concerns included persistent overcrowding, a severe rat infestation, and substantial delays in handling prisoner complaints and property issues. The prison also struggled with staffing shortages, particularly affecting the key worker scheme and healthcare provision, alongside high self-harm rates and increased assaults on staff.
PRISON
Key concerns
Belmarsh (2022)
HMP Belmarsh experienced a challenging reporting year with improvements in health and wellbeing provision and a commitment to safety, though HMIP noted safety had deteriorated. The prison addressed equality and diversity issues through dedicated leadership and improved data, but concerns remain regarding disparities in outcomes for protected characteristics. Staffing issues, particularly high ‘non-effectives’ despite target numbers, curtailed regimes and impacted key worker compliance, while lost property and prolonged mental health transfer waits persisted as significant and repeated concerns.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bullingdon (2022)
HMP Bullingdon faced chronic overcrowding and significant staff shortages, which impacted safety, regime delivery, and staff-prisoner relationships throughout the reporting year. While healthcare provision was generally good and improvements were seen in some areas like equality data analysis and IT systems, challenges such as high violence, drug availability, and prisoner churn hindering progression persisted. The Board highlighted a continuing high number of self-harm incidents, though a recent decline was noted.
PRISON
Key concerns
Chelmsford (2022)
HMP Chelmsford, a category B local prison, showed mixed performance in the reporting year ending August 2022. While levels of violence and self-harm decreased, and there were no deaths in custody, significant concerns persist regarding overcrowding (49% of prisoners sharing single cells) and long-standing issues with lost prisoner property. Staff shortages heavily impacted healthcare appointments, purposeful activity, and key worker effectiveness, contributing to many prisoners spending extended periods locked in cells.
PRISON
Key concerns
Aylesbury (2022)
HMP/YOI Aylesbury faced a challenging year due to Covid-19 restrictions and severe staff shortages, which impacted the regime, purposeful activity, and staff-prisoner relationships. Despite these difficulties, the prison completed significant refurbishment projects and effectively contained Covid infections. Key concerns included persistent gang culture, high use of force, inadequate education and resettlement support, and issues with staffing levels and property management.
PRISON
Key concerns
Whitemoor (2023)
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.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wandsworth (2023)
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.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wakefield (2023)
HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison, is generally considered safe and humane, with observed improvements in healthcare provision. However, the Board noted a significant increase in prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and ongoing concerns regarding staffing experience levels, which impact prisoner safety and support quality. Delays in mental health transfers to secure hospitals remain a major issue, alongside an insufficient purposeful activity regime and challenges with prisoner property management.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wormwood Scrubs (2023)
HMP Wormwood Scrubs faced significant challenges during the reporting year, including overcrowding and acute staffing shortages, which adversely impacted safety, regime delivery, and healthcare provision. Many prisoners spent extended periods locked in their cells with limited purposeful activity. Concerns persist regarding mental health transfer delays, an antiquated estate unsuitable for disabled prisoners, and poor food quality, though positive efforts in induction, reading support, and some service improvements were noted.
PRISON
Key concerns
Belmarsh (2024)
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.
PRISON
Key concerns
Buckley Hall (2024)
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.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bedford (2024)
HMP Bedford, a Category B YOI, continues to face significant challenges including persistent overcrowding and an inconsistent induction process, despite some improvements in wing cleanliness and key worker implementation. The report highlights serious concerns regarding healthcare, characterized by poor communication and a decline in drug rehabilitation services. Security remains an issue with illicit items readily entering the prison, and high levels of assaults on staff, although recent improvements are noted. The Board also raises concerns about the unaddressed needs of its large remand population, the lack of digital infrastructure, and disproportionate adjudications.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bronzefield (2024)
Bronzefield faced significant challenges in the reporting year, primarily due to severe staff shortages impacting all aspects of the regime, leading to prisoners being locked up for extended periods and missing activities. Healthcare delivery was suboptimal due to lack of staff and poor coordination, resulting in medication delays and cancelled appointments. The prison also grappled with a high incidence of self-harm and challenges in managing complex, mentally unwell prisoners, compounded by external bed shortages.
PRISON
Key concerns
Chelmsford (2025)
HMP Chelmsford, a Category B local prison, reported three deaths in custody and a 4% reduction in self-harm incidents, though the total of 848 remains high. Operational capacity was 660, with 71% of the population being unsentenced, and overcrowding remains a significant concern, especially in the older Victorian wings. The prison saw a decrease in prisoner-on-staff violence but an increase in prisoner-on-prisoner violence and consistently high use of force incidents. Challenges persist with mental health provision due to a lack of specialist beds, property safeguarding, and staff conduct, while the Launchpad platform and improved dentistry services were positive developments.
PRISON
Key concerns
Durham (2025)
HMP Durham, a reception and resettlement prison, housed an average of 961 men against an operational capacity of 985 during the reporting year. The Board observed improvements in first-night healthcare screening and a reduction in self-harm incidents, alongside a significant increase in overall deaths in custody. Persistent overcrowding, inadequate regime delivery with prisoners spending 21.5 hours in cells, and critical staffing shortages impacting key working and healthcare access remain significant concerns.
PRISON
Key concerns
Swansea (2025)
HMP Swansea operates as a Category B/C prison for men, generally maintaining a safe and stable environment despite an overcrowded Victorian estate and significant prisoner turnover. While healthcare access is timely and education has improved, key challenges include extensive waits for mental health transfers, persistent issues with property complaints, and inconsistent staff practices regarding key working and the use of Body Worn Video Cameras. The Board highlights the need for addressing overcrowding, enhancing support for vulnerable prisoners, and improving transparency in healthcare complaint handling.
PRISON
Key concerns
Hewell (2025)
HMP Hewell, a local Category B reception prison, continues to face significant challenges from overcrowding, high population churn, and court backlogs, despite dedicated efforts by staff. Positive developments include a reduction in self-harm, a proportionate approach to use of force, and impactful peer mentorship schemes, alongside strong commitment to equality. However, profound concerns persist regarding mental health provision, limited purposeful activity, the quality of regime and accommodation, and the high number of men released without secure housing, with several issues repeated from previous reports.
PRISON
Key concerns
Birmingham (2020)
HMP Birmingham has demonstrated significant improvements in safety, staff-prisoner relationships, and living conditions following an urgent notification in 2018. The Board commended the prison's effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw reduced violence and enhanced communication, though it also led to a severely restricted regime and mental health challenges. Key concerns include prolonged segregation for mentally unwell prisoners, persistent issues with lost property, and the need to sustain positive changes post-pandemic, particularly regarding staffing and purposeful activity.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bullingdon (2020)
HMP Bullingdon, a local and resettlement prison, experienced high overcrowding and staffing challenges, with a significant proportion of inexperienced officers. While physical health services were generally good and some educational outcomes improved, violence and drug finds remained high, and mental health provision, particularly counselling, was inadequate. The COVID-19 pandemic severely restricted the regime, leading to prolonged cell confinement, but the prison successfully prevented widespread infection. Persistent issues include inadequate reception facilities for vulnerable prisoners, property loss, and maintenance backlogs, while resettlement outcomes remain patchy.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bedford (2020)
Conditions at HMP/YOI Bedford generally improved over the reporting year, with commendations for the Governor's leadership, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. While prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and self-harm incidents reduced, staff assaults and use of force remained worryingly high. Significant concerns persist regarding the ACCT process, the physical state of the segregation unit, and the high number of prisoners released without stable accommodation. Healthcare was satisfactory, but the mental health team's working practices require review, and issues with the Victorian estate infrastructure and the perceived unfairness of the IEP scheme need addressing.
