Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on imb.org.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

News

Filter news by topic.

356 articles

Dovegate 2021-22 annual report published

The 2021-22 annual report for HMP Dovegate is now published.

Werrington 2021-22 annual report published

The 2021-22 annual report for HMP/YOI Werrington is now published.

Bristol 2021-22 annual report published

The 2021-22 annual report for HMP Bristol is now published.

Ashfield 2021-22 annual report published

The 2021-22 annual report for HMP Ashfield is now published.

Staff shortages result in inhumane treatment of prisoners at HMP Dartmoor

The impact of staff shortages, uncertainty over the prison’s future, and a slow recovery from Covid restrictions, have made the past year a challenging one at HMP Dartmoor, says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in its annual report for 2021/22. Staff shortages affected outcomes for prisoners in key areas The length of time that prisoners were locked up in their cells, and the reduced access to activities and education, family communications, showers and association were considered by the Board to be neither fair nor humane.

Bronzefield 2021-22 annual report published

The 2021-22 annual report for HMP/YOI Bronzefield is now published.

Publication of ministerial responses

The following ministerial responses to annual reports are now available to view: Birmingham, Coldingley, Downview, Portland, Preston, Stocken, Stoke Heath, Swinfen Hall

Hatfield 2021-22 annual report published

Grave concerns at HMP Pentonville – IMB writes to Dominic Raab

On 12 December 2022, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB)  wrote to Dominic Raab expressing their grave concerns about the increasing numbers of prisoners being sent to Pentonville by the local courts in response to the increasing Operational Capacity (OpCap) sanctioned by HMPPS.  When Pentonville was designed in 1842 the OpCap (or then equivalent) was 520. The current OpCap is 1155, and this is due to rise to 1170 over the next few weeks, with a plan ultimately to increase it to 1205. This poses a serious risk to safety, security, the proper running of the planned regime and effective rehabilitation.

Despite high levels of violence and unmet mental health needs, HMP Bedford is showing improvement