Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

HMP Haverigg: Continuing to flourish as a category D prison

Published:

An inspection of HMP Haverigg has found it has continued to adapt well to its role as a category D prison, demonstrating a sense of purpose for the men in its care and engaging with the local community to provide them with opportunities.

Inspectors visiting the prison in Cumbria found leaders and the education provider had undertaken impressive work to tackle the limited employment opportunities for men convicted of sexual offences. They offered a curriculum to provide them with the skills they would need, and had built a growing network of local employers who could offer work for those released on temporary licence (ROTL).

The hard work of leaders in addressing the concerns of the local population had paid off. There was now much more acceptance of prisoners being out in the community on litter picks, helping with gardening and maintenance jobs in nearby villages, and selling coffee and farm produce in shops outside the gate.

Inside the jail, prisoners worked in the extensive farms and gardens – contributing a proportion of the prison’s food – and maintained the extensive grounds and buildings, including as part of work parties gradually taking down the remaining high fences. Unlike in other jails, where many prisoners are underemployed as wing cleaners, there was an expectation that all the men were responsible for keeping the place clean.

Much was being done to counter the potential for men to become isolated and reduce the risk they would reoffend, with facilities and enrichment activities keeping them occupied. An excellent offender management unit was supporting men to address their offending and plan for the future and only 6% of prisoners released in the past year had been recalled. A specialist unit was being developed for those with neurodivergent needs.

A few concerns were identified, including the frustratingly long waits for assessments for ROTL and the trauma therapy service, but they were outweighed by the many examples of positive practice.

Strong leadership by an experienced governor and his highly capable deputy were making Haverigg one of the most impressive jails in the country. It is safe, decent and effective and I have no doubt that, with the current staff and leadership team, it will continue to flourish. I hope leaders from other prisons take the trouble to visit and learn from its many achievements.
Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

Notes to editors

  1. The inspection of Haverigg took place between 31 March – 10 April 2025.
  2. HMP Haverigg is a category D prison in Cumbria, holding nearly 500 men convicted of sexual offences. It was opened on the site of a former RAF station in 1967 and was re-categorised from its former category C status in 2019.
  3. The report, published on 15 July 2025, can be found on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website.
  4. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
  5. Please email media@hmiprisons.gov.uk if you would like more information.