Reports published 9 December
Reports on inspections of HMP Five Wells and HMYOI Wetherby
HMP Five Wells
Type of inspection: independent review of progress
Dates of inspection: 4–6 November 2024
Summary of findings: HMP Five Wells opened in 2022 and a number of leadership changes since then had created some instability in the jail. However, at this review visit we found the new director was providing clear direction and oversight, staff had gained in confidence and key work with prisoners had improved. More prisoners were now engaged in purposeful activity and the incentives policy had been redesigned to better reward positive behaviour. Despite this, self-harm had increased and remained the highest of all similar prisons. Not enough was being done to address violence or bullying.
Points to note: Some prisoners did not always receive their medication or attend hospital when necessary. The impact of the integration of prisoners convicted of sexual offences remained a cause of anxiety for some prisoners.
Read the report: Five Wells
HMYOI Wetherby
Type of inspection: independent review of progress
Dates of inspection: 22 October – 6 November 2024
Summary of findings: Progress at Wetherby, the largest young offender institution in the country, had been slow, and violence, disorder and self-harm had been rising. However, a new governor had begun to improve the regime for the boys held and much-needed refurbishment of residential units was underway. Oversight, including of strip-searching, had improved. More needed to be done to deliver better quality education and meaningful interactions with children, and to improve the regime for children separated from their peers.
Points to note: Although there were no girls at Wetherby at the time of our visit, they could still be held at the YOI as a last resort, which made it challenging for leaders to plan effectively.
Read the report: Wetherby