HMP Guys Marsh
Inspection Report - Guys Marsh (PDF, 1.7 MB)
Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP Guys Marsh by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, 6–16 January 2025
Guys Marsh healthy prison scores
What we found
Already-inadequate conditions at HMP Guys Marsh were deteriorating further, with fractured relationships between staff and prisoners creating a negative culture. Rates of violence were high and rising, and the widespread availability of illicit drugs presenting an ongoing threat to stability and safety. The use of force was among the highest in similar jails, with some staff too quick to resort to it. Chronic underinvestment had resulted in power outages, water entry into cells, and black mould on ceilings and walls.
Points to note: The governor was focused on improving standards, but issues with staff absence, retention and inexperience meant progress had been too slow. Despite Guys Marsh’s role as a training prison, around three in 10 prisoners were locked in their cells during the working day.
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