PRISON
Key concerns
Lindholme (2021)
HMP Lindholme operated under significant Covid-19 restrictions, leading to prolonged lockdowns, reduced regime, and limited purposeful activity, though self-harm and violence incidents decreased. While healthcare adapted well and staffing levels improved, concerns persist regarding high numbers of OCG prisoners, substance misuse, overcrowding, and delays in sentence progression. The IMB highlighted the negative impact of limited time out of cell and poor staff-prisoner relationships.
PRISON
Key concerns
Pentonville (2021)
During a reporting year dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Pentonville successfully avoided a widespread deadly outbreak through stringent measures, though two prisoners sadly died. However, the Board found that the highly restricted regime led to inhumane conditions, with prisoners confined to cells for extended periods, impacting mental health and resettlement progression. Key concerns remain around overcrowding, inadequate facilities, the safety of vulnerable prisoners, and persistent violence and drug issues, with limited progress on ACCT quality and disproportionality in disciplinary actions.
PRISON
Key concerns
Woodhill (2021)
HMP Woodhill faced a challenging year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions, which limited prisoner time out of cell to an average of 1.75 hours daily and curtailed visits and activities. Despite successfully preventing a Covid-19 outbreak among prisoners, the Board raised concerns about high levels of violence, a high proportion of inexperienced staff, and issues with long-term segregation and property management. There were also notable delays in mental health transfers and insufficient purposeful activity for progression.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wandsworth (2021)
HMP Wandsworth operated under severe COVID-19 restrictions for most of the year, leading to prisoners spending up to 23.5 hours a day in cramped cells. The prison remained highly overcrowded and faced significant safety challenges from violence and widespread drug availability. Persistent concerns include the inhumane state of the Victorian buildings, inadequate healthcare facilities, rising mental health needs, and the absence of Home Office immigration support.
PRISON
Key concerns
Stocken (2021)
HMP Stocken, a category C training prison, experienced significant disruption during the reporting year (May 2020 – April 2021) due to the Covid-19 pandemic, yet managed a commendable response to the outbreak and achieved high vaccination rates. Despite an extended period of restricted regime, the Board found the prison generally safe and commended the leadership and staff. Key concerns include persistent issues with prisoner transfers, resettlement support, and access to programmes.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bedford (2021)
HMP Bedford operated under severe Covid-19 restrictions, largely maintaining safety against the virus. However, the prison continues to face significant challenges with unacceptably high violence levels, exacerbated by overcrowding and prolonged cell confinement. While healthcare provision was generally good, mental health services remained a concern, and resettlement planning was ineffective. Staffing issues, including an inexperienced workforce, also impacted overall performance during this challenging period.
PRISON
Key concerns
Dartmoor (2021)
HMP Dartmoor, a Category C training prison, generally maintained safety and humane treatment during the reporting year despite Covid-19 challenges. The Board commended staff efforts in managing the pandemic and providing support. However, significant concerns persist regarding the detrimental impact of the impending closure on investment, staffing, and the regime, leading to extended lock-up times and inadequate infrastructure. Long waiting times for mental health transfers and dental care, alongside insufficient support for IPP prisoners, are also key issues.
PRISON
Key concerns
Hewell (2021)
HMP Hewell, a Category B local prison, showed significant improvements in safety, security, and cleanliness during a year dominated by Covid-19 restrictions. Despite these positive shifts and a reduction in self-harm and assaults, systemic concerns persist regarding the treatment of IPP prisoners, transfers for those with severe mental health needs, and inadequate facilities for disabled individuals. The Board highlighted overcrowding and prisoner discontent with healthcare as ongoing challenges.
PRISON
Key concerns
Elmley (2021)
HMP Elmley experienced a challenging year ending October 2021 due to its status as a COVID-19 outbreak site, leading to highly restricted regimes and persistent staffing shortages. The Board noted positive initiatives like the Accelerator project and OMU surgeries, but raised significant concerns regarding prolonged confinement, inadequate food budget, and issues with property loss and unlock list management. The report highlights critical needs for improved staff recruitment and retention, better analysis of self-harm incidents, and a review of external service contracts.
PRISON
Key concerns
Durham (2021)
HMP Durham is generally considered a safe environment, with staff commended for managing pandemic challenges and implementing effective drug strategies. However, the Board holds significant concerns regarding severe overcrowding and the dignity of prisoners in unsuitable cellular accommodation. Healthcare provision is deemed unsatisfactory due to long waiting times and low screening rates, while education delivery is hampered by staffing and a lack of vocational offerings. The prolonged detention of unsentenced prisoners, including IS91 detainees, due to court backlogs remains a persistent issue.
PRISON
Key concerns
Long Lartin (2021)
HMP Long Lartin, a Category A/B dispersal prison, operated under a severely restricted Covid-19 regime throughout 2021, leading to reduced activities and frustrations. While the prison was orderly and staff generally humane, violence increased, and self-harm incidents were high, largely due to a few complex individuals. Significant concerns persist regarding the inhumane night sanitation system, inadequate estate maintenance by Amey, and persistent delays in mental health hospital transfers.
PRISON
Key concerns
Hindley (2021)
HMP/YOI Hindley is deemed overall safe, though violence and self-harm increased, particularly among young adults. Prisoners are generally treated humanely despite challenges from Covid-19 restrictions, which often led to 23-hour lock-ins. While health needs are met satisfactorily, concerns persist regarding lost property, outdated accommodation, and resettlement support. The Board commends staff efforts and welcomes planned prison expansion.
PRISON
Key concerns
Isis (2021)
HMP/YOI Isis, a training prison for young adults, faced significant challenges during 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic and its transition to a younger population. Self-harm and violence incidents rose considerably, though some safety measures like ACCT cases decreased. The Board expressed ongoing concerns about property issues, delays in mental health transfers, and the impact of reduced face-to-face education and purposeful activity on rehabilitation.
PRISON
Key concerns
Humber (2021)
HMP Humber navigated 2021 under significant Covid-19 restrictions, with commendations for management and staff for maintaining stability and low violence. However, the Board expresses grave concerns about the long-term mental health impact of extended lock-up, critical staffing shortages, and issues with healthcare access. Resettlement efforts were hampered by probation service changes, and property loss remained an unresolved, recurring problem.
PRISON
Key concerns
Lindholme (2022)
HMP Lindholme continued to operate under COVID-19 restrictions, limiting regime and purposeful activity, yet saw the successful implementation of digital infrastructure and in-cell phones. While healthcare provision improved with reduced waiting times in most areas, significant concerns remain regarding persistent overcrowding, the high number of IPP prisoners, and the inadequate provision of resettlement services. Issues with the timely handling of prisoner complaints and property also need further attention.
