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HMP Five Wells

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Inspection report - Five Wells (PDF, 694.4 KB)

Report on an independent review of progress at HMP Five Wells by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (4–6 November 2024)

What we found

HMP Five Wells opened in 2022 and a number of leadership changes since then had created some instability in the jail. However, at this review visit we found the new director was providing clear direction and oversight, staff had gained in confidence and key work with prisoners had improved. More prisoners were now engaged in purposeful activity and the incentives policy had been redesigned to better reward positive behaviour. Despite this, self-harm had increased and remained the highest of all similar prisons. Not enough was being done to address violence or bullying.

Points to note: Some prisoners did not always receive their medication or attend hospital when necessary. The impact of the integration of prisoners convicted of sexual offences remained a cause of anxiety for some prisoners.