Prison
Cat C
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Highpoint
IMB Annual Report 2021 · Published 10 June 2022
HMP Highpoint is a male Category C training and resettlement prison. The reporting year saw a positive reduction in self-harm and violence, with staff commended for humane Covid management. Key concerns include persistent issues with property transfers, under-resourcing in contracted services like mental health and education, poor maintenance by GFSL, and the ongoing security vulnerability from unrepaired netting.
Positive Findings
The Board noted a positive reduction in self-harm, violent incidents, disorder, and ACCT cases. Staff and Governor were commended for humane management of Covid restrictions, maintaining time out of cell, and supporting vulnerable prisoners. The mental health team was praised for high-level care, and the appointment of an advanced nurse practitioner and family worker improved support. Vocational courses, social visits, and a full-time Job Centre Plus worker also enhanced progression routes.
Key Concerns
Other
Repeated
The loss or delay of prisoners’ property in transfer between establishments is still an issue of concern. The Board again asks for an urgent review into the handling of prisoners’ belongings.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
In the interests of reducing reoffending and supporting prisoners’ progression, the Board asks for consideration of stable funding strategies for the provision of therapeutic initiatives (e.g. music/drama) across the prison estate.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The service provided by GFSL is still a major cause for concern. The Board requests an urgent review of the works maintenance contract to ensure it fully meets the ongoing needs of a challenging prison environment.
Staffing
The effects of under-resourcing in contracted areas is having a significant impact on outcomes for prisoners. The Board wishes to draw attention in particular to recruitment and retention of tutors (People Plus), and mental health providers (Forward Trust) within HMP Highpoint.
Resettlement/Release
Prisoner progression has been badly affected by Covid restrictions. D category applications, Parole Board hearings, and the availability of offending behaviour programmes (OBPs) are examples of this. The Board asks if some form of ‘catch up’ strategy could be considered for prisons where there is a substantial need.
Safety
Repeated
The netting that blew down in the storm over a year ago at HMP Highpoint, and which has still not been mended or replaced, remains a security and safety issue. This prison is vulnerable to throw-overs, and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
Education/Purposeful Activity
restricted access to the library is negatively impacting on opportunities for prisoner education and progression. The Board therefore asks for consideration to be given to facilitating increased access to this area.
Staffing
It is hoped, with the decrease in Covid restrictions, that the key worker scheme can be reintroduced in support of the prisoners, in the way it was originally conceived.
Board Commentary
Staffing
HMP Highpoint saw 63 new officer starters in 2021 but also 33 leavers, excluding promotions. The key worker scheme was not implemented as planned due to Covid restrictions. Staffing issues were significant in contracted areas like education (tutor recruitment/retention) and mental health services. The Offender Management Unit (OMU) was severely understaffed, leading to high caseloads and staff burnout, with probation services facing similar retention issues and being under-resourced.
Healthcare
GP and nurse-led services generally met prisoners' needs despite clinic limitations, with efforts made to reduce "did not attend" rates. The mental health team provided a high level of care for an ongoing caseload of 40 prisoners, but faced challenges due to the external IAPT service (Forward Trust) having significant backlogs and being under-resourced, leading to re-referrals and increased anxiety among prisoners. The recruitment of an advanced nurse practitioner notably improved the quality of care.
Regime & Daily Life
Prisoners adapted well to the changing Covid regimes, with the Governor and staff making efforts to minimize stress and curtail time out of cell as little as possible. The twice-daily outdoor exercise periods continued, and allocated time for essential activities like mealtimes and showers was maintained, promoting social interaction while limiting disease spread. Some beneficial regime changes introduced during Covid are planned for retention, contributing to prisoner safety and well-being.
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) | 45 | 38 | |
| Discipline/Adjudication | 19 | 32 | |
| Drugs & Alcohol | 2 | 0 | |
| Food | 1 | 1 | — |
| Healthcare | 18 | 10 | |
| Offending Behaviour Programme | 4 | 5 | |
| Other | 14 | 10 | |
| Property | 34 | 56 | |
| Regime | 17 | 21 |
Recommendations (9)
Ministry of Justice: 2
HMPPS: 4
Governor / Director: 3
3 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
The loss or delay of prisoners’ property in transfer between establishments is still an issue of concern. The Board again asks for an urgent review into the handling of prisoners’ belongings.
Ministry of Justice
Other
Recommendation 2
In the interests of reducing reoffending and supporting prisoners’ progression, the Board asks for consideration of stable funding strategies for the provision of therapeutic initiatives (e.g. music/drama) across the prison estate.
Ministry of Justice
Regime
Recommendation 3
Repeated
The service provided by GFSL is still a major cause for concern. The Board requests an urgent review of the works maintenance contract to ensure it fully meets the ongoing needs of a challenging prison environment.
HMPPS
Estate
Recommendation 4
The effects of under-resourcing in contracted areas is having a significant impact on outcomes for prisoners. The Board wishes to draw attention in particular to recruitment and retention of tutors (People Plus), and mental health providers (Forward Trust) within HMP Highpoint.
HMPPS
Staffing
Recommendation 5
Prisoner progression has been badly affected by Covid restrictions. D category applications, Parole Board hearings, and the availability of offending behaviour programmes (OBPs) are examples of this. The Board asks if some form of ‘catch up’ strategy could be considered for prisons where there is a substantial need.
HMPPS
Resettlement
Recommendation 6
Repeated
The netting that blew down in the storm over a year ago at HMP Highpoint, and which has still not been mended or replaced, remains a security and safety issue. This prison is vulnerable to throw-overs, and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
HMPPS
Safety
Recommendation 7
The Board recommends that in the interests of fairness and safety the increased use of body-worn video cameras is strongly encouraged.
Governor / Director
Safety
Recommendation 8
Whilst the Board is aware of successful and effective regime changes, restricted access to the library is negatively impacting on opportunities for prisoner education and progression. The Board therefore asks for consideration to be given to facilitating increased access to this area.
Governor / Director
Education
Recommendation 9
It is hoped, with the decrease in Covid restrictions, that the key worker scheme can be reintroduced in support of the prisoners, in the way it was originally conceived.
Governor / Director
Staffing
Other IMB Reports for Highpoint
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
16 Oct 2023
Unannounced
Safety: 3
Respect: 4
Activity: 1
Release: 2
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.