PRISON
Key concerns
Norwich (2022)
HMP/YOI Norwich faced significant challenges in 2021-2022 due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and chronic staff shortages, impacting regime, safety, and humane treatment. Despite dedicated local leadership and staff efforts, the prison grappled with high self-harm incidents, violence, and inadequate ACCT management. Key issues highlighted include overcrowding, dilapidated facilities, insufficient rehabilitative programmes for long-term prisoners, and concerns regarding the detention of individuals with severe mental health needs and foreign nationals past their sentences.
PRISON
Key concerns
Swaleside (2022)
HMP Swaleside experienced a challenging year (May 2021 - April 2022), marked by severe staff shortages, a restricted regime due to Covid-19, and a high number of deaths in custody and self-harm incidents. The Board highlighted significant concerns regarding staffing, the impact of new prisoner allocations, and the lack of essential equipment like body-worn cameras. Positive developments included excellent education provision, effective outreach services, and improvements in discrimination incident reporting, though overall challenges to prisoner welfare and safety persist.
PRISON
Key concerns
Pentonville (2022)
Pentonville, a Category B/C YOI, operated with an average population of 1,043 against an operational capacity of 1,000, facing severe overcrowding and infrastructure issues. The reporting year was marked by significant staff shortages, leading to a restricted regime with many prisoners locked in cells for nearly 23 hours a day, hampering rehabilitation efforts. Key concerns include dilapidated buildings, disrupted mental health services, a critical gap in resettlement support for remand prisoners, and an underperforming Offender Management Unit. Positively, the prison saw success with its new drug-free wing and continued effective Covid-19 management.
PRISON
Key concerns
Woodhill (2022)
HMP Woodhill faced significant challenges during the reporting year, primarily driven by severe staffing shortages which restricted the regime and impacted prisoner safety, wellbeing, and access to services. While there were positive efforts in areas like Covid-19 response and family contact initiatives, high levels of violence, prolonged segregation, and inadequate progression opportunities remained key concerns. The IMB judges that the prison requires improvement, particularly in addressing staffing, regime delivery, and resettlement support.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wandsworth (2022)
HMP Wandsworth, a severely overcrowded reception prison holding 1,385 prisoners against a CNA of 961, faced significant challenges during the reporting period. Critical staff shortages severely impacted regime delivery and contributed to the prison being deemed unsafe due to rising violence and self-harm. Living conditions in the dilapidated Victorian buildings remained inhumane, while healthcare services suffered from long waiting times and poor inpatient facilities, and resettlement support for the majority remand population was inadequate.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wealstun (2022)
HMP Wealstun, a Category C training prison, experienced significant challenges during 2021-22, primarily due to severe staffing shortages that led to frequent regime curtailments and long periods of cell confinement. While healthcare provision was generally well-managed and positive work was noted in areas like substance misuse recovery and equality initiatives, major concerns persist regarding the inhumane treatment of IPP prisoners, the use of double cells, and the deteriorating conditions of older wings. The Board has made recommendations at national and local levels to address staffing, infrastructure, and resettlement pathways to ensure a humane and progressive environment.
PRISON
Key concerns
Winchester (2022)
HMP Winchester, a complex local B/C category prison, continues to face significant challenges, including high levels of violence and self-harm, a restricted regime with prolonged cell confinement, and critical issues with its outdated building infrastructure. While staff efforts to provide humane treatment are commendable, severe staffing shortages and high turnover undermine consistency and effective key working. The IMB highlights persistent problems such as cell overcrowding, inadequate CCTV, and vermin infestation, which compromise safety and wellbeing despite some recent positive trends in violence reduction and effective pandemic management.
PRISON
Key concerns
Isle of Wight (2021)
HMP Isle of Wight operated under a continued restricted regime in 2021 due to Covid-19, impacting daily life and increasing tensions. While the Board praised staff efforts and noted positive developments in healthcare, equality, and complaint handling, significant concerns persisted regarding the dilapidated laundry, unhygienic meal services, and underfunded estate repairs. Staffing shortfalls in mental health and probation services critically hampered prisoner support and progression, alongside challenges posed by the delayed transfer of Category C prisoners.
PRISON
Key concerns
Wymott (2022)
HMP Wymott faced significant challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a restricted regime, staff shortages, and increased self-harm incidents. While the Board commended efforts to maintain safety and improve medication delivery, major concerns persisted regarding dilapidated accommodation, persistent issues with prisoner property, and limited access to healthcare, particularly mental health and dentistry. The increasing number of IPP prisoners and challenges with progression and resettlement, including releases without accommodation, remain significant issues for the Board.
PRISON
Key concerns
Whitemoor (2022)
HMP Whitemoor, a maximum-security prison for Categories A and B men, faced significant challenges in the reporting year ending May 2022, primarily due to a severe staffing crisis affecting all areas, including healthcare. This led to compromised regimes, particularly in the overcrowded segregation unit where severely unwell prisoners were held awaiting hospital transfer, and an inadequate purposeful activity and education offer. The Board also noted persistent issues with food provision and long waiting times for specialist healthcare appointments.
PRISON
Key concerns
Birmingham (2022)
HMP Birmingham shows sustained improvements in its culture and positive trends in safety, including reduced self-harm and segregation stays. However, severe staff shortages significantly hinder regime delivery and key worker sessions, contributing to high use of force incidents. Key challenges include lengthy remand detentions, the indefinite holding of foreign nationals post-sentence, and persistent issues with missing property.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bedford (2022)
HMP/YOI Bedford faced significant challenges during the reporting year, operating under "restrict" regimes due to COVID-19 and staff shortages, leading to widespread cell confinement. While positive steps were made in safety initiatives, particularly with a new young adults' wing and improved ACCT processes, the prison continues to struggle with high levels of self-harm and violence. Mental health services are critically under-resourced and inadequate, further exacerbated by persistent overcrowding and delays in relocating the inhumane segregation unit.
PRISON
Key concerns
Bristol (2022)
HMP Bristol has demonstrated positive improvements in safety, with reductions in self-harm and staff assaults, and effective Covid-19 management. However, the prison continues to face significant challenges, including an insufficient staffing budget and high non-effective rates that frequently impact regime delivery, purposeful activity, and key worker provision. Concerns persist regarding the Victorian infrastructure, particularly poor disability access and heating issues, alongside prolonged waits for specialist mental health transfers and an ongoing problem with lost prisoner property.
PRISON
Key concerns
IMB individual recommendations(1024)— showing 50 strongest matches
Stocken (2020)
There is a pressing need for increased capacity in two particular areas: secure mental health facilities, and Category D (Open) prisons.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Send (2020)
The prison continues to have difficulty in recruiting staff. Staff shortages can have an impact on the regime and thus on the prisoners (5.3).
HMPPS
In Progress
Long Lartin (2020)
The Board acknowledges the efforts which are being made to improve staffing levels through recruitment and enhanced incentives. Nonetheless, the Board notes that the prison continues to face difficulties in maintaining a full regime. Staff issues have impinged on the regime, workshops have been restricted and time out of cell is below the expectations of HMIP.
