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Reports published 20 April

Published:

HMP & YOI Norwich

Type of inspection: Full inspection

Dates of inspection: 19–29 January 2026

Summary of findings: Although outcomes for prisoners had improved since the last inspection, many problems needed to be addressed. Drugs were too easily available, the prison was overcrowded and dilapidated in some areas, and many prisoners had too little time out of cell. The prison also needed to broaden the education and work offer to help more men get jobs when they left the jail, and tackle the high number of prisoners released without sustainable housing.

Points to note: Activities had been developed to support the well-being of men in the segregation unit and prisoners with learning difficulties were given ‘passports’ they could use to get help in the community if released directly from court. Leaders had also taken action to reduce violence, including removing repeat perpetrators from the general population.

Read the report: HMP & YOI Norwich

HMP & YOI Portland

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 13-29 January 2026

Summary of findings: Illicit drug use posed a serious risk to prison stability, with a 31% positive random drug test rate. Debt-related violence and self-harm levels were too high. Many prisoners were held far from home and the support for prisoners to keep in contact with their community was not sufficient to meet the scale of need. There were also gaps in risk management, with some high risk men released homeless. More positively, staff-prisoner relationships were a strength.

Points to note: Leaders had prioritised improving education, skills and work, which Ofsted judged to be good, a creditable outcome when compared to almost all other closed men’s prisons. Strong links with employers shaped the curriculum, helping prisoners to develop useful skills and behaviours. There had been an increase in activities and available spaces, attendance and punctuality had improved.

Read the report: HMP & YOI Portland