HMP Grendon working to rebuild a therapeutic culture

In its annual report for 2022, the IMB at Grendon reports a steady return to a normal regime after the pandemic, but that work still needs to be done to rebuild the therapeutic community ethos, which is the core purpose of the prison.

The Board notes:

• On some wings up to 50% of men and staff were unfamiliar with a normal therapeutic environment and some community culture had been lost.
• The slow progression to other prisons of men who had finished therapy, due to lack of transport or a suitable place elsewhere.

However, the Board also notes:

• 84% of men surveyed said that their experience at HMP Grendon made them less likely to offend.
• The number of men in education had improved by the year end.
• The return of social, family and children’s days.

IMB Grendon Chair, Christoff Lewis, said:

‘The work to restore a healthy community culture improved as the year progressed and there was a welcome return of family, social and children’s days after an absence of two years. For men who have finished therapy, too many were unable to move on due to transport issues and a lack of suitable spaces in other prisons.’