HMPPS
In Progress
Littlehey (2020)
how the minister will ensure that the prisoner population will remain within the uncrowded capacity of the prison system, so that establishments such as HMP Littlehey can operate at their certified normal accommodation levels. Housing two prisoners in cells designed for one person is not decent treatment and should not be accepted as standard practice.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Chelmsford (2020)
to make every effort to eliminate overcrowding, which is in conflict with the requirements of decency and respect and is in contravention of the United Nations standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners
Other
In Progress
Winchester (2021)
What is the Minister’s plan to resolve the issue of permanent cell overcrowding and the fact that prison service instruction (PSI) 17/2012 states prisoners must be ‘able to use the wc with some privacy’ (see sections 3.2, 4.4, 5.1), which is impossible to achieve in HMP Winchester?
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Wandsworth (2021)
HMP Wandsworth continues to be severely overcrowded. Does the Government have a plan to resolve this situation?
Ministry of Justice
Noted
Onley (2021)
There is an urgent need for increased capacity in one particular area: category D (open) prisons. There is also a need to increase this capacity in London and the south east. Far too many prisoners at HMP Onley are a very long way from their homes and families and this makes resettlement much harder for these prisoners.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Lindholme (2021)
What measures are being taken to reduce overcrowding and the excessive use of double occupancy in cells which were designed for single occupancy?
HMPPS
Partially Accepted
Elmley (2021)
Difficulties in recruitment have meant that Elmley has been short of staff in this reporting year. The pandemic has further impacted on staffing and highlighted the need to recruit more officers. The situation for prisoners could have been ameliorated to some extent if staffing had allowed more flexibility in managing the bubbles. There need to be incentives to help recruit …
HMPPS
In Progress
Eastwood Park (2021)
Given the fluctuations in staffing levels caused by this pandemic, which are likely to continue for some time, will HMPPS ensure that prisons are staffed sufficiently to cope with this ongoing situation?
HMPPS
In Progress
Chelmsford (2021)
To make every effort to eliminate overcrowding, which is in conflict with the requirements of decency and respect and is in contravention of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the treatment of prisoners.
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Bullingdon (2021)
The prison continues to be chronically overcrowded. There are 521 cells designed for single occupancy, most of which are occupied by two prisoners. This overcrowding puts great pressure on communal spaces and facilities and is incompatible with the fair and decent treatment of prisoners who are doubled up in cells designed for single use, particularly when, owing to Covid-19 restrictions, …
Governor / Director
Bullingdon (2021)
The prison continues to be chronically overcrowded, despite the Board’s repeated representations that the overcrowding is unacceptable. There are 521 cells designed for single occupancy, most of which are occupied by two prisoners. This overcrowding puts great pressure on communal spaces and facilities and is incompatible with the fair and decent treatment of prisoners who are doubled up in cells …
HMPPS
Bullingdon (2021)
The prison continues to be chronically overcrowded, despite repeated representations by the Board that the overcrowding is unacceptable. There are 521 cells designed for single occupancy, most of which are occupied by two prisoners. This overcrowding puts great pressure on communal spaces and facilities. It is incompatible with the fair and decent treatment of prisoners who are doubled up in …
Ministry of Justice
Partially Accepted
Winchester (2022)
There is still permanent cell overcrowding through the main prison, with most prisoners being required to share a cell that was built to house one person. What is the Prison Service’s plan to rectify this?
HMPPS
In Progress
Whitemoor (2022)
Will the minister give a clear lead to addressing the staffing crisis in the prison service by undertaking a fundamental review of the career opportunities and pay offered to its staff?
Ministry of Justice
Wandsworth (2022)
HMP Wandsworth continues to be severely overcrowded. In response to last year’s annual report, the Minister wrote on 1 December 2021 that moving prisoners out of HMP Wandsworth to free up space in double occupancy cells would only create overcrowding in other establishments. While this may be factually correct it does not alleviate the inhumane conditions at HMP Wandsworth. Would …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Stocken (2022)
Staffing numbers need to increase to reduce the impact of a shortage of both officers and administrative staff.
Governor / Director
Norwich (2022)
What steps is HMPPS taking to improve recruitment and staff retention and can it outline the policies regarding local recruitment?
HMPPS
In Progress
Hindley (2022)
The Board recognises that this has been a particularly challenging year for the prison as it moves out of Covid restrictions and reverts to a more normal regime. However, the ongoing issue of high staff turnover across the prison has impacted significantly on the prisoner experience and has had far reaching consequences regarding quality of life for both staff and …
Governor / Director
Foston Hall (2022)
The high number of regime curtailments due to staffing issues (see paragraph 6.5.2)
Governor / Director
Foston Hall (2022)
A severe staff shortage, which continues to have a major impact on all aspects of the regime provided to prisoners at Foston Hall, and which is detrimental to their wellbeing and the fairness of their treatment? (A theme throughout this annual report, notably paragraph 6.5.2)
HMPPS
Doncaster (2022)
monitoring the mix of experienced and less experienced officers
HMPPS
Doncaster (2022)
ensuring there are sufficient officers in post to offer a full regime
HMPPS
Cookham Wood (2022)
Appropriate staffing levels: If the boys in Cookham Wood were out in the community, they would be expected to be in full-time education, training or employment. Throughout the whole of the last year, the boys in Cookham Wood experienced nothing close to full-time provision. This has been largely due to poor staffing. When will the service provide adequate staffing levels …
HMPPS
Chelmsford (2022)
To make every effort to eliminate overcrowding, which is in conflict with the requirements of decency and respect and is in contravention of the United Nations standard minimum rules for the treatment of prisoners.
HMPPS
Bullingdon (2022)
There is an increasing shortage of staff in the prison. Some of the shortage can be attributed to absences of staff who have resigned in the course of the reporting year. What steps can the Governor take to address this problem?
Governor / Director
Bullingdon (2022)
The prison continues to be chronically overcrowded, despite repeated representations by the Board that the overcrowding is unacceptable. There are 521 cells designed for single occupancy, most of which are occupied by two prisoners. Overcrowding also puts great pressure on communal spaces and facilities. It is incompatible with the fair and decent treatment of prisoners. Does the minister consider this …
Ministry of Justice
Bristol (2022)
The Board is concerned about the impact of prison staffing issues on the daily life of prisoners. What local actions are underway to improve staff availability, especially in respect of the non-effective rate?
Governor / Director
Bedford (2022)
The prison remains overcrowded with two prisoners in cells designed for one.
HMPPS
Aylesbury (2022)
Systematically tackle low levels of staffing. Reconsider the value of local recruitment to lower bands in the prison service.
HMPPS
In Progress
Aylesbury (2022)
Deliver a robust, imaginative and flexible new recruitment strategy across the prison estate, backed by the resources needed to increase and sustain higher staffing levels.
Other
In Progress
Altcourse (2022)
Recruitment of staff has to be a priority to minimise the redeployment of staff from designated roles to cover for vacancies elsewhere.
