Officer shortages and inexperienced staff remain a major issue at HMP Bullingdon

Prison officer shortages and an increase in the proportion of inexperienced staff remain key concerns for the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Bullingdon. The lack of available officers is limiting the regime on offer, and this is impacting progression and resettlement opportunities for prisoners.

In its 2022-23 annual report, the Board notes that:

• Prison officer shortages have led to a significant shortfall in the delivery of key work, with an average of only 200 out of the target 670 hours per week being achieved.
• The prison continues to be chronically overcrowded, with increasing numbers having to share cells designed for single occupancy.
• It is difficult for the increasing number of prisoners on remand, or serving short sentences, to engage with meaningful education or work programmes, limiting their chances of successful resettlement after release.

The IMB Acting Chair at Bullingdon, Lucy Perry, said:

“Various initiatives have been tried but failed to improve retention and training of staff who have limited experience. The Board is urging the Minister to explore other measures to alleviate this staffing crisis that has such a negative impact on prisoners. An urgent review is also needed into the implications of overcrowding and of concentrating a high proportion of short-stay prisoners in one prison.”