Reports published 8 January 2024

HMP/YOI East Sutton Park

Type of inspection: Full unannounced inspection

Dates of review: 25 September – 5 October 2023

Summary of findings: East Sutton Park is an open prison, holding just under 100 women. The prison was overwhelmingly safe and respectful, and the well-being of women was prioritised. However, much of the work to promote equality and diversity had stalled, and inspectors found that women needed further support to develop a fuller understanding of important values, such as respect, tolerance, and equality. 

Points to note:  The prison used Release On Temporary Licence effectively, which contributed to 60% of the women released into paid employment still being in work six months later. 

Read the report: HMP/YOI East Sutton Park

---

HMP Dovegate

Type of inspection: Full unannounced inspection

Dates of inspection: 18 September – 5 October 2023

Summary of findings: Dovegate is a privately-run category B training prison. The prison has substantial remand and long-term populations, and was performing better than others prisons with this population, with particularly good relationships between staff and prisoners.

The jail was, however failing to fulfil its role as a training prison, which was particularly disappointing because education provision was run directly by Serco, so there were none of the issues with managing education contracts often found in other prisons. While most of the long-term population was in work or education, many jobs were on the wings where prisoners were underemployed and spent much of their time with not enough to do. Boredom fuelled increased levels of violence and drug use.

Points to note:  The therapeutic community continued to be a thriving and innovative provision, supporting prisoners with complex needs and behaviour. This included some impressive work with prisoners who had learning difficulties.

Read the report: HMP Dovegate