Governor / Director
Wymott (2023)
Many of the issues raised in this report can be linked to the shortage of staff, particularly experienced officers. Are there any plans to review prison staffing levels nationally?
HMPPS
Wandsworth (2023)
With the establishment dangerously overcrowded and living conditions inhumane what immediate term actions will the Minister authorise to redress the shortage of resources – human, financial and physical?
Ministry of Justice
The Mount (2023)
As last year, staffing levels are a major concern, particularly as the number of prisoners increases. The continued loss of experienced officers means that there are fewer opportunities for mentoring when new recruits arrive, and too often they have to go straight into the front line, due to staff shortages.
HMPPS
Swaleside (2023)
The Board remains concerned about the retention and recruitment of staff. 29 experienced officers from Swaleside were recruited directly by the Border Agency during the year and numbers were also lost to the police and civil service. These other agencies offer better employment terms than HMPPS for all levels and grades of staff. The result is that Swaleside has been …
Ministry of Justice
Pentonville (2023)
Will HMPPS give assurance that the population of Pentonville will not be increased beyond the Operational Capacity of 1,205 notwithstanding increasing population pressures across the prison estate?
HMPPS
Pentonville (2023)
What measures is the Minister planning to take to reduce overcrowding in the prison system, in light of the fact that the prison estate nationally is almost at capacity and projected to increase still further before additional spaces become available under the Government’s prison building programme?
Ministry of Justice
Onley (2023)
What local actions are underway to improve officer staffing levels, given that prison officer shortages impacted on the daily life of prisoners and on the implementation of key work as intended in the offender management in custody (OMiC) model?
Governor / Director
Onley (2023)
What further support can be provided to ensure key work is delivered consistently and to a high standard for all prisoners despite the shortage of prison officers?
HMPPS
Lowdham Grange (2023)
To ensure that staffing levels and resources are brought up to and maintained at the required level to operate the full regime effectively and improve safety within the prison. The Board observes that a more effective regime of searching for drugs and prohibited items, which includes all staff, visitors and contractors, will improve safety and reduce risk in the prison.
Governor / Director
Liverpool (2023)
Staff absence is still an issue at HMP Liverpool, affecting daily staffing levels and resulting in frequent regime closures for prisoners. What action will the Prison Service take to directly reduce staff absence at HMP Liverpool and eliminate regime closures due to low staffing levels?
HMPPS
In Progress
Littlehey (2023)
As stated in the reports of the last two years, there continue to be too many prisoners forced to share cells, including those initially designed as single cells. While the Board acknowledges the Minister’s response to this point in our last report, it remains concerned that the number of prisoners being forced to share a cell continues to increase. With …
Ministry of Justice
Lindholme (2023)
Overcrowding. We are aware that the problems of overcrowding are caused by a lack of capacity in the prison estate and that these are influenced by several factors. However, the problem remains a very real one which is causing difficulties for prison staff, as well as having a detrimental effect on the mental health of prisoners and reducing the effectiveness …
Ministry of Justice
Lewes (2023)
Will the prison service review the staffing budget in prisons and stop the practice of including non-effective staff in staff numbers?
HMPPS
Lewes (2023)
Will the Minister improve the funding to enable the prison to recruit and retain an adequate number of staff?
Ministry of Justice
Leeds (2023)
Overcrowding and an increase in prison populations has had a significant effect on many areas of prison life (e.g. prisoners moved away from their home area due to a lack of prison spaces which, in turn, may affect family visits). How does the Minister plan deal with this, given that the proposals for increasing the number of prison places has, …
Ministry of Justice
In Progress
Lancaster Farms (2023)
To fund the Prison Service for the growth and maintenance of effective staffing levels.
HMPPS
In Progress
Article 2 learning points(17)
— LP 9
We further recommend that Holloway agrees a minimum staffing level and takes action when the level in any area and/or at any time is not reached.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 8
We recommend that the adequacy of staffing levels is reviewed particularly in respect of the needs of women at weekends. We also recommend that stronger efforts are made to ensure residential units are not deprived of staff because of bed watches.
HMPPS
Accepted
— LP 4
HMP Durham should review the minimum staffing level needed to safely oversee prisoners taking part in association.
HMP Durham
Rejected
— LP 1
In order to reduce the risk of harm posed by prisoners to other prisoners’ Cell Sharing Risk Assessments should be better recorded and steps to mitigate risk of harm clearly stated. In addition, there should be a system for retrieval of the document upon request.
HMP Durham
— LP 14
We recommend that some impetus be created at HMP Pentonville to ensure that the option of using discipline staff for one‐to‐one supervision is explored (see Chapter 13). Providing clear accountabilities and a timeframe for getting this piece of work done will go some way towards creating this impetus.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 9
The Safe Supervision of Prisoners (in-patients) policy should be reviewed in consultation with Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and further guidance should be included on managing patients with particularly challenging behaviour.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 8
Managers at HMP Birmingham should ensure that the violence reduction strategy is applied to prisoners who have displayed recent violent behaviour in previous prisons as well as in HMP Birmingham. This should include: i. applying a multi-disciplinary approach and identifying factors which trigger their violent behaviour; and ii. developing a …
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 5
Managers at HMP Birmingham should remind staff completing Cell Sharing Risk Assessment forms and reviews that Prison National Offender Management Information System holds previous Cell Sharing Risk Assessments and review decisions as well as adjudication histories (current and previous sentences) and notes on prisoner behaviour.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 16
Good practice guidelines should be published on the supervision of recess areas to cover standard risk and high-risk prisoners.
HMPPS
Accepted
— LP 15
Recess areas should be added to the list of examples of locations where a prisoner with a high-risk cell-sharing risk assessment should be prevented from using with other prisoners.
HMPPS
Accepted
— LP 2
Cell Sharing Risk Assessments should be quality-assured to ensure that they are properly evidenced and, in particular, that the relevant Prison National Offender Management Information System transfer record has been checked prior to a particular prisoner being located in a shared cell.
HMPPS
Accepted
— LP 2
In order to reduce the risk of violence to prisoners the Violence Reduction Strategy should be monitored by managers to ensure that all prisoners to whom it applies are included and steps taken to reduce their likelihood of potential violence.
HMP Durham
Accepted
— LP 7
Staff at HMP Birmingham should receive refresher training on the completion of Cell Sharing Risk Assessment reviews following the receipt of new information.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 4
Managers at HMP Birmingham should remind staff of the factors that can lead to an increased likelihood that a prisoner will harm his cellmate.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 3
Managers at HMP Birmingham should ensure that all staff involved in the initial assessment of prisoners on reception receive appropriate training.
The Governor
Accepted
— LP 3
In order to reduce congestion in and around showers and make observation easier HMP Durham should introduce a prisoner reservation booking system for the use of showers.
HMP Durham
Partially Accepted
— LP 5
If it has not already done so, NOMS should consider reviewing PSO 1700 relating to segregation. Any such review should consider including policy, procedural guidance and a risk assessment matrix for the occasions when prisoners return to main wings from Segregation outside of the main Segregation Review Board process.
