News

The 2025-26 annual report for HMP Five Wells is now published.

In its 2025-26 annual report published today (8 September 2026), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP/YOI Rochester notes that the arrival and management of an older cohort of prisoners, those convicted of sexual offences, initially placed considerable strain on the prison. This increased pressure on staff, facilities and healthcare services, although as the year progressed, the Board observed the prison adapting well. While levels of violence were low amongst this group, the Board highlights the challenges related to continuing violence amongst the rest of the population, often driven by the illicit economy and drug‑related debt.  

The 2025-26 annual report for HMP/YOI Styal is now published.

Cookham Wood re-rolled as an adult male category C prison in August 2024 following closure of the YOI in May 2024. An Urgent Notification issued to HMYOI Cookham Wood in April 2023 raised two important issues - the poor physical condition of the estate and a demoralised staff group. The prison’s Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) says in its 2024-2025 annual report, published today (4 September), that these issues have continued to impact the running of HMP Cookham Wood as an adult prison.

HMP Millsike is a privately run Mitie Care and Custody prison that opened in April 2025.

The Gatwick Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) found yet again in its 2025 annual report (published 2 September 2026) that key safeguards are inadequate to prevent vulnerable people from being detained or, once identified, to secure their rapid release. This has been compounded by the implementation of ‘Operation Hillmore,’ a pilot ‘one in one out’ scheme under which individuals crossing the channel are detained for removal to France.

The 2025-26 annual report for North West and Midlands STHF is now published.

The 2025-26 annual report for HMP/YOI Thorn cross is now published.

It’s the elephant in the room: overcrowding and inadequate investment in ageing buildings mean prisoners remain incarcerated in unacceptable conditions no matter what positive initiatives prison leaders develop, says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Pentonville in its 2025-26 annual report, published on 26 August 2026.