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  1. What we found

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HMP Exeter

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Open document

Exeter (2025) web (PDF, 1.3 MB)

Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP Exeter by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (18 November – 4 December 2025).

Bar graph illustrating the healthy prison outcome scores for HMP Exeter when it was inspected in 2022 and 2025. All four scores had improved; safety and purposeful activity from poor to not sufficiently good, respect from not sufficiently good to reasonably good, and preparation for release from reasonably good to good.

What we found (Back to top)

Although determined leadership and a more stable staff group were making a positive difference, the jail continued to face longstanding challenges. Self-harm remained too high and there had been seven self-inflicted deaths since the inspection in 2022. New arrivals required better support and oversight of the increasing use of force against prisoners was inadequate. Although attendance at education and work activities had improved, it was still too low.

Points to note: Release planning was strong. Prison offender managers made early contact with individuals and worked effectively with community colleagues and other agencies.

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Easy Read Summary – Exeter (PDF, 392 KB)
Prisoner Survey Methodology and Results – Exeter (PDF, 366 KB)
Prisoner Survey Analysis (Excel workbook) – Exeter (XLSX, 310 KB)
Staff Survey Methodology and Results – Exeter (PDF, 254 KB)