NOMS
Accepted
Detention investigations(7)
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Brook House Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R27
G4S should amend its induction policy to make it clear that a detainee posing a risk of any significant violence to others will be justification for accommodating the detainee in a single occupancy room. (To be completed within 3 months)
Immigration Detention
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Brook House Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R31
G4S and the SMT should ensure that the welfare team is adequately staffed at all times. (To be completed within 3 months)
Immigration Detention
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Brook House Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R6
The SMT should urgently ensure that Brook House is fully staffed. (To be completed as a matter of urgency)
Immigration Detention
Independent Investigation into Concerns about Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre — Rec R1
Serco should monitor the numbers of time-served foreign national offenders detained at Yarl’s Wood, and the impact their presence has on the good order of the centre and the safety and security of others. Serco should consult regularly with the Home Office to ensure that only those who do not …
Immigration Detention
Review into the Welfare in Detention of Vulnerable Persons — Rec 18
I recommend that the Home Office consider what learning there is for IRCs from the Prison Service’s experience of operating ‘first night centres’ for those initially received into custody.
Immigration Detention
Investigation into the Disturbance and Fire at Yarl's Wood Removal … — Rec 13
the question of staffing levels be reviewed to assess if future contracts should contain more prescriptive requirements in relation to staff numbers.
Immigration Detention
Assessment of government progress in implementing the report on the … — Rec 8
In future, capacity in the immigration estate should not be increased by adding extra beds to rooms designed for fewer occupants. Where this has already occurred (e.g. Campsfeld House, Brook House), these extra beds should be removed, and capacity reduced or extra space created.
Immigration Detention
Independent reviews(20)
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 41
The Review strongly supports the view expressed to us by our judicial representative that prison should be a last resort, it should not be used as the default solution when other alternatives are appropriate and available. A reduction in the prison population will enable prisons to provide an environment which …
Justice & Legal
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 20
From the evidence given to the panel from many sources, it is apparent that the current operational staffing levels in prisons are not adequate. Following the recruitment that NOMS is currently undertaking, Benchmarking levels should be reviewed immediately to allow for full compliance with Prison Service Instructions that concern the …
Justice & Legal
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 19
MoJ and NOMS must take urgent steps to fill the recruitment gap that is putting undue pressure on an already stretched workforce in prisons.
Justice & Legal
Carol Black Drugs Review (Part 2) — Rec 17
We recommend that MoJ, DHSC and NHSE work together to improve by the end of 2021 to 2022 the transparency and accountability of the commissioning and delivery of substance misuse services in prisons, including through publishing how much money is spent each year on these services. HM Prison Service should …
Health & Social Care
Gauke Review — Rec 4.4
Increase and tailor the use of open conditions where suitable for offenders
Justice & Legal
Gauke Review — Rec 3.2
Extend the upper limit of Suspended Sentence Orders to custodial sentences of up to three years
Justice & Legal
Gauke Review — Rec 3.1
Legislate to ensure short custodial sentences are used only in exceptional circumstances
Justice & Legal
Prison Capacity Review — Rec 3
I recommend that the HMPPS Board should be mandated to carry out an evaluation of the prison service, in consultation with the Chief Inspector of Prisons. It should also monitor and report on progress against the 10-year prison capacity strategy and the proposed strategy for probation and community capacity.
Justice & Legal
Prison Capacity Review — Rec 2
I recommend that there should be an independent advisory body to provide advice and external validation of the capacity strategies and challenges in both prisons and probation, and in particular the impact of any proposed changes in the criminal justice system.
Justice & Legal
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 15
A new specialist role must be created to work specifically with all young adults in custody. The Custody and Rehabilitation Officer (CARO) will be required to take responsibility for the overall well-being of the young adult and must have a caseload of no more than fifteen or twenty prisoners, so …
Justice & Legal
Prison Capacity Review — Rec 1
I recommend that there should be a published ten-year strategy for developing capacity within probation and community services.
Justice & Legal
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 11
Each establishment, guided by instructions from NOMS if necessary, should review their estate and their population demographics and make a formal ongoing assessment of the minimum number of “Safer Cells” that are considered necessary to accommodate those requiring this additional protection.
Justice & Legal
Harris Review: Deaths in Custody — Rec 1
MoJ must publish a new statement setting out that the purpose of prison is to hold safely and securely those people sent there by the courts, either because they have been sentenced to imprisonment or because they have been remanded in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing. A prison should …
Justice & Legal
Farmer Review (Women) — Rec 28
The Ministry of Justice to fund an on-site social worker as part of the multi-disciplinary team within each prison.
Justice & Legal
Farmer Review (Women) — Rec 27
Funding to be allocated so that additional family engagement workers, working according to the evaluated model developed by the Family Support Alliance, are available in all women's prisons.
Justice & Legal
Farmer Review (Women) — Rec 23
A family-related prison performance measure to be defined which is designed to: • compare similar prisons and therefore used in a relative rather than absolute way • stimulate ongoing improvement in all prisons • be responsive to the distinct needs and issues in women's prisons
Justice & Legal
Farmer Review (Women) — Rec 15
HMPPS currently developing the new model for Probation to: i. Ensure that services are available to support family and other relational ties under this new model. ii. Address the problems of recall which can arise from the offender's relational background, such as their primary – and often sole – carer …
Justice & Legal
Gauke Review — Rec 9.2
Introduce a requirement for Ministers to make a statement to Parliament during the introduction of a new Bill on its impact on prison demand
Justice & Legal
Gauke Review — Rec 3.4
Encourage the use of deferred sentences for low-risk offenders with needs that can be addressed in the community
Justice & Legal
Shawcross Review — Rec 27
Review Prevent-related staffing and training in prisons. Seek to increase expertise and skills with regard to understanding the ideological drivers and theological elements of radicalisation. HMPPS staff must adopt a 'precautionary policy' when assessing the risk of ideologically-driven offenders.
