Prison
Cat C
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Wymott
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 20 October 2022
HMP Wymott faced significant challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to a restricted regime, staff shortages, and increased self-harm incidents. While the Board commended efforts to maintain safety and improve medication delivery, major concerns persisted regarding dilapidated accommodation, persistent issues with prisoner property, and limited access to healthcare, particularly mental health and dentistry. The increasing number of IPP prisoners and challenges with progression and resettlement, including releases without accommodation, remain significant issues for the Board.
Positive Findings
The Board commended the prison for its efforts to keep prisoners safe during the pandemic, noting appropriate responses to self-harm and reduced psychoactive substance use. Improvements were seen in medication delivery and the replacement of old food trolleys. The chaplaincy and 'buddy system' were highlighted for supporting vulnerable prisoners. The report also welcomed plans for the full reopening of education classes and praised staff for maintaining high levels of cleanliness and for their work in social care.
Key Concerns
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
Despite last year’s assurances the number of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP) at Wymott increased this year (see paragraphs 3.4.1 and 7.3.7). The Board again asks what the Minister intends to do to address this inhumane and unacceptable situation?
Regime/Time Out of Cell
There has been no increase in the budget for Wymott prisoners’ pay for a number of years now, but the cost of items to purchase from canteen and catalogues is going up (see paragraphs 3.4.2 and 7.2.5). Can the prison expect to get an increase in the budget in the near future to enable them to pay prisoners a fair wage?
Other
Repeated
The long awaited Prisoners’ Property Framework failed to appear ⃰ and missing property continues to be of great concern to the prisoners and the Board, as evidenced by the increase in applications to the Board (see section 5.8 and page 27).
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Is the kitchen refurbishment programmed for 2022 / 23 likely to go ahead?
Food/Catering
Despite rising food costs, the Catering Manager has continued to provide meals on a minimal daily meal allowance (see paragraph 5.1.10). The Board would like to see this increased as the current level is unsustainable in the current climate.
Other
On a number of occasions, poor communication between functional areas has led to conflicting information being provided to both prisoners and Board members. What strategies does the Governor have to improve this?
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The fabric of A and B wings has continued to be a cause for concern. As reported previously, the windows are single glazed, with metal frames which are not efficient in keeping the cold out of the cells. The wings have communal shower blocks that do not provide any privacy, which is not dignified, nor humane. Tiles continue to fall off the walls and the toilets are in a poor state.
Healthcare
Delays in accessing dental and mental health interventions are still a cause for concern
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The restricted regime and the chronic shortage of staff in offender management have limited opportunities for prisoners to progress through their sentence plans.
Resettlement/Release
too many prisoners were released without accommodation
Other
Repeated
The Board remains greatly concerned about the length of time it takes for property to be transferred to HMP Wymott from some other prisons. Indeed there have been a number of instances where property has never arrived. Without a coherent, nationwide system that resolves this issue, the transferring of property will remain a major area of concern.
Other
Legal papers needed for parole hearings, photos and letters from family are often held up or the prisoner never receives them.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The healthcare centre, much criticised by the Care Quality Commission, remains too small, with insufficient treatment rooms and small badly ventilated waiting areas.
Staffing
Over-reliance on agency staff has remained a major problem in healthcare.
Mental Health
Repeated
It has continued to be the case that prisoners with mental health problems are seen on the wings but with very limited follow-up treatment. Initial screening has been carried out, but therapies have not been implemented as there was still no group work.
Mental Health
Repeated
It is still the case that too many prisoners spend lengthy periods waiting for places in appropriate treatment centres and this is a major concern for the Board.
Staffing
The prison is currently facing a number of instructor shortages, particularly as recruitment was on hold during the pandemic. There is no provision for cover for those who are off sick or on leave and, as a consequence, workshop shutdowns continue.
Board Commentary
Staffing
HMP Wymott experienced significant staff shortages, both uniformed and non-uniformed, with 23% of Band 3 officers having less than two years' experience. This inexperience impacted key worker provision, leading to prisoner complaints about lack of access. Healthcare and mental health services were particularly affected by staff shortages and over-reliance on agency staff. Instructor vacancies also contributed to workshop shutdowns, hindering purposeful activity.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision was significantly impacted by the pandemic and staffing shortages, though improvements in medication delivery were noted. The healthcare centre remains too small with inadequate waiting areas, and communication issues around appointments persist. Long waiting lists for dental care (up to 173 days) and mental health services, particularly for psychologist access and transfers to appropriate treatment centres, remain major concerns. A new tracking system for healthcare complaints has been implemented.
Regime & Daily Life
The fluctuating Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent outbreak designations significantly impacted the regime, leading to prolonged lockdowns and restricted time out of cell (often 45 minutes twice daily, sometimes reduced to once). This affected prisoner well-being, access to gym sessions, education, and vocational training, with most employment opportunities being part-time. Intervention programmes were suspended, and face-to-face family visits remained limited, hindering prisoner progression.
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 transfers) | 28 | 38 | |
| Discrimination | 0 | 0 | |
| Healthcare | 21 | 24 | |
| IPP / Parole Board issues | 15 | 8 | |
| Other | 15 | 17 | |
| Property | 72 | 34 | |
| Regime | 14 | 18 | |
| Safety | 7 | 8 | |
| Staff (relationships / behaviour) | 16 | 21 | |
| Total applications | 221 | 179 | |
| Wages / Pay | 13 | 11 |
Recommendations (6)
Other: 1
HMPPS: 3
Governor / Director: 2
3 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
Despite last year’s assurances the number of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences for public protection (IPP) at Wymott increased this year (see paragraphs 3.4.1 and 7.3.7). The Board again asks what the Minister intends to do to address this inhumane and unacceptable situation?
Other
(minister)
Resettlement
Recommendation 2
Prev. unaddressed
There has been no increase in the budget for Wymott prisoners’ pay for a number of years now, but the cost of items to purchase from canteen and catalogues is going up (see paragraphs 3.4.2 and 7.2.5). Can the prison expect to get an increase in the budget in the near future to enable them to pay prisoners a fair wage?
HMPPS
Regime
Recommendation 3
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The long awaited Prisoners’ Property Framework failed to appear ⃰ and missing property continues to be of great concern to the prisoners and the Board, as evidenced by the increase in applications to the Board (see section 5.8 and page 27).
HMPPS
Fair Treatment
Response
The Prisoners’ Property Framework was issued on 1 August 2022.
Recommendation 4
Repeated
Is the kitchen refurbishment programmed for 2022 / 23 likely to go ahead?
HMPPS
Estate
Recommendation 5
Despite rising food costs, the Catering Manager has continued to provide meals on a minimal daily meal allowance (see paragraph 5.1.10). The Board would like to see this increased as the current level is unsustainable in the current climate.
Governor / Director
Food
Recommendation 6
On a number of occasions, poor communication between functional areas has led to conflicting information being provided to both prisoners and Board members. What strategies does the Governor have to improve this?
Governor / Director
Other
Other IMB Reports for Wymott
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
11 Dec 2023
Unannounced
Safety: 3
Respect: 2
Activity: 2
Release: 4
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.
Prevention of Future Deaths Reports
Coroner PFD reports issued to this establishment.