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© Copyright, Independent Monitoring Boards 2025.

Staffing levels at HMP/YOI Winchester have a negative impact on prisoner welfare and progression

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HMP/YOI Winchester

In its 2024-25 report, published today (17 September 2025), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP/YOI Winchester expresses concern about the ongoing challenges the prison faces. The following are among the Board’s key findings:

  • Staffing levels are frequently under pressure. The disruption to the regime through staff shortages has a direct impact on prisoner welfare and progression. It can also raise tensions within the prison, contribute to increased violence and exacerbate mental health issues.
  • Limited attendance at activities and education – the importance of prisoners getting sufficient time out of cell to pursue organised activities, work and education cannot be overstated. Winchester has fallen below OFSTED expectations in 2024-25 as a result of over-stretched staff and prisoners not being allocated to or refusing to attend activities or education because they are on remand.
  • Ingress of illicit items – Winchester has experienced an increase in finds of illicit substances during the reporting period. More powerful artificial opioids and cannabinoids, and the use of concealable mini phones and drones, all increase the pressure placed on security. The supply of illicit substances in this prison plays a part in increased violence, prisoner poor health and recidivism.                                                                  

However, the Board also notes that:

  • Following HMP Winchester being placed under ‘urgent notification’ by the Chief Inspector of the prison inspectorate in autumn 2024, staff at every level remain responsive and adaptive in pursuit of the improvement of conditions and outcomes for prisoners.
  • The creation of a specialised landing for neurodivergent prisoners has benefited many of those living on it, with staff reporting a reduction in violence and an increase in engagement in purposeful activity.

Acting Chair of the IMB at HMP/YOI Winchester, Murray Weston, says:

“HMP Winchester, like so many ageing, over-crowded local prisons in England, faces severe and long-standing challenges, but staff are responding positively to improve conditions and outcomes for prisoners.

However, the Board remains concerned about the low number of prisoners accessing appropriate education and activities. Following recent news that the education budget is facing a cut of 7.5%, and the locally commissioned education services a cut of 20%, this is a further challenge to obtaining improvement.”