Staff shortages curtail prisoner progression at HMP Erlestoke

Prison officer levels at HMP Erlestoke are around a third below target according to the 2025-2026 annual report of the prison’s Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), which is published today (21 August). While recruitment is generally effective, problems arise at vetting stage – reported as taking between 28 and 40 weeks – which consequently results in a number seeking alternative employment.

The Board highlights the impact of low staffing numbers:

• The curtailment of day-to-day activities.
• Prisoners being locked in their cells for long periods, especially over weekends.
• Heavily reduced key working sessions (one to one support with officers, vital for a prisoner’s progression).
• The inability to bring in valuable specialist resources to support a range of rehabilitative programmes, all of which need officer supervision.

The report also highlights the Board’s deep concern at the cuts made to the prison’s education provision, resulting in a 34 per cent loss of teaching hours. This is particularly concerning given the vital role education plays in equipping prisoners with the skills needed to lead positive and fulfilling lives after release. National statistics show that well over 50% of prisoners lack basic literacy and numeracy skills.

More positively, the Board recognises that:

• The number of self-harm incidents continues to fall and is the lowest it has been for the past six years.
• The new menu introduced at the start of the year, while not universally popular, has launched a healthier eating regime.

IMB Erlestoke Chair, Laura Bell, said:

“Our report asks the Prisons Minister to address urgently the issue of understaffing by improving the efficiency of the vetting process. Current low numbers have a highly detrimental effect on prisoners’ wellbeing and the likelihood of their successful rehabilitation. This also creates a pressurised working environment for officers who find themselves increasingly stretched.”

The full report is published on www.imb.org.uk

For further information please contact: IMBpress@justice.gov.uk