Progress continues to be made despite systemic challenges, says Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Chelmsford

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Chelmsford has today (27 January 2026) published its 2024-25 annual report. Chelmsford is one of the oldest prisons in England and 2025 saw its 200th anniversary. Much of the original Victorian structure is still in use today and the aging infrastructure is one of the consistent challenges to the efficient running of the establishment.

The Board also noted the following challenges:

• Overcrowding continued, with cells designed for one person routinely used to accommodate two, with damaging consequences for decency, safety and living conditions of prisoners. The Board is clear that tackling overcrowding must be the single highest priority for the Minister of State for Prisons.
• Systemic pressures on mental health services. Many prisoners arrived with severe and complex needs but cannot be transferred to appropriate secure hospital settings due to a national shortage of specialist beds. This creates blockages within the healthcare unit and places sustained strain on both prisoners and healthcare staff.
• That although levels of self-harm fell compared with the previous year, the overall number of incidents – 884 – remained high.

However, the Board are pleased to report that:

• The level of violent incidents fell for the third consecutive year. The Board judges HMP Chelmsford is a safe place for most prisoners, most of the time.
• The introduction of Launchpad, a secure in-prison digital system that lets prisoners manage daily tasks through controlled computer laptops, has been of enormous benefit to prisoners, with every prisoner the Board spoke to stating that it had made a positive impact on their lives.
• The work of the Governor, Deputy Governor and senior management team in maintaining and building on improvements made since the prison was placed under Urgent Notification in August 2021 continued.

Andy Taylor, Co-Chair of the IMB at HMP Chelmsford, said:

“The Board wishes to address the erroneous release of Mr Hadush Kebutu, on Friday 24 October 2025. This incident occurred outside the reporting period of the latest annual report, which ended on 31 August 2025, and is not covered or examined within it. The Board understands that release protocols have since been strengthened across the prison estate, with HMP Chelmsford playing a role in helping to draft and implement the revised procedures.

The Board recognises the challenges facing HMP Chelmsford and acknowledges the sustained efforts of staff and management to improve safety and outcomes for prisoners, despite significant systemic pressures.”