Reports published 8 September
HMP Lewes
Type of inspection: full inspection
Dates of inspection: 9–19 June 2025
Summary of findings: Strong leadership, with successful staff recruitment, a more positive culture and good relationships between staff and prisoners, was driving improvement at the jail. Nevertheless, problems, including drug use, self-harm, a lack of visits slots, and the number of men being released homeless, needed further work. Although the number of prisoners attending education, skills and work activity had improved, it was still too low. The quality of teaching was not always good enough.
Points to note: A skilled team of prisoners was carrying out refurbishment and repairs across the prison, including in numerous cells which had been in a poor condition. This was helping to maintain good standards of decency and saving the prison considerable expense.
HMP Wormwood Scrubs
Type of inspection: full inspection
Dates of inspection: 9–19 June 2025
Summary of findings: The ingress of drugs was a major problem. The security team had made improvements to windows and netting, but the reception’s body scanner was not always used, gate security was inconsistent, and staff corruption was a concern.
The prison’s strict policy of separating prisoners by wing meant that many men could not attend the most suitable activities, and their access to visits and appointments was also disrupted. Time out of cell for many men was poor. Unemployed prisoners, who made up 39% of the population, got just 1.5 hours unlocked at best.
Points to note: Staff did not routinely wear or activate body-worn video cameras and governance of use of force was not rigorous enough. However, the prison was reasonably calm and ordered, and capable staff and middle managers meant the prison ran more effectively than similar jails.
Read the report: HMP Wormwood Scrubs