Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

HMP Bedford

Published:
Open document

Inspection report - Bedford (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Report on an independent review of progress at HMP Bedford by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (16–18 September 2024)

What we found

Inspectors returning to HMP Bedford found tentative progress, following a shocking inspection in 2023 which led the Chief Inspector to invoke the Urgent Notification protocol for the second time at the prison. However, they warned there was still much more to do to break its long cycle of poor inspection reports.

Senior leaders were now more visible around the prison, which was starting to drive up standards, and a proactive safety team were working hard to understand and tackle the root causes of violence. Despite this, violence between the men had continued to rise in the six months before our visit, and the overall rates remained among the highest of all adult male prisons. Illicit drugs, limited time out of cell, frustrations about not being able to get things done, and a lack of challenge from staff about poor behaviour were all contributing to a continued lack of safety.

Read the press release