Tag: HMP Swaleside
An estimated 50% of prisoners using illicit substances at HMP Swaleside
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Swaleside has raised concerns about high levels of violence and the widespread availability of illicit substances in its 2024-25 annual report (published 14 October 2025). The Board reports that a significant proportion of prison officers have less than one year’s experience, which has adversely affected staff-prisoner relationships and undermined the stability of the prison regime.
Swaleside 2024-25 annual report
Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Swaleside for reporting year 1 May 2024 – 30 April 2025.
Swaleside 2023-24 annual report – ministerial response
Letter from Lord James Timpson MP, Minister of State for Justice, in response to the Swaleside 2023-24 annual report.
Staffing pressures impact prisoners daily at HMP Swaleside
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.
Swaleside 2023-24 annual report
Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Swaleside for reporting year 1 May 2023 – 30 April 2024.
Swaleside 2022-23 annual report – ministerial response
Letter from Damian Hinds MP, Minister of State for Justice, in response to the Swaleside 2022-23 annual report.
Improving and worthwhile regime despite staff shortages
Efforts to improve regime restrictions caused by unprecedented staff shortages have been welcomed by the Swaleside Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) in its 2022-23 annual report. By reducing the prisoner population through relocation and utilising detached duty officers from other prisons, the leadership team have managed to ease pressures. As a result, prisoners now have increased time out of cell and access to work, education and religious activities.
Swaleside 2022-23 annual report
Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Swaleside for reporting year 1 May 2022 - 30 April 2023.
Swaleside 2021-22 annual report – ministerial response
Letter from Stuart Andrew MP, Minister of State for Justice, in response to the Swaleside 2021-22 annual report.
Swaleside 2021-22 annual report
Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Swaleside for reporting year 1 May 2021 - 30 April 2022.