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Reports published 27 April

Published:

Reports published on HMP Wormwood Scrubs and HMP Pentonville.

HMP Wormwood Scrubs

Type of inspection: Independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 16–18 March 2026

Summary of findings: There was good work to reduce drug ingress and use, and the random positive testing rate had fallen substantially. Living conditions were also improving, although some progress was slow. The range of educational and vocational courses had improved, but there were still too few places and attendance remained low. The number of prisoners released homeless had risen despite better support from housing providers.

Points to note: The policy of not allowing prisoners from different wings to mix had continued, meaning that the regime for prisoners remained poor; around 40% were locked up during the working day.

Read the report: HMP Wormwood Scrubs

HMP Pentonville

Type of inspection: Independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 16–18 March 2026

Summary of findings: There had been clear progress in reception and first-night processes, sentence management, safety and staff–prisoner relationships. The revised safety strategy included two trained ‘floorwalkers’ providing daily wing presence, assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) assurance and staff coaching. Despite significant gaps in ACCT quality, there was reasonable progress in care for those at risk of suicide and self-harm, alongside strengthened offender management capability, improved staff capacity and training. However, key work remained poor.

Points to note: Too many men were locked up for long periods, with a sizeable cohort still lacking allocated activity and unlock times too short to complete essential tasks. More positively, decorative murals improved the environment, and third sector organisations supported constructive opportunities for prisoners through a training kitchen.

Read the report: HMP Pentonville