A positive culture of rehabilitation at HMP Haverigg

In its 2023-24 annual report published on 2 April 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Haverigg has found that assaults and levels of violence are low, as are reports of illicit items within the prison. The IMB highlights the fact that a positive culture, which aims to involve prisoners’ families, encourages personal development and responsibility, and provides prisoners with plenty of opportunities to progress towards successful release and resettlement.

The IMB is pleased to report that:

• The quality of local service in areas such as food and kitchens, healthcare, resettlement planning, education and vocational training are, in the Board’s opinion, of a good standard.
• With few exceptions, almost 100% of prisoners were housed on their first night of release from custody.
• It is evident to the Board that prison staff made every effort to support prisoners maintain family contact, with open days held in June and September. Such days can have a marked impact on successful progression and resettlement.

However, it also notes that:

• Given the age of the site, despite local efforts to make improvements there are ongoing issues with the standards and structural integrity of accommodation blocks that need regular attention and investment.
• There is an increasing number of frail and elderly prisoners at Haverigg, many of whom have complex physical, mental and social healthcare needs that a prison environment struggles to meet.

IMB Haverigg Chair said:

“I and all Board members are really encouraged by what we have found during our monitoring throughout the reporting year. As with many prisons, Haverigg is not without its problems and challenges, but we believe there is a strong and positive culture in place where prisoners have plenty of opportunities to develop and make progress towards successful release and rehabilitation. From what we have seen, we hope the public is reassured that HMP Haverigg is a place where prisoners are safe, they are treated fairly and humanely by officers and staff, and there is a strong focus on reducing the risk of reoffending.”