HMP Full Sutton

What we found

Full Sutton was generally safe with a capable and experienced cohort of staff, and while violence had increased since the last inspection, it was quite rare.

More full-time activity places were needed for the population. Only a third of prisoners had left the wing for education skills and work, with 38% of prisoners locked up during the working day. Frequent planned lockdowns on some evenings and weekends were put in place during staffing shortages but were still in place despite much improved recruitment and retention. The provision of psychologically based therapeutic mental health interventions provision needed improvement.

Points to note: The segregation unit’s regime was very limited and when the unit was full men could go up to three days without a shower or access to the outside. The use of PAVA could not always be justified and in one case was used on a disabled man.