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HMP Parc: serious decline in standards at previously high-performing prison

Published:

HMP Parc, which inspectors had previously judged to be one of the most successful prisons in England and Wales, had suffered a serious decline in standards, according to findings from an inspection in January. Failure to tackle an alarming ingress of drugs had led to a spate of tragic deaths at the prison. It had weathered two years of turbulence and intense public and political scrutiny which were further heightened by allegations about staff conduct, investigations and arrests.

The transition to a new management contract at the South Wales prison was at the root of many of its problems. At the same time, the longstanding and well-respected director had retired and other senior leaders had departed, and this had fundamentally destabilised the prison and left it unable to grip the problems it faced.

Inspectors found that although overall rates of violence had reduced in the large category C jail over the past year, violence remained high, which prisoners attributed to frustration with a lack of consistency in the daily regime, boredom, long periods locked up, the widespread availability of drugs and not having enough to eat. Fifty-seven per cent of prisoners said it was easy to get illicit drugs, with availability far higher on the main A and B wings than in the rest of the jail; there depressingly, 34% of prisoners said they had developed a drug or alcohol problem since they had arrived at the jail. Levels of self-harm remained high and had increased by 58% since the last inspection.

In June 2024 the arrival of a new director had begun to stabilise the leadership team, and improve the recruitment, retention and morale of officers. At the time of our inspection, there had been no drug-related or self-inflicted deaths since his arrival, but huge challenges remained. Far too many drugs were still getting into the prison and a failure to allocate prisoners to work, training or education meant many were stuck in their cells for up to 21 hours a day. Nevertheless, it was clear that Parc had begun to recover.

The staff team, which was used to being proud of the place at which they worked, had been through a very difficult time, but there were signs that things were beginning to turn around. Partnership working between prison leaders and the new education provider had begun to improve, as had the regime and practical release planning arrangements.

Inspectors left the jail with some assurance that Parc had begun to recover, morale was better, and pride was beginning to return. Practically, if G4S and the prison service are able to expedite the replacement of windows which are vulnerable to drone deliveries and to provide enhanced gate security, that will help to reduce supply of drugs. If the current director remains in place and he receives the support he needs from the provider and the prison service, then there can be optimism that the early signs of improvement at this important prison can begin to be consolidated and sustained.”
Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

Notes to editors

  1. This inspection of took place between 6 and 17 January 2025.
  2. HMP Parc is a category C resettlement prison holding convicted male adult and young offenders and convicted and remanded sexual offenders. The prison also has a small unit for children, which we inspect separately.
  3. The report, published on 23 April 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.