Reports published 6 May

HMP Berwyn

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 27 January – 7 February 2025

Summary of findings: Drugs were too easily available, and levels of violence and self-harm were high. Too many prisoners did not have enough to occupy their time, with 25% unemployed and 27% in only part-time work or education. Although teaching was generally of a reasonable standard, attendance at education and training was too low. The variety of incentives to motivate prisoners and reward those who behaved was disappointing, but public protection arrangements and offender management had improved.

Points to note: The leadership of a new governor had injected energy, and successful efforts to improve retention and support new officers meant the prison was almost fully staffed. Living conditions across the prison were good.

Read the report: HMP Berwyn

Thames Valley courts

Type of inspection: full inspection

Dates of inspection: 3–15 March 2025

Summary of findings: Some facilities were poorly maintained, and accessibility for people with disabilities was not good enough. Better access to interpretation services was required, the range of food needed to be improved, and staff required more regular first aid training. Some detainees spent too long in custody and were not given enough help when they were released. Inspectors were told that progress to address concerns from the previous inspection was being hampered by a lack of funding and complicated contractual arrangements.

Points to note: Custody staff were skilled at defusing tense situations and detainees reported being well looked after.

Read the report: Thames Valley courts