Reports published 29 August 2023

HMP North Sea Camp

Type of inspection: Full unannounced inspection

Dates of inspection: 22 May – 2 June 2023

Summary of findings: A small open prison in Lincolnshire, North Sea Camp held just under 300 adult prisoners at the time of inspection, almost half of whom had been convicted of sexual offences. Despite some challenges caused by this, it remained a very safe prison with good relationships between staff and prisoners. Nearly all prisoners were engaged in work or education, and absconds and failures from temporary release were rare. The prison’s facilities were, however, in need of updating and cells were cramped: 90% of those housed on the main site were living in very small double cells with no space for a table or chair.

Points to note: Inspectors identified two public protection issues that required immediate action by the prison. Both concerned prisoners subject to public protection measures forbidding contact with certain vulnerable groups, who had been given access to them within the prison.

Read the report: HMP North Sea Camp

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HMP Leeds

Type of inspection: Independent review of progress

Dates of review: 18–20 July 2023

Summary of findings: HMP Leeds is an overcrowded inner city Victorian reception prison with around 80% of prisoners sharing cells designed for one. Despite the level of overcrowding, cells were in reasonable condition. The inspection in 2022 raised serious concerns about the numbers of prisoners taking their own lives, and, despite making progress in many other areas, leaders had failed to address this vital issue: seven prisoners had taken their own lives since our inspection just 13 months ago, and Leeds now had the second highest rate of self-inflicted deaths of any prison in England and Wales. The prison had improved in other areas, including the quality of workshops, and it had developed careers information, advice and guidance. However prisoners continued to be unlocked in small bubbles, a hangover from COVID-19, meaning too few actually took part in education or work.

Points to note: About 40% of prisoners were on remand. Support for remand prisoners’ resettlement needs had improved and they now had access to a range of services, including finance, benefits and debt advice.

Read the report: HMP Leeds