Restricted regimes, rising self-harm and reduced education among concerns at HMP Send

In its annual report for 2025-26, published today (7 October 2026), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Send says that, while management and staff make a great effort to try and ensure the safety of prisoners, the Board has observed some worrying trends:

• Self-harm incidents increased by approximately 12%, continuing the upwards trend seen in the previous year when incidents rose by 20%.
• Prisoners were more frequently segregated, for disciplinary reasons or for their own protection.
• The availability of drugs in the prison is reported to have increased, and is thought to be the principal reason for the increase in the segregation of prisoners.

The Board highlights concerns that:  

• Ongoing staff shortages have led to restrictions to the regime and increased periods of confinement in cells.
• A significant reduction in education provision since October 2025 has resulted in a number of education and vocational courses ending, and fewer prisoners accessing education.
• The mishandling and loss of prisoners’ property during transfers between prisons generated more applications to the Board than any other issue.

More positively, the Board reports that:

• Prisoners are generally observed to be treated with respect and compassion.
• There has been a sustained improvement in the prison’s handling of prisoners’ complaints of discrimination and increased prisoner confidence in the process.
• Prisoners appear to be generally more satisfied with access to the healthcare provision.

IMB Send Chair, Philippa Helme, said:

“Against a backdrop of rising self-harm and increasing volatility, a recurrent concern this year has been the frequent restrictions to the prison’s regime, or daily schedule of activities, caused by staff shortages. As a result, prisoners have spent more time locked up in their cells, while access to work, education, association, and facilities such as the gym has often been limited, with activities sometimes cancelled at short notice. This is frustrating for both prisoners and staff, and has a significant impact on prisoners’ wellbeing, rehabilitation and opportunities for development.”