Prison
Cat C, YOI
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Hindley
IMB Annual Report 2021 · Published 3 May 2022
HMP/YOI Hindley is deemed overall safe, though violence and self-harm increased, particularly among young adults. Prisoners are generally treated humanely despite challenges from Covid-19 restrictions, which often led to 23-hour lock-ins. While health needs are met satisfactorily, concerns persist regarding lost property, outdated accommodation, and resettlement support. The Board commends staff efforts and welcomes planned prison expansion.
Positive Findings
HMP/YOI Hindley achieved positive security, living standards, and fire safety audits, and received positive feedback from Ofsted. Staff, particularly the decency and chaplaincy teams, are commended for their professionalism, care, and