News

The 2024 annual report for the Charter Flight Monitoring Team is now published.

Women at HMP/YOI Downview who are acutely mentally unwell face lengthy delays when awaiting transfer to psychiatric units. In its 2024-25 annual report (published 3 September 2025), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) questioned the suitability of the prison environment for these vulnerable women. The Board found that over the past two reporting years there has been a 90% increase in acutely mentally unwell prisoners facing extended delays in transfers to secure psychiatric settings. The prison frequently has no alternative but to house these women in segregated conditions for their own and others’ safety.

In its 2024-25 annual report, published on 27 August 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Oakwood has found that all transfers to secure mental health facilities exceeded the 28-day stipulated time frame. Although these prisoners are monitored on a weekly basis, the lack of available beds means that some prisoners remain in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) for extended periods where there is no provision or resource for enhanced mental health support.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP North Sea Camp is now published.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP The Mount is now published.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP Berwyn is now published.

The widely publicised shortage of prison spaces is having an impact on a local level at HMP Erlestoke says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in its 2024-25 annual report (published 14 August 2025).

In its annual report, published 12 August 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Rochester notes that the prison has faced major challenges that have impacted on its ability to provide sufficient rehabilitative support and a decent environment for prisoners. These include unstable leadership, an urgent notification being issued by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, the merger of the prison with HMP Cookham Wood, and the need to accommodate a changing prison population.

HMP Rye Hill has shown what is possible when rehabilitation is placed at the heart of prison life. In its 2024–25 annual report, published on 8 August 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Rye Hill has found that this privately-run establishment is delivering exceptional safety outcomes, as well as developing successful prisoner-led initiatives and a sense of pride in the prison community.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP Ranby is now published.