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Report published 8 June

Published:

HMP Wakefield

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 27–29 April 2026

Summary of findings: Leaders had introduced major changes to improve safety following several serious incidents, including fatal attacks on two high-profile prisoners. This included reconfiguring the population so that nearly all men were now deemed vulnerable due to their offence or circumstances, which had substantially reduced incidents of prisoner-on-prisoner violence and the number of prisoners who were self-isolating. Although prisoners’ perceptions of safety had improved, problems remained: men still spent long periods locked in their cells, health services had deteriorated and many key areas of the prison remained in urgent need of repair.

Points to note: The regime for self-isolating prisoners was no longer punitive and staff had received guidance to help them manage these men, which included multi‑agency reviews and reintegration planning. Most eligible prisoners at Wakefield were now engaged in education, skills and work for at least half of the week, and attendance had improved. There was good practice in inpatient and palliative care.

Read the report: HMP Wakefield