Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

© Crown copyright

Reports published 8 December

Published:

Reports published on HMP & YOI Doncaster and HMP Guys Marsh.

HMP & YOI Doncaster

Type of inspection: Full inspection

Dates of inspection: 8–18 September 2025

Summary of findings: Committed leadership and dedicated staff were driving progress at Doncaster. Nonetheless, the prison had problems to address including overcrowding, a lack of care for prisoners who might self-harm, insufficient places in education, skills and work, and inadequate oversight of some areas of health care. The number of prisoners without somewhere to live when released was also a concern.

Points to note: Among the many laudable initiatives at the prison were the appointment of a former drug user as the drug and alcohol recovery specialist to strengthen demand reduction, and a range of opportunities to help fathers bond with their children.

Read the report: Doncaster

HMP Guys Marsh

Type of inspection: Independent review of progress

Dates of inspection: 3-5 November 2025

Summary of findings: The governor had worked hard to improve standards across the prison. Violence had reduced, the regime was more consistent and staff-prisoner relationships were better. Despite a revised drug strategy, new testing arrangements and peer-led recovery initiatives, illicit drugs continued to pose a serious threat to the safety and stability of the jail.

Points to note: Although attendance in education, skills and work remained too low overall, it had improved, and leaders had eliminated waiting lists for English and Mathematics. Workshops now provided unaccredited qualifications tailored to prison job roles, significantly improving employability, with bespoke, structured training in areas such as TV repair and electrical assembly.

Read the report: Guys Marsh