Prison
Cat D open prison
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Leyhill
IMB Annual Report 2022 · Published 15 June 2022
HMP Leyhill, a Category D open prison, maintained a safe and humane environment despite Covid-19 challenges. While healthcare and education provisions were generally positive, significant concerns persisted regarding the slow resettlement of IPP prisoners, a lack of Approved Premises delaying releases, and a perceived reduction in rehabilitation services post-Catch 22. The Board also highlighted issues with lost property during transfers and limited external work opportunities, though noted improvements in ROTL provision towards the year's end.
Positive Findings
HMP Leyhill maintained a safe environment for prisoners, with self-harm and violence incidents remaining low. The prison effectively managed Covid outbreaks and achieved a 94% vaccination rate among prisoners. The IMB commended the improved work of the equalities team and the extensive use of the Listener scheme for emotional support. Healthcare services were generally rated well by prisoners, and education and vocational training received high appreciation for enhancing resettlement prospects. The Board also noted significant improvements in the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) process towards the end of the reporting year.
Key Concerns
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The speed of resettlement in the community of the prisoners serving IPP sentences, many of whom have spent far longer in custody than recommended in their indicative tariffs.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The lack of spaces in approved premises which leads to many prisoners facing incarceration beyond their release dates.
Resettlement/Release
The quality of rehabilitation lost as a result of the closing of the community rehabilitation company.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
The recurring problem of property lost or mislaid during transfer from other prisons.
Education/Purposeful Activity
The limited opportunities to give more prisoners the opportunity to experience external work placements.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The need to build on the recent improvements made in the provision of opportunities for ROTL.
Board Commentary
Staffing
Staffing levels were significantly impacted by community infection rates and outbreaks at Leyhill, leading staff to work extended shifts and rest days to provide cover. The personal officer scheme was reinstated after a pandemic-related pause, with officers tasked with meaningful conversations with allocated prisoners, though its full implementation was slow due to staff availability and further Covid outbreaks. Staff shortages also contributed to delays in Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) opportunities earlier in the year, despite nine staff later working exclusively on ROTL.
Healthcare
Leyhill's healthcare team maintained an excellent level of service, with 94% of prisoners vaccinated against Covid-19. Physical health appointment waiting times were close to pre-Covid levels, and 75% of prisoners rated overall healthcare quality as good in a survey. However, late arrivals of prisoners from other institutions often meant they were not seen by healthcare until the following day. The waiting list for mental health services grew due to group leaders being unable to attend, delaying access to self-help groups for up to a year. Three deaths occurred in custody from non-Covid natural causes.
Regime & Daily Life
Monitoring was challenging due to the changing regime in response to Covid cases, but prisoner morale was maintained despite restrictions. As an open establishment, there was no significant reduction in time prisoners spent out of their rooms, and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities were provided, including gym courses and allotment plots. Outdoor gym equipment proved popular during lockdowns, contributing to physical and mental wellbeing. Covid outbreaks were well managed, with the prison moving towards a more normal regime.
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 | 5 | 5 | — |
| Canteen, facility list, catalogue(s) | 1 | 1 | — |
| Discipline, including adjudications, IEP, sanctions | 3 | 3 | — |
| Equality | 1 | 0 | |
| Finance, including pay, private monies, spends | 3 | 1 | |
| Food and kitchens | 2 | 3 | |
| Health, including physical, mental, social care | 6 | 1 | |
| Letters, visits, telephones, public protection restrictions | 2 | 1 | |
| Miscellaneous, including complaints system | 0 | 0 | |
| Property during transfer or in another establishment or location | 9 | 2 | |
| Property within this establishment | 0 | 2 | |
| Purposeful activity, including education, work, training, library, regime, time out of cell | 7 | 1 | |
| Sentence management, including HDC, release on temporary licence, parole, release dates, recategorisation | 13 | 3 | |
| Staff/prisoner concerns, including bullying | 8 | 2 | |
| Transfers | 2 | 0 |
Recommendations (6)
Ministry of Justice: 3
HMPPS: 1
Governor / Director: 2
4 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
What further action will the Minister take to speed up the resettlement in the community of the prisoners serving IPP sentences, many of whom have spent far longer in custody than recommended in their indicative tariffs?
Ministry of Justice
Resettlement
Recommendation 2
Repeated
What action will the Minister take to remedy the lack of spaces in approved premises which leads to many prisoners facing incarceration beyond their release dates?
Ministry of Justice
Resettlement
Recommendation 3
What action will the Minister take to restore the quality of rehabilitation lost as a result of the closing of the community rehabilitation company?
Ministry of Justice
Resettlement
Recommendation 4
Repeated
What further action will be taken to deal with the recurring problem of property lost or mislaid during transfer from other prisons?
HMPPS
Property
Recommendation 5
The Board urges the Governor to continue to explore ways to give more prisoners the opportunity to experience external work placements.
Governor / Director
Purposeful Activity
Recommendation 6
Repeated
The Board urges the Governor to build on the recent improvements made in the provision of opportunities for ROTL.
Governor / Director
Resettlement
Other IMB Reports for Leyhill
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
12 Jun 2023
Unannounced
Safety: 4
Respect: 4
Activity: 1
Release: 3
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.