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Reports published 1 September

Published:

Reports published on HMP Kirkham, Brook House Immigration Removal Centre and court custody facilities in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Northamptonshire.

Brook House Immigration Removal Centre

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 29 – 31 July 2025

Summary of findings: Investment in the number and capability of staff had paid dividends; and detainees were positive about the way they were treated. Investment in redecoration and refurbishment was evident, with improvements to the library particularly striking, although the Centre still resembled a prison. Progress had been made in tackling the ingress of drugs; and levels of violence – although still too high – had stabilised.

Points to note: Despite some commendable progress since the inspection in July 2024, more needed to be done in areas including support for vulnerable detainees and the routine use of handcuffing for external escorts.

Read the report: Brook House IRC

HMP Kirkham

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 28– 30 July 2025

Summary of findings: Although leaders had taken vital steps to improve the drug strategy, it was yet to have an impact. The proportion of positive random mandatory drug tests had increased since the last inspection, to an average of 34% over the past six months, with recent monthly results of well over 40%.

Accommodation continued to be poor, but there had been reasonable progress in improving prisoners’ access to good-quality work opportunities. The range of enrichment activities had also got better, as had gym provision.

Points to note: The restructured multidisciplinary employment hub provided good support to prisoners on release on temporary licence and to those departing the jail. This included help with job applications and communicating with employers.

Read the report: HMP Kirkham

Court custody facilities in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Northamptonshire

Dates of inspection: 23 June – 5 July 2025

Summary of findings: Significant progress had been made, with over 90% of previous recommendations either fully or partially achieved. Custody staff were compassionate, demonstrated strong de-escalation skills, and rarely used force.

However, too many detainees were held in custody for too long, cells in some court custody facilities were in very poor condition, with graffiti and potential ligature points, and some older facilities were cramped and lacked private spaces for interviews.

Points to note: Systemic issues beyond the immediate control of custody staff meant mentally unwell detainees waited too long for Mental Health Act assessments and diversion to specialist care and treatment. Rushed release arrangements with insufficient questions failed to identify if detainees were homeless, suffered with addiction, or had the adequate funds to travel home.

Read the report: Court custody facilities in Lincolnshire, Leicestershire & Rutland and Northamptonshire