News

In September, a very concerning inspection of HMP Rochester led Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, to write to the Secretary of State to invoke the first Urgent Notification for improvement at a category C prison. Today, the full report from that inspection further outlines the dilapidated accommodation, rising violence and self-harm, widespread illicit drug use, and the lack of purposeful activity or risk reduction work inside the jail.

HMP Garth, part of the long-term and high security estate, is facing major security issues from the ingress of drugs and a breakdown in safety and security, with around a 45% increase in violence and many prisoners needing protection because of drug-related debt.

Reports on inspections of HMP/YOI Drake Hall and HMP/YOI Hatfield.

Inspector Jonathan Tickner reveals how our recent inspection of Drake Hall in Staffordshire was a reminder of the good work that can still be achieved with women in prison, despite the current challenges in the system.

Winchester prison had deteriorated to such an extent that the Inspectorate of Prisons has issued an Urgent Notification, with prisoner safety at the local and resettlement jail seriously undermined by very high levels of violence, self-harm and drug use, and some very poor accommodation standards.

Inspectors returning to HMP Bedford found tentative progress, following a shocking inspection in 2023 which led the Chief Inspector to invoke the Urgent Notification protocol for the second time at the prison. However, they warned there was still much more to do to break its long cycle of poor inspection reports.

Report on an inspection of short-term holding facilities at Western Jet Foil, Manston and Kent Intake Unit

Report on an inspection of HMP The Verne

The notorious Manchester prison has become the latest jail to receive an urgent notification for improvement after inspectors found standards had “collapsed” with filthy wings, an infestation of vermin including rats, and catastrophic levels of illicit drugs linked to organised crime with very high rates of violence.

Speech given by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons to the Prison Governors' Association conference on 8 October 2024.