Policing & Security
Accepted
LGO / SPSO decisions(198)
201004174 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the SPS decided not to let him progress to an open prison. He said that this decision was based on intelligence (information) from the police that he believed to be untrue. He asked for clarification and was told that he presented an unacceptable risk to the …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jun 2011
201004625 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C was involved in an altercation with another prisoner and placed on a misconduct report. He was subsequently found guilty of fighting but, as the disciplinary process was not correctly followed, this charge was later overturned. Mr C was placed on the SPS's anti-bullying strategy as a result of …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201101324 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, received a copy of his Integrated Case Management (ICM) case conference record. This document records the discussion and outcome at a prisoner’s ICM case conference. This is a meeting where the prisoner and everyone who is involved in supporting them get together to talk …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Feb 2012
201103342 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, came to Scotland from another authority area. At that time, he had already served more than half of his sentence and was eligible to be considered for parole (early release). Parole was not granted so he was transferred to a maximum security prison. Mr …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Apr 2012
201103381 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that there was a lack of employment opportunities in prison. As a result, he said he was only receiving a basic cell wage despite being willing to work. The prison explained that due to external market conditions, they have encountered difficulties retaining and …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
May 2012
201103837 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that the prison switched off the cell heating overnight. He also said that heating in cells on his side of the hall was faulty, but had not been fixed. The prison had explained to him that the hall was maintained at an average …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jun 2012
201103813 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, was returned from the prison open estate to closed conditions because it was suspected that he was involved in illicit substance misuse. Mr C said the decision was unreasonable because he had not done anything wrong and had not failed any drug tests. He …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jun 2012
201103744 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that the SPS delayed in identifying that he needed to take part in a particular offending behaviour programme. He had already participated in one programme, and felt that his needs had not changed since he began his sentence. He was unhappy that the …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jun 2012
201101201 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, previously complained to us that there was no logging process for confidential complaints to the prison governor. We did not uphold the complaint at that time as the prison had devised a process which was due to be implemented. This involved the complaint being …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jul 2012
201200242 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who was a prisoner, received a copy of his integrated case management (ICM) case conference minute and was unhappy with some of the content. In particular, he was concerned about comments made about him by a member of staff. Mr C raised his concerns with the prison but …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2012
201203562 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that the prison inappropriately changed his management plan. This is a plan that is put in place by the prison, and outlines the agreed steps a prisoner will be required to take to demonstrate that he can manage his risk appropriately, prior to …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Apr 2013
201204817 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) refused to progress him to open conditions (less secure prison conditions). He felt that, in arriving at their decision, the SPS had not clarified his situation and taken account of relevant information. He explained that he was …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Oct 2013
201301562 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that he had been categorised as a medium security risk. He felt that he should have been given a 'low' rating. Our investigation found that the reason for this classification was that drug paraphernalia was found during a routine search of the cell …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2013
201301240 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner in a closed prison, complained that the Scottish Prison Service were unreasonably holding him back from progressing to less secure conditions. A prisoner must meet standard criteria before the risk management team (RMT) will consider his application for progression. The RMT at the closed …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2013
201404373 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that his prison did not follow relevant policy in dealing with his progression through the prison system to less secure conditions, in preparation for his eventual release. Mr C felt that two Scottish Prison Service (SPS) policies about progression were contradictory. He also complained about how the …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Mar 2015
201401836 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the Scottish Prison Service failed to transfer him to the closest appropriate establishment to his postcode. We identified that the establishment Mr C had in mind was not appropriate as it did not provide a course he was required to complete. He was later moved to …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Apr 2015
201405223 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the prison inappropriately failed to give him the opportunity to make representations prior to seeking to extend his removal from association. A prison can seek approval from Scottish Ministers to stop a prisoner from associating with others to maintain good order and discipline. The prison said …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
May 2015
201407446 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C was escorted to the sheriff court by an escorting agency which provides all custody and court escorting services on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS). He said that when he arrived, the escorting officers were instructed to keep him double cuffed. This meant that Mr C had …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jul 2015
201407060 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C was taken into his trial at the sheriff court whilst wearing double cuffs. This meant Mr C was wearing one set of cuffs to link his wrists together and a second set linking one of his wrists to the escorting officer's wrist. Mr C complained that the escorting …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jul 2015
201404427 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained to us that there had been unreasonable delays by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) in facilitating his movement through the prison system in time for his parole hearing. Mr C had been transferred from a prison in England so that he could receive family visits. However, he …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Feb 2016
201503738 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the risk management team failed to appropriately demonstrate that they had taken a defensible decision in relation to his progression to less secure conditions. We found that the prison did not initially provide enough written detail to show how they had reached their decision on Mr …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Mar 2016
201508815 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, a solicitor, complained on behalf of his client (Mr A) that prison staff repeatedly ordered Mr A to return to mainstream accommodation despite being a protection prisoner, and then punished Mr A for refusing. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said that Mr A had to be removed from …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jan 2017
201508390 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained about a decision taken by the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) to downgrade him (return him to closed conditions from less secure conditions). He said that they did not follow the proper process in taking the decision, and that the decision was based on inaccurate evidence. Mr C …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Partly Upheld
Jan 2017
201607622 — Scottish Prison Service
Ms C complained about a number of aspects of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS)' management of her. She complained that the SPS: held her in an unsuitable cell when she was on Act 2 Care (the suicide risk management policy) acted unreasonably in relation to an incident when she was …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Partly Upheld
Feb 2019
201804356 — Scottish Prison Service
C complained that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) unreasonably failed to follow their risk management guidance, unreasonably failed to complete C's supervision level paperwork and failed to provide relevant information to appropriate parties in time for C's parole review hearing. Despite recognising the potential seriousness of these allegations, we were …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Aug 2019
202000242 — Scottish Prison Service
Concerns were raised during C's time on community work placement. Investigations were carried out and having considered the information available, the risk management team (RMT) at Prison A took the decision to return C to closed conditions (Prison B). C considered that Prison A failed to seek relevant evidence as …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Partly Upheld
Aug 2021
201005058 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C was transferred from one prison to another. He complained that, although he was allowed to buy certain items while in the first prison, he was not allowed to do so in the second prison. We could only look at the way in which prison staff considered his request, …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jun 2011
201004809 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that he experienced unreasonable delays in accessing an art class. He had been on an education waiting list for some time without getting a place. In response to our enquiries, the SPS explained that Mr C’s name was not added to the class list when it should …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jun 2011
201004624 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that an orderly room report that was dismissed had remained on his record. We could not look at this complaint as it had come to us without going through the prison complaints system first. However, Mr C also complained that this information was given to the adjudicator …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jun 2011
201004487 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C was in prison and had been assessed as requiring one-to-one psychological treatment. He complained that there was an unacceptable delay in getting this. We asked the SPS to comment. They explained that they have had difficulties arranging one-to-one work because of major staff shortages, although they are taking …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jun 2011
201004486 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the SPS unreasonably refused his request to access and review the Integrated Case Management Guidance Manual. This manual is aimed at staff, to help them help identify needs and programmes that may assist prisoners throughout their sentence, and to guide the management of prisoners’ case conferences. …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Upheld
