HMP Rye Hill continues to build a safer, more purposeful community through partnership and engagement

HMP Rye Hill has navigated significant expansion while continuing to prioritise maintaining safety, partnership working and purposeful activity. In its 2025–26 annual report, published on 14 August 2026, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Rye Hill has found that this privately-run establishment has maintained a safe and constructive environment, with extensive opportunities for prisoner engagement.

The IMB is pleased to report that:

• Incidents of violence and self-harm have continued to fall, and levels of illicit drug use remained exceptionally low. Prisoners generally report feeling safe within the establishment and community-led violence reduction initiatives continue to encourage positive behaviour.
• During the reporting year 500 enrichment activities were delivered to educate, inform and engage prisoners, reinforcing the prison’s strong community ethos.

However, the IMB notes that:

• There have been significant changes to healthcare provision over the past year, resulting in a number of challenges for prisoners. Key concerns have included changes to prisoners’ medication following their transfer to HMP Rye Hill and delays in escorting prisoners to hospital appointments.
• There remain serious concerns about men held on imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentences, which continue to contribute to frustration and poor mental health among those affected. The IMB has observed similar issues within the life-sentenced population, particularly where complex underlying needs appear not to have been fully addressed.

IMB Rye Hill Chair, Pete Griffiths, said:

“Despite significant expansion, HMP Rye Hill has continued to demonstrate what can be achieved when staff are committed to creating opportunities for prisoners to engage positively within the prison community.”