News

The Independent Monitoring Board’s (IMB) annual report covers the period between 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024. Throughout the annual reporting period IMB members who are highly trained volunteers visit the prison through a high level of frequent visits observing and monitoring main aspects within the prison: safety, fair and humane treatment, health and wellbeing, progression and release.

In its 2023-24 annual report, published on 04 April 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP/YOI Foston Hall has found that the high turnover of short stay prisoners has resulted in more drugs and illicit items entering the prison. The turnover has also severely limited the prison’s ability to rehabilitate and reduce reoffending, as short sentences make it impossible for prisoners to take full advantage of opportunities such as education, work, progression or release planning.

In its 2023-24 annual report published on 2 April 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Haverigg has found that assaults and levels of violence are low, as are reports of illicit items within the prison. The IMB highlights the fact that a positive culture, which aims to involve prisoners’ families, encourages personal development and responsibility, and provides prisoners with plenty of opportunities to progress towards successful release and resettlement.

The 2023-24 annual report for HMP Forest Bank is now published.

In its 2023-24 annual report published on 21 March 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Eastwood Park raises urgent concerns about the number and severity of self-harm incidents during the reporting year. The Board also highlights the impact this has had on staff availability, and the resulting poor outcomes for prisoners due to restricted regimes.

The 2023-24 annual report for HMP Wayland is now published.

The 2023 annual report for Dungavel House IRC is now published.

The 2023-24 annual report for HMP Dovegate is now published.

The 2023-24 annual report for HMP Maidstone is now published.

In its 2023-24 annual report, published on 25 February 2025, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Ford has found that the prison continued to deliver on its resettlement objective. However, this is in spite of the worsening condition of the building infrastructure and the “patch up” approach taken by the prison due to the lack of funding or proper strategy with long-term solutions.