Prison
Cat D open prison, YOI
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Kirklevington Grange
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 22 June 2023
HMP/YOI Kirklevington Grange is a well-run Category D open prison providing a safe and humane environment with high standards of healthcare and strong staff-prisoner relationships. The IMB noted significant efforts in preparing prisoners for resettlement, including good access to work and education, contributing to low complaint levels. Key challenges include delays in new accommodation block construction, persistent issues with property transfers between prisons, and addressing the poor literacy skills of some incoming prisoners.
Positive Findings
The IMB consistently found Kirklevington Grange to be a well-run establishment, providing a safe, fair, and humane environment for prisoners. Healthcare services, including dental and mental health support, were of a high standard with minimal waiting times. Staff-prisoner relationships were strong, and significant investment was made in facilities and grounds. The prison also demonstrated a clear focus on supporting prisoners towards successful resettlement, evidenced by good outcomes in community work and a reduction in complaints.
Key Concerns
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
There is still no definite date for the construction of the three new accommodation blocks to commence. The current capacity at Kirklevington Grange remains below optimal level without these new blocks.
Estate/Conditions
There is still no definite date for the construction of the three new accommodation blocks to commence. The current capacity at Kirklevington Grange remains below optimal level without these new blocks.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
There are still issues with property when prisoners move between prisons, especially when moving from privately run establishments to Kirklevington. It is unsettling when prisoners experience long delays in receiving their belongings and in too many cases property is lost in transit between prisons.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
There are still issues with property when prisoners move between prisons, especially when moving from privately run establishments to Kirklevington. It is unsettling when prisoners experience long delays in receiving their belongings and in too many cases property is lost in transit between prisons.
Estate/Conditions
Although the showers and toilets in F and A,B, and C units have been overhauled, they remain slightly shabby, and the showers are very narrow and cramped.
Education/Purposeful Activity
One issue for education staff was the number of men arriving with very poor literacy/numeracy skills. In September, 59 prisoners were assessed as having a literacy level of E3 or below (operating at a level expected of a 9-11-year-old). This would be expected to have been addressed earlier in their prison sentence. Only 0.6 tutor provision was available and no additional funding.
Estate/Conditions
There has been a persistent issue with bedbugs, with a small number of rooms affected at any one time.
Estate/Conditions
Although the showers and toilets in F and A,B, and C units have been overhauled, they remain slightly shabby, and the showers are very narrow and cramped.
Food/Catering
Problems with the organisation contracted to supply food to the prison have seen it failing to deliver basic food items ordered, such as tuna and rice. This has caused some dissatisfaction.
Food/Catering
Problems with the organisation contracted to supply food to the prison have seen it failing to deliver basic food items ordered, such as tuna and rice. This has caused some dissatisfaction and the prison is exploring several different options to resolve this problem.
Education/Purposeful Activity
One issue for education staff was the number of men arriving with very poor literacy/numeracy skills. In September, 59 prisoners were assessed as having a literacy level of E3 or below (operating at a level expected of a 9-11-year-old). This would be expected to have been addressed earlier in their prison sentence. Only 0.6 tutor provision was available and no additional funding.
Resettlement/Release
The review of indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP) brought several informal requests to the IMB for information from prisoners unable to understand the changes. There was little clear information to impart.
Equality/Diversity
Kirklevington Grange still cannot accept some prisoners with severe physical disabilities or wheelchair users given the layout of the prison.
Board Commentary
Staffing
Staff retention at Kirklevington Grange is good, with many experienced team members fostering strong, collaborative relationships with prisoners, who largely report feeling respected. While there are no key workers, a personal officer scheme ensures each prisoner has dedicated support. Staff are well-trained and proactive in de-escalation and engagement, contributing to a low number of staff-related complaints.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision at Kirklevington Grange is of a high standard, receiving few complaints and many compliments from prisoners. Mental health and dental services are good, with clear referral pathways and short waiting times for routine dental appointments (around three weeks). However, the prison's layout limits its ability to accommodate prisoners with severe physical disabilities or wheelchair users. Medication management is effective, promoting prisoner responsibility in preparation for release.
Regime & Daily Life
The daily regime at Kirklevington Grange runs smoothly, with prisoners enjoying relatively free access across the site and good access to recreational facilities, including a well-resourced gym. Purposeful activity, including part-time education and various work opportunities, is tailored around prisoners' employment schedules, though prisoners often prioritize paid work over education. New initiatives have improved education attendance, and leisure activities are well-used.
Recommendations (4)
Other: 1
HMPPS: 2
Ministry of Justice: 1
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
There is still no definite date for the construction of the three new accommodation blocks to commence. The current capacity at Kirklevington Grange remains below optimal level without these new blocks. Some indication of progress would be welcome.
Other
(minister)
Estate
Recommendation 2
There are still issues with property when prisoners move between prisons, especially when moving from privately run establishments to Kirklevington. This does not only apply to Kirklevington, as it is a point of discussion between IMB chairs. It is unsettling when prisoners experience long delays in receiving their belongings and in too many cases property is lost in transit between prisons.
HMPPS
Regime
Recommendation 3
Repeated
There is still no definite date for the construction of the three new accommodation blocks to commence. The current capacity at Kirklevington Grange remains below optimal level without these new blocks. Some indication of progress would be welcome.
Ministry of Justice
Estate
Recommendation 4
Repeated
There are still issues with property when prisoners move between prisons, especially when moving from privately run establishments to Kirklevington. This does not only apply to Kirklevington, as it is a point of discussion between IMB chairs. It is unsettling when prisoners experience long delays in receiving their belongings and in too many cases property is lost in transit between prisons.
HMPPS
Complaints
Other IMB Reports for Kirklevington Grange
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
2 Sep 2024
Unannounced
Safety: 4
Respect: 4
Activity: 4
Release: 4
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.