IMB reports a year of change and innovation at Cumbrian prison

HMP Haverigg handled the challenges of the pandemic effectively and compassionately, while environmental improvements continued throughout the year. The prison also saw the introduction of resident support assistants which provide a strong network of support for prisoners with disabilities and prisoner and staff relationships continued to strengthen, with members of the Board routinely observing constructive interactions.

The HMP Haverigg IMB 2020-21 annual report concluded that:

• despite the prison facing continuing difficulty recruiting to key posts, every effort was being made to provide prisoners with the support, skills, and experience for them to progress towards successful resettlement

• prisoners’ health and wellbeing needs were met and arrangements made to enable continuity of care following release from prison

• the opportunity for a wide variety of work placements, both in the prison and within the community (including both business and industrial settings), placed prisoners in a good position to gain employment after leaving prison.

However, the Board noted the following:

• an ongoing problem relating to the loss of prisoners’ property when transferring between prisons, with the Board having little confidence that priority is being given to resolving this long-standing national issue.

• the plight of up to 30% of prisoners at Haverigg who are serving an indeterminate sentence for public protection, even though it was abolished in 2012, is a major concern.

IMB Haverigg Chair, Lynne Chambers, said “It is pleasing to observe the progress that has been made with improvements in residential areas and investment in upgrading the fabric of the kitchen building ensuring that problems with electrical breakdown and equipment failure were finally addressed.”