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Reports published 19 January

Published:

HMP Birmingham

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 6–16 October 2025

Summary of findings: Birmingham was being targeted by organised crime gangs, who used drones and other methods to get large quantities of drugs and contraband into the jail. Unsurprisingly, illicit drug use was high, as were rates of violence and self-harm. Unemployed prisoners, who made up 40% of the population, got very little time out of cell. Concerningly, a recent change in policy by the local police force meant acutely mentally unwell men, including those who were having psychotic episodes, were not being diverted to other services and ended up in the prison.

Points to note: More positively, an inter-wing football league ran weekly, fostering positive staff-prisoner relationships and a sense of community through teamwork.

Read the report: HMP Birmingham

Immigration reporting centres

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 20–29 October 2025 

Summary of findings: Staff showed a good level of care and understanding towards detainees, and this was particularly good at the Croydon holding facility. Overall, holding rooms were kept in suitable working order, but they showed signs of wear and tear.

Inspectors found the Home Office did not always appropriately identify and consider detainees’ vulnerabilities before deciding whether to detain them. In some of the cases in our sample, detention paperwork failed to specify known detainee vulnerabilities.

Points to note: There was insufficient health care provision for detainees, with no routine health screening and delays in access to medication.

Read the report: Immigration reporting centres