HMP/YOI Foston Hall

What we found

Although violence was rarely serious and violence against staff was falling, the number of violent incidents remained the highest in the women’s estate. Self-harm was also too high, despite a fall in incidents. Inconsistent care and a lack of assistance from staff were compounding the problems and causing women frustration. The paper-based ‘applications’ system, which should have allowed women to make simple requests, did not work, The provision of education, skills and work neither met the needs of women, nor aligned with local and national employment opportunities, and was failing to provide pathways into employment and education.

Points to note: The availability of drugs and very high levels of mental health need were contributing to the problems with violence in the jail. Leaders were taking this seriously, but 42% of prisoners said it was easy to get drugs in the prison.