News

In its 2024-25 annual report, published on 27 August 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Oakwood has found that all transfers to secure mental health facilities exceeded the 28-day stipulated time frame. Although these prisoners are monitored on a weekly basis, the lack of available beds means that some prisoners remain in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) for extended periods where there is no provision or resource for enhanced mental health support.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP North Sea Camp is now published.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP The Mount is now published.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP Berwyn is now published.

The widely publicised shortage of prison spaces is having an impact on a local level at HMP Erlestoke says the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in its 2024-25 annual report (published 14 August 2025).

In its annual report, published 12 August 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Rochester notes that the prison has faced major challenges that have impacted on its ability to provide sufficient rehabilitative support and a decent environment for prisoners. These include unstable leadership, an urgent notification being issued by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, the merger of the prison with HMP Cookham Wood, and the need to accommodate a changing prison population.

HMP Rye Hill has shown what is possible when rehabilitation is placed at the heart of prison life. In its 2024–25 annual report, published on 8 August 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Rye Hill has found that this privately-run establishment is delivering exceptional safety outcomes, as well as developing successful prisoner-led initiatives and a sense of pride in the prison community.

The 2024-25 annual report for HMP Ranby is now published.

The 2024 annual report for HMP Humber is now published.

In its annual report for 2024 (published 5 August 2025), the Yarl’s Wood Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) notes that the centre has continued to face challenges, including an increased population of 40% since 2023. Levels of violence have remained on a par with 2023, attributable in part to the high proportion of foreign national offenders being detained there, at times over 50% of the male population. However, there was only one major incident during the year which the Board observed to be well managed, lessons having clearly been learned from the five major incidents that occurred in 2023.