Reports published 23 January 2023
Reports on unannounced inspections of HMP Maidstone and HMP Wealstun
HMP Maidstone
Type of inspection: full inspection
Dates of inspection: 3-14 October 2022
Summary of findings: Translation services were woefully underused at a prison designated to hold foreign national offenders, meaning that prisoners with little to no English were not supported. Although time out of cell was better than we have seen elsewhere, education and work provision was inadequate.
Points to note: Although high standards of cleanliness were maintained, some parts of the jail were barely fit for purpose.
Read the report: HMP Maidstone
HMP Wealstun
Type of inspection: full inspection
Dates of inspection: 3-14 October 2022
Summary of findings: The prison was safer than at the last inspection, but self-harm and use of force remained high. Time out of cell was poor, with prisoners locked up for 23 hours a day at the weekend.
Points to note: The dedicated and knowledgeable governor, who had led Wealstun for seven years, provided a welcome energy and stability to the jail.
Read the report: HMP Wealstun