Reports published 20 March 2023
Reports on an inspection of HMP Hewell and independent reviews of progress at HMP The Mount and HMYOI Parc
HMP Hewell
Type of inspection: Full inspection
Dates of inspection: 22 November – 9 December 2022
Summary of findings: Good progress had been made at a previously very troubled prison. Staff morale and confidence was much improved, violence had reduced and there were two specialist units providing excellent care for complex and vulnerable prisoners. However, education provision was disappointing; the prison reading strategy was weak and despite two thirds of prisoners having low level English and maths, there were only 40 places available in these subjects.
Points to note: A ‘clean and decent’ project had improved living conditions significantly at the jail, and a permanent post had been created to oversee the project.
Read the report: HMP Hewell
HMP The Mount
Type of inspection: Independent review of progress
Dates of inspection: 6-8 February 2023
Summary of findings: Key weaknesses in purposeful activity and rehabilitation and release planning had not been addressed. Prisoners were not being given constructive activities to do, and support for sentence progression and preparation for release were inadequate. Progress in education was also judged insufficient.
Points to note: There were early signs that the new governor appointed in December was taking the prison in the right direction, including efforts to support staff retention and improve care for those at risk of suicide and self-harm.
Read the report: HMP The Mount
HMYOI Parc
Type of inspection: Independent review of progress
Dates of inspection: 23-31 January 2023
Summary of findings: Parc has many strengths and this remained a positive inspection, with children continuing to be well cared for. However, there was too little improvement in the promotion of equality and diversity and systems to identify and respond to discrimination were not good enough.
Points to note: The YOI was going through a period of transition as the education and health care provision was transferred to new providers, and three senior members of staff had recently departed.
Read the report: HMYOI Parc