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Reports published 21 July

Published:

HMP Rochester

Type of inspection: independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 2–4 June 2025

Summary of findings
The appointment of a permanent governor early in 2025 seemed to have created more structure at Rochester, and the leadership team was beginning to work collectively to improve outcomes for prisoners. Progress had been made against two-thirds of the concerns raised by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 2024, with commendable efforts to reduce recorded levels of self-harm and violence, and to significantly improve living conditions.

Points to note: Substantial concerns persisted regarding the availability of drugs in the prison, as well as outcomes in the provision of health services. More needed to be done to improve education and training.

Read the report: Rochester IRP

Inspection of escort and removals to Nigeria and Ghana

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 24–25 April 2025

Summary of findings: Escorting staff were allocated to specific detainees and briefed on their backgrounds, allowing them to provide continuity of care. Force was only used where necessary, and restraints were removed when detainees were considered compliant. Although most detainees knew when they were scheduled to leave, they were unaware of other details, including where they would be landing, which made planning for arrival difficult.

Points to note: Women were searched appropriately, travelled on a separate coach and boarded the flight first. However, menstrual care products were not readily available, and their mobile phones were taken from them up to four hours before they were collected, limiting contact with family and legal representatives.

Read the report: Escort and removals to Nigeria and Ghana