HMP & YOI Hollesley Bay

What we found

An open prison, Hollesley Bay was one of the most impressive jails in the country led by an innovative governor with a strong team. Prisoners were given every opportunity to develop skills to help them succeed on release with well-run workshops delivered by very effective staff who supported prisoners to develop skills such as bricklaying, carpentry and horticulture. A fifth of men were employed off site in the community. The offender management unit allowed prisoners to drop in for support and advice, which was typical of the supportive culture in the jail, and the employment hub provided excellent support for those due to be released imminently.

Points to note: Leaders had worked hard to fill staffing shortfalls, and new staff were now mentored for their first year in post which had improved the retention rate.