Prison
Cat D
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Haverigg
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 29 March 2023
HMP Haverigg, an open Category D prison, maintains a safe and settled environment with very low levels of self-harm and violence. Despite significant staffing challenges, particularly in healthcare and offender management, the Board notes improvements in OMU staffing and highly regarded healthcare provision. Key concerns include the ineffective management of transfers from closed estates, inconsistencies across prisons, the need for enhanced IPP prisoner support, and persistent issues with prisoner property and communication from offender managers.
Positive Findings
The Board consistently finds Haverigg to be a safe, settled, and fair environment, with very low levels of self-harm and violence. Staff-prisoner relationships are positive, and healthcare services are highly regarded despite pressures. The prison is commended for its strong focus on progression, resettlement, and tailored support for vulnerable groups like older prisoners and those serving IPP sentences, and for the catering manager's responsiveness.
Key Concerns
Overcrowding
It is of concern to the Board that an opportunity to ease pressure on accommodation in category C establishments via the transfer of prisoners to category D prisons, such as Haverigg where spaces are available, is not being most effectively managed.
Other
The Board is concerned that apparent inconsistencies in these areas may cause confusion and, potentially, frustration when prisoners transfer between establishments: • application of the victim support levy • the number of prisoners being returned to closed establishments • the number and frequency of discharges to no fixed abode • permissible items of property
Mental Health
With over 30% of prisoners at Haverigg serving an IPP sentence, it would be helpful to learn what additional support the Prison Service can provide to this vulnerable group.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
It is the view of the Board that a sustained focus on providing prisoners with regular and proactive updates, explanations and timely responses will go a long way towards resolving the many frustrations that arise.
Healthcare
The reduction in the number of general practitioner (GP) sessions a week and, at the time of writing, the reliance on locums to fill the vacant post is of concern to the Board. Although there is no evidence that prisoners’ healthcare needs are not being met, the view of the Board is that the service is under considerable pressure, exacerbated by developments arising from the new healthcare contract.
Other
Repeated
It is however disappointing that property still goes missing, particularly on transfer between prisons.
Board Commentary
Staffing
Haverigg faced significant staffing challenges across several departments, including probation, offender management (OMU), healthcare, and chaplaincy, due to long-term sickness and vacancies. These shortages impacted prisoner transfers and communication. However, successful recruitment campaigns and improved working arrangements in the OMU have led to a fully staffed unit by the end of the year, bringing about positive improvements in offender management and communication.
Healthcare
Healthcare services at Haverigg, provided by Spectrum Community Health CIC since April 2022, are highly regarded by prisoners despite significant pressures from staff vacancies and ill-health. Concerns exist regarding a reduction in GP sessions and reliance on locums. The Board commends the high level of care for vulnerable older prisoners and notes that mental health caseloads are manageable, with dentistry and physiotherapy waiting times mirroring the community. Adult social care resources are stretched, particularly for occupational therapy assessments.
Regime & Daily Life
Haverigg offers an open and settled environment with unlimited time out of cells and access to various outdoor areas. A strong focus on purposeful activity ensures 94% of prisoners are engaged in education or employment, with high attendance rates for educational courses. The regime is complemented by a wide range of social and health promotion activities, including therapeutic art, gardening, and community choirs, and supported by facilities like The Hive.
Applications to the IMB
Prisoners can apply to their IMB about any aspect of their treatment. This table shows application counts by category.
| Category | Current | Previous | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation, including laundry, clothing, ablutions | 0 | 0 | |
| Canteen, facility list, catalogue(s) | 0 | 0 | |
| Discipline, including adjudications, IEP, sanctions | 4 | 2 | |
| Equality | 0 | 0 | |
| Finance, including pay, private monies, spends | 3 | 1 | |
| Food and kitchens | 2 | 0 | |
| Health, including physical, mental, social care | 9 | 6 | |
| Letters, visits, telephones, public protection restrictions | 0 | 1 | |
| Miscellaneous, including complaints system | 4 | 3 | |
| Property during transfer or in another establishment or location | 9 | 11 | |
| Property within this establishment | 2 | 0 | |
| Purposeful activity, including education, work, training, library, regime, time out of cell | 5 | 3 | |
| Sentence management, including HDC, release on temporary licence, parole, release dates, recategorisation | 23 | 11 | |
| Staff/prisoner concerns, including bullying | 4 | 1 | |
| Transfers | 4 | 1 |
Recommendations (4)
Ministry of Justice: 1
HMPPS: 2
Governor / Director: 1
1 repeated
Recommendation 1
It is of concern to the Board that an opportunity to ease pressure on accommodation in category C establishments via the transfer of prisoners to category D prisons, such as Haverigg where spaces are available, is not being most effectively managed.
Ministry of Justice
Regime
Recommendation 2
Thematic reviews carried out by members of the IMB open estate chairs’ group revealed differences between some prisons in a number of areas. The Board is concerned that apparent inconsistencies in these areas may cause confusion and, potentially, frustration when prisoners transfer between establishments: • application of the victim support levy • the number of prisoners being returned to closed establishments • the number and frequency of discharges to no fixed abode • permissible items of property
HMPPS
Regime
Recommendation 3
With over 30% of prisoners at Haverigg serving an IPP sentence, it would be helpful to learn what additional support the Prison Service can provide to this vulnerable group.
HMPPS
Mental Health
Recommendation 4
Repeated
It is the view of the Board that a sustained focus on providing prisoners with regular and proactive updates, explanations and timely responses will go a long way towards resolving the many frustrations that arise.
Governor / Director
Resettlement
Other IMB Reports for Haverigg
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
31 Mar 2025
Unannounced
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.