Concerns raised about purposeful activity and time out of cell at HMP Peterborough

HMP Peterborough is made up of two separate establishments, one for women and one for men, that share the same staff and management. In its latest annual reports (published 7 November 2024), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at the prison expresses concern about the lack of time out of cell as a result of national prison population pressures, local staff shortages and management changes. The quality of available purposeful activity is also a concern.

Peterborough IMB further notes that:

• As well as planned restrictions of regime, exercise and time out of cell was too often curtailed at short notice. This led to prisoners’ morale suffering.
• Prisoners with severe mental health issues are still being kept in prison where treatment options are much more limited; and courts are still sending individuals to the prison as a ‘place-of-safety’, despite prisons being ill-equipped to support their needs.
• The prison and NHS healthcare unit have been unable to resolve basic issues around the prompt and safe issue of medication. This often has a knock-on effect on the rest of the regime.

However, the Board is pleased to report that:

• Strong support was seen being given to prisoners who intentionally injure themselves. The most prolific self-harmers received particularly good care.
• In the Board’s view, violence was fairly managed by prison staff. 

IMB Peterborough Chair, Steve Boast, said:

“As well as being humane, a dependable regime with clear boundaries on both sides provides a foundation for rehabilitation. The lack of time out of cell was frustrating for even the most engaged of prisoners.

Generally, relationships between staff and prisoners were observed to be good, if strained by the lack of regime. The Board particularly commends the front-line officers who have professionally managed prisoners on a day-to-day basis, despite identified challenges.”