Prison
Cat D, YOI
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Standford Hill
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 27 October 2022
HMP/YOI Standford Hill, a Category D open prison, successfully maintained operations during the reporting period despite COVID-19, achieving low infection rates and a strong focus on prisoner rehabilitation, reflected in low reoffending. The IMB noted humane treatment of prisoners, dedicated healthcare, and an excellent record in providing work opportunities. Key concerns include poor performance by GFSL, inadequate technological support, and the deteriorating state of the prison's estate.
Positive Findings
Standford Hill effectively navigated COVID-19 challenges, maintaining low infection rates due to rigorous precautions and a well-managed healthcare system. The IMB commends the new Governor's progressive leadership and the prison's strong focus on rehabilitation, resulting in low reoffending rates and ensuring all released prisoners have accommodation. Treatment of prisoners is consistently respectful and humane, with an excellent record in providing training and work opportunities.
Key Concerns
Other
The performance of GFSL in providing services to the prison has been woefully inadequate, with many examples of their lack of attention to detail and failure to rectify problems in a reasonable period. This was particularly evident with the prison laundry's mechanical problems and issues with machinery in the Gardens Department.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Internet facilities are very sporadic inside the prison, which restricts prisoners' ability to correspond with potential future employers, craft CVs, and learn necessary technological skills for release. Improved technological support would also save staff resources for checking prisoners' whereabouts.
Estate/Conditions
The state of several of the buildings is deteriorating and, in view of the delayed proposed expansion, urgent attention must be given to renovating parts of the estate, including the historic hangar which continues to fall into disrepair, and an unfinished, potentially dangerous patio outside the Visits area.
Food/Catering
The system of having food brought from the kitchens at Swaleside is far from ideal and raises concerns about efficiency at both prisons, with occasional delays in transport.
Estate/Conditions
With the successful introduction of new individual pods, there is a concern that this may give rise to a perception of inequality of accommodation in various sections of the prison.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The prison experienced regular staff absences, but the new Governor successfully reduced the average annual staff sickness from 28 to 18 days, a reduction commended by the Board. However, staffing levels in healthcare are only just adequate, and absences continue to strain services. The IMB hopes to see continued improvement in staff sickness levels.
Healthcare
COVID-19 significantly tested healthcare capabilities, but a well-managed disease protocol led to a very low infection rate among prisoners. The vaccination programme faced reluctance from some prisoners. Healthcare staff are dedicated and competent, providing satisfactory service, though staffing levels are just adequate. Responsibility for healthcare provision transferred from 1IC14 to Oxleas Foundation Trust at the end of the reporting period.
Regime & Daily Life
As an open prison, Standford Hill's regime prioritises successful rehabilitation, balancing firm discipline with respect. While outside activities and family visits were significantly restricted during the pandemic, causing some prisoner frustration, the prison adapted by using Zoom calls and quickly reinstated physical visits and full gym access once restrictions eased. Prisoners valued the opportunity to exercise in the extensive grounds, recognising its therapeutic benefits.
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 | 1 | — | |
| Food and kitchens | 1 | 1 | — |
| Health, including physical, mental, social care | 3 | 1 | |
| Purposeful activity, including education, work, training, library, regime, time out of cell | 3 | 1 | |
| Sentence management, including HDC, release on temporary licence, parole, release dates, recategorisation | 6 | — |
Recommendations (4)
HMPPS: 4
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
In order to continue this successful resettlement, we consider that the urgent refurbishment of the prison is a priority. With the new buildings, this may give to give rise to a perception of inequality of accommodation in various sections of the prison.
HMPPS
Estate
Recommendation 2
Repeated
We continue to believe that the rehabilitation programme would be much enhanced by the creation of an Internet Room, which would enable prisoners to plan their futures independently, and to communicate more efficiently with future employers.
HMPPS
Resettlement
Recommendation 3
Repeated
We continue to believe that, with the creation of a proper kitchen, prison life would be enhanced by the provision of a dedicated dining room.
HMPPS
Food
Recommendation 4
It appears to the Board that communications between GFSL and the prison needs to improve radically in order to ensure that those parts of the prison dependent on the work of GFSL are enabled to run smoothly.
HMPPS
Other
Other IMB Reports for Standford Hill
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
8 Oct 2024
Unannounced
Safety: 4
Respect: 3
Activity: 4
Release: 4
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.