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Reports published 19 May

Published:

Reports published on HMP Belmarsh and HMP Ranby.

HMP Belmarsh

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 7–9 April 2025

Summary of findings: Good or reasonable progress had been made on many of the concerns raised at the full inspection in June 2024. Cleanliness had improved, more prisoners were undertaking purposeful activity, and the quality of teaching in education and training activity was better. Although there was more to do, leaders at all levels were committed to improving outcomes for prisoners and had a clear vision for the future.

Points to note: Leaders reviewed the care plans of prisoners in crisis in a weekly multi-agency meeting and made sure extra action was taken to help them.

Read the report: HMP Belmarsh

HMP Ranby

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 10-20 February 2025

Summary of findings: Many of the buildings were dilapidated and dirty and cells lacked basic furniture. Prisoners found it difficult to get basic items, such as bedding, cleaning materials and prison issue clothing. Leaders had yet to make progress against longstanding deficiencies in health care and too few prisoners attended education, skills and work, particularly in industries workshops. Offender managers and key workers needed to do more to help prisoners progress through their sentence. Outcomes for prisoners varied significantly between different wings.

Points to note: Drugs were a major concern, with the positive mandatory drug testing rate 23% over the past year. Of prisoners surveyed, 61% said it was easy to get hold of illicit drugs and 24% said they had developed a drug or alcohol problem since being at Ranby, with this rising to 38% on houseblocks one, two and three.

Read the report: HMP Ranby