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HMP Woodhill: Deeply concerning levels of violence, self-harm and drug use

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Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, has today published his full report on an inspection of Woodhill in March, which was so concerning that he invoked the Urgent Notification process, resulting in the prison being put into special measures.

The report reveals alarming and intractable problems at the category B jail, which is part of the long-term high secure estate. Levels of violence were very high and assaults on staff had increased since our last inspection. Prison data showed that a third of incidents involved the use of weapons. Many prisoners said they had felt unsafe, officers frequently lacked the competence and confidence to enforce basic rules, and antagonistic staff-prisoner relationships were at the heart of much of the poor behaviour and frustration.

Drugs were rife, with 41% of prisoners testing positive in random mandatory tests, and there had been three drug-related deaths in the last two years. Self-harm remained stubbornly high and there was little productive activity to engage prisoners, with a third locked up during the working day. Although a third of men were allocated to full-time activity, activity sessions were frequently cancelled and the quality of education and work on offer was not good enough.

Staff shortages were having a disastrous effect, with urgent hospital treatment for prisoners delayed. Staff members carrying unmanageable caseloads meant there were limited opportunities for prisoners to address their offending behaviour, and many high-risk men were leaving the jail without proper resettlement plans in place. Very few prisoners left Woodhill with employment.

A new governor had a clear understanding of the most pressing problems and was beginning to take action, but these developments were at an early stage and had yet to translate into better outcomes.

Woodhill is a prison that is a cause for deep concern. Despite some small indications of more stability since our last inspection, much of this following the recent appointment of a new and experienced governor, the fundamental issues that have affected it for many years remain unresolved. This is particularly troubling given Woodhill’s role as a category B training prison holding long-term and complex prisoners, all of whom should be engaged purposefully and supported to reduce their risk to the public. Substantial and sustained improvement is required, as well as meaningful support from senior leaders in HMPPS, if Woodhill is to function at an anywhere near acceptable standard.
Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons

Notes to editors

  • The inspection of HMP Woodhill took place between 2 and 12 March 2026. The letter announcing the Urgent Notification (UN) at HMP Woodhill and the debriefing paper were sent to the Secretary of State on 17 March 2026. The Chief Inspector of Prisons had previously issued Woodhill with a UN in 2023.
  • The Urgent Notification process was introduced in 2017 and is a means of raising immediate, urgent concerns following an inspection which requires a response and action plan from the Secretary of State within 28 days. Find out more about Urgent Notifications: Urgent Notifications and IRPs – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
  • Woodhill is situated in Milton Keynes and is a category B training prison within the long-term, high-security estate. It held 527 prisoners were held at the time of the inspection, about 90% of whom presented a high risk of harm to others, with most serving long custodial sentences.
  • 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.
  • Please email media@hmiprisons.gov.uk if you would like more information.