HMP Usk and Prescoed providing positive opportunities for prisoners

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Usk and Prescoed has published its 2023-24 annual report today, 6 September 2024. The report details findings of members’ regular monitoring visits to the prisons. The Board considers both HMP Usk and HMP Prescoed to be well managed prisons, with the regimes designed to prepare prisoners for safe release and successful resettlement into the community.

The IMB is pleased to note that:

• Prisoners report that they feel safe at both prisons and incidents of assaults, bullying and self-harm were consistently low across the reporting year.  
• Time out of cell and outdoor activity was maximised, with prisoners in HMP Usk having 10 hours out of cell during the week.
• HMP Prescoed continued to offer work placements and a range of training opportunities, such as in the catering and construction industries.
• A refurbishment programme during the reporting year had a positive impact on prisoners’ living conditions in HMP Usk.

However, the Board also notes:

• There were increasing numbers of elderly and disabled prisoners, who needed ongoing additional health and social care support. This was difficult to manage given the configuration of the estate and staffing levels. The Board is fully supportive of plans to provide a dedicated unit for this cohort of prisoners in HMP Prescoed.
• It has concerns regarding access to probation services. Whilst the Board recognises this is a national issue, this caused delays for prisoners getting release on temporary licence approved, which can impact their employment opportunities and chances of successful resettlement into the community.

IMB HMP Usk and Prescoed Chair, Andrew Walsh, said:

“The Board considers both prisons to be well managed by the Senior Management Team, with strong leadership by the Governor. Any concerns raised as a result of members’ monitoring visits are responded to and acted upon, if it is appropriate to do so.

Our members observed positive, productive relationships between staff and prisoners during monitoring visits. Whilst HMP Usk is a Victorian prison, with two prisoners living in cells originally designed for one, which is far from ideal, the maximised time out of cell and recent cell refurbishments have been appreciated by prisoners.

Generally, prisoners speak positively about their experience in both prisons to IMB members, especially regarding opportunities for education and work placements. We hope to see this continue in the next reporting year.”