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Report published 22 June

Published:

HMP Lowdham Grange

Type of inspection: Independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 11–13 May 2026

Summary of findings: Leaders and staff had made considerable progress since a critical inspection in 2025. Improved security had reduced the ingress of drugs, and fewer prisoners were testing positive in random drug tests. Health care had improved, more prisoners were attending education and work activities, and complaints and adjudications were better handled. Dedicated resettlement offender managers were providing good support to prisoners approaching release and there was much better support for family contact.

Points to note: Although the improvements were encouraging, the longstanding problems at Lowdham Grange will take time to resolve. Concerningly, self-harm and the use of force against prisoners had increased since the full inspection, and some men with disabilities were still not getting the support they needed.

Read the report: HMP Lowdham Grange