News

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

The population of HMP/YOI Downview rose by 75% from lockdown measures in autumn 2020 to a peak in 2024, placing increasing pressure on the operation of the prison. In its 2023-2024 annual report published today (3 September 2024), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) highlight a number of concerns.

In its 2023-24 annual report published today (30 August 2024), the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Swaleside has found that difficulties in maintaining full staffing levels have impacted the prison’s ability to provide a consistent and engaging regime for prisoners. Healthcare is still reliant on agency staff to fill gaps, and there is no budget or staff for the resettlement function.

The 2023-24 annual report for HMP/YOI Standford Hill is now published.

The Gatwick Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) has found failings in safeguarding processes, which were identified in the Brook House Inquiry, that have still not been addressed. Together with failings in release processes, this has resulted in many vulnerable people being unnecessarily subjected to the harmful effects of immigration detention. Its 2023 annual report, published today (29 August 2024), also raises concerns about the use of ‘Operation Safeguard’, which has transferred men previously held in prisons under immigration powers to Immigration Removal Centres, in order to relieve current population pressures on prisons. This has meant that men with a higher risk profile were being detained alongside very vulnerable individuals, which had an impact on the safety of the centre.

The 2023-24 annual report for HMP/YOI Low Newton is now published.

In its 2023-24 annual report published on 23 August 2024, the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Oakwood has reported that prisoners continued to have major concerns about the food provided. The Board also highlighted the need for greater mental health support and continuing issues with prisoner property going missing.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Wandsworth today (22 August 2024) publishes its 2023-24 annual report. This was another very difficult year, with prison management again constrained by staff absence and hindered by underfunding and lack of support from the prison service. Acceptable levels of decency were not met and exercise, education and meaningful activities were curtailed. For much of the reporting year, men had to choose between exercise, showering, or other housekeeping during the brief periods each day when they were allowed out of their cells.

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

The 2023 annual report for HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay is now published.