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  1. What we found

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HMP Guys Marsh

Published:
Open document

Report on an independent review of progress at HMP Guys Marsh by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (3-5 November 2025)

What we found (Back to top)

The governor had worked hard to improve standards across the prison. Violence had reduced, the regime was more consistent and staff-prisoner relationships were better. Despite a revised drug strategy, new testing arrangements and peer-led recovery initiatives, illicit drugs continued to pose a serious threat to the safety and stability of the jail.

Points to note: Although attendance in education, skills and work remained too low overall, it had improved, and leaders had eliminated waiting lists for English and Mathematics. Workshops now provided unaccredited qualifications tailored to prison job roles, significantly improving employability, with bespoke, structured training in areas such as TV repair and electrical assembly.