Jun 2011
201005379 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the SPS had refused his request to transfer to an open prison because he had previously absconded from prison custody. Mr C said he felt the decision was unfair and irrational because this had happened more than 20 years ago when he was in a young …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jul 2011
201005369 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained about delay in progressing through his prison sentence. He had been told that he would be put forward for progression by a particular time but this had not happened. We considered whether there had been an unreasonable delay in him being put forward for progression. We did …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jul 2011
201005069 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, a prisoner, complained because he was cold going to work and exercise. He said there were no jackets available and that it was the Governor's duty to make sure there was proper clothing available for prisoners in line with Prison Rule 27. The prison confirmed that new jackets …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jul 2011
201003823 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the SPS delayed in progressing him to a 'top end' prison facility (part of a prison for low supervision prisoners entitled to special escorted leave). Firstly, it is not for our office to decide when or whether someone should progress to such a facility. Such decisions …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Jul 2011
201100974 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained because those in his residential hall at the prison were not receiving their mail until after 18:30 each day. Mr C said other residential halls were receiving mail before this time and it was unfair because mail was important to prisoners. Our investigation …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201100556 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the price of goods available to buy in his prison kept increasing, although wages for prisoners stayed the same. When we investigated, we were satisfied that the prison were trying to keep prices down as far as reasonably possible. We accepted that there had been price …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201100532 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that his previous prison had required him to attend work in prison although there was nothing for him to do. We did not uphold the complaint because prison rules require prisoners to attend work except in cases such as illness or where the prison do not have …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201100494 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C is a former prisoner. He complained that a prison had inappropriately considered incorrect information before reaching their decision to refuse his application for early release under the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme. This information said that Mr C was previously recalled to custody in 2008 whilst on release …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201005368 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C was working through a management plan that had been agreed by his prison and was hoping to be paroled at his next Parole Board hearing. However, he was concerned that the plan seemed to have been stopped. Our investigation revealed that concerns had been raised at a multi-disciplinary …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201005161 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that mandatory drug testing (MDT) arrangements were not in place and that this was holding up his progression. In responding to his complaint, the SPS advised that they were in the process of refitting a suitable area within the prison and arrangements would be in place shortly. …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201004626 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that he was wrongly put in double handcuffs on a particular occasion and that the reasons for this had not been explained to him. Double handcuffs are a more secure version of normal single handcuffs. Despite extensive enquiries, we could not find any …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Aug 2011
201100331 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) ignored recommendations made by the parole board that he be progressed immediately to the Open Estate. He also complained that the SPS failed to adhere to his management plan by not submitting an application for his First Grant of Temporary Release. …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Oct 2011
201005068 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, was downgraded from the Open Estate and returned to closed conditions. Mr C felt that he had been treated differently from other prisoners and he complained that his downgrade was unfair. The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) told Mr C that because he failed a …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Partly Upheld
Oct 2011
201101383 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained about the delay in the prison progressing his application for the Open Estate. Mr C said he felt his application was being treated differently from other prisoners because other prisoners had been progressed more quickly than him. In responding to Mr C's complaint, …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2011
201101175 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained because he was unhappy with the decision taken by one prison to transfer him to another. Mr C said he was ready to transfer to less secure conditions and he felt that transfering to the second prison would impact on his progression. In …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2011
201101010 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained because he was unhappy with the decision taken by the prison to delay his transfer to a National Top End (NTE). NTE is a less secure prison environment that life or long term prisoners will progress to after they meet certain criteria for …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2011
201100947 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C complained that the Scottish Prison Service’s (SPS) decision to refuse him home detention curfew (HDC) on health grounds was unfair. He was told by the prison that his request had been refused because he had been recalled to prison in the past and, therefore, he fell within one …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Nov 2011
201102599 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained because he was unhappy with the prison's decision not to supply scissors to the prison barbers. He also complained because the prison were not providing cleaning fluids for the hairdressing tools. Our enquiries confirmed that the prison had taken the decision not to …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Feb 2012
201102078 — Scottish Prison Service
Mr C submitted a confidential complaint to the Governor stating that he had been subjected to verbal abuse by a prison officer on a day in April 2011. He also raised concerns that an officer refused to accept an item of property from his brother following a visit in July. …
SPSO (Scottish Public Se…
Prisons
Not Upheld
Feb 2012
CJINI inspection reports(34)
Ash House (Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison) (14-17 March 2005)
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison, Prisons
Nov 2004
Report on an announced inspection of Magilligan Prison (20-24 September 2004)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Mar 2005
Inspection of the Juvenile Justice Centre (Northern Ireland)
Woodlands Juvenile
Justice Centre (Woodlands JJC), Children…
Apr 2005
Hydebank Wood Young Offender’s Centre (Secure College) (14-17 March 2005)
Prisons, Hydebank Wood Secure College
Oct 2005
Report of an announced inspection of Maghaberry Prison (10-14 October 2005)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
May 2006
An unannounced inspection of Magilligan Prison (10-19 May 2006)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Dec 2006
Report on an unannounced inspection of Maghaberry Prison (20 September – 6 October 2022)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Jun 2023
Report of an Independent Review of Progress (IRP) at Maghaberry Prison (31 October – 2 November 2023)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Feb 2024
Report of an Independent Review of Progress (IRP) at Magilligan Prison (31 October – 2 November 2023)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Feb 2024
Report on an unannounced Inspection of Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison (21 May – 6 June 2024)
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison, Prisons
Nov 2024
Report on an unannounced Inspection of Hydebank Wood Secure College (21 May – 6 June 2024)
Prisons, Hydebank Wood Secure College
Nov 2024
Report of an Unannounced Inspection of Magilligan Prison (9-26 September 2025)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Mar 2026
Report on an announced inspection of Magilligan Prison (29 March – 2 April 2010)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Sep 2010
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison (Ash House) (21-25 March 2011)
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison, Prisons
Oct 2011
Report on an unannounced short Follow-Up Inspection of Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre (21-25 March 2011)
Prisons, Hydebank Wood Secure College
Oct 2011
Report on an announced inspection of Maghaberry Prison (19 – 23 March 2012)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Dec 2012
Ash House Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison (18-22 February 2013)
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison, Prisons
Oct 2013
Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre (18–22 February 2013)
Prisons, Hydebank Wood Secure College
Oct 2013
Report on an Unannounced Inspection of Magilligan Prison (12-22 June 2017)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Dec 2017
Report on an unannounced inspection of Maghaberry Prison (9-19 April 2018)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Nov 2018
Report on an Unannounced Inspection Ash House Women’s Prison Hydebank Wood (23-24 October and 4-7 November 2019)
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison, Prisons
Jun 2020
An unannounced inspection of Magilligan Prison (21 May – 10 June 2021)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Feb 2022
An inspection of corporate governance arrangements within the Northern Ireland Prison Service
Prisons, Prison Operations and Management
Dec 2010
The Safety of Prisoners held by the Northern Ireland Prison Service
Prisons, Prisoner Safety
Oct 2014
The Safety of Prisoners held by NIPS
Prisons, Prisoner Safety
Oct 2014
An Unannounced Inspection of Magilligan Prison (27 May – 5 June 2014)
Prisons, Magilligan Prison
Feb 2015
Report on an unannounced inspection of Maghaberry Prison (11-22 May 2015)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Nov 2015
Overview of initial findings of a report on an announced inspection of Maghaberry Prison (4-15 January 2016)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Feb 2016
Maghaberry Prison (4-15 January 2016)
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Jul 2016
Report on an unannounced inspection of Ash House Women’s Prison (9-19 May 2016)
Hydebank Wood Women’s Prison, Prisons
Oct 2016
Report on an unannounced inspection of Hydebank Wood Secure College (9-19 May 2016)
Prisons, Hydebank Wood Secure College
Oct 2016
Maghaberry: A review of progress against the nine Inspection Recommendations made in 2015
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Nov 2016
Maghaberry Prison: An unannounced visit to review the progress against the 2015 Inspection Recommendations
Maghaberry Prison, Prisons
Aug 2017
The management of Life and Indeterminate sentence prisoners in Northern Ireland
Risk Management and public protection arrangements, Prisons…
Feb 2016