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Reports published 16 February

Published:

London Magistrates’ Courts custody facilities

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 17 November – 6 December 2025

Summary of findings: A lack of consistent cooperation between responsible agencies, along with major recruitment and retention issues, were undermining outcomes for detainees and placing unnecessary strain on staff. Chronic underinvestment and complex procurement procedures had left many court custody facilities in a poor condition. The needs of some detainees, including women, children and those with disabilities, were not well met.

Points to note: Despite these problems, many staff managed vulnerable and distressed detainees with considerable skill. The training staff received was generally effective and they used force proportionately. Health care provision and safeguarding awareness had both improved.

Read the report: London Magistrates’ Courts custody facilities

HMP Onley

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 6–8 January 2026

Summary of findings: Oversight of the use of force had improved, leadership in the offender management unit was better, and attendance at education and work had gone up. However, drone incursions and illicit drug use continued to be problems; while funding to enhance physical security had been agreed, most of the work had yet to start.

Points to note: Although there was much still to do, the dedicated governor had a clear understanding of the issues and was acting to address them.

Read the report: HMP Onley

HMP Parc

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 5-7 January 2026

Summary of findings: Significant restrictions to the daily regime, mainly caused by staffing issues including poor retention, vetting delays and escorting prisoners to external hospital appointments, hampered progress in key areas. As such, prisoners faced long periods of lock-up and they could not get to education or work.

However, considerable effort by leaders to reduce the ingress of illicit drugs – through the installation of secure windows and good use of technology and resources – had resulted in a decline in drug use.

Points to note: Prisoners did not get enough help to progress in their sentence and there were weaknesses in public protection.

Read the report: HMP Parc