Foston Hall women’s prison faces escalating challenges amidst high prisoner turnover

In its 2023-24 annual report, published on 04 April 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP/YOI Foston Hall has found that the high turnover of short stay prisoners has resulted in more drugs and illicit items entering the prison. The turnover has also severely limited the prison’s ability to rehabilitate and reduce reoffending, as short sentences make it impossible for prisoners to take full advantage of opportunities such as education, work, progression or release planning.

The IMB notes that:

• There has been a significant rise in the number of prisoners on remand, short sentences and recalled for 14 days. The consequent increase in drugs and illicit items coming into the prison meant that some prisoners got into debt and were subject to bullying. Prisoner on prisoner violence has increased.
• There was a high level of mental health need; with resources directed towards the most severely unwell, this left little support for those who experienced lower-level depression and anxiety.
• Too many prisoners with complex mental health needs remained in prison longer than they should because of delayed transfers to secure hospitals.
• Ongoing problems with practical matters, including access to property and broken washing machines or dryers, caused distress and frustration and had a considerable negative impact on prisoners.

However, the Board is also pleased to report that:

• Managers and staff have worked hard to provide a supportive environment for the prisoners held at Foston Hall. The Board has observed strong leadership and teamwork in managing highly complex prisoners, and the number of self-harm incidents has decreased significantly in this reporting year.
• The incentivised substance-free living wing has been a very successful initiative.
• There has been a firm commitment to providing a full regime. During periods of staff pressure, priority has been given to maintaining work and education. The Board observed considerable efforts being made to make the education environment welcoming and inclusive.
• The Board has observed good management of the healthcare service, with improvements in the way prisoners’ social care needs were met. There were more efficient arrangements for the provision of carers, and aids to daily living can now be provided quickly from an equipment storeroom inside the prison.

IMB Foston Hall Chair, Julia Jackson, said:

“Staff at Foston Hall have worked hard to ensure the safety and wellbeing of prisoners. But the turnover, with around 100 new arrivals each month, has caused real problems. It means there were more opportunities for prisoners to bring drugs and illicit items into the prison, which can lead to debt, bullying and even violence between prisoners. Short sentences mean there’s not enough time for the prison to do much in the way of rehabilitation, or to work with prisoners on release planning – it’s not surprising we see the same people coming back into Foston Hall on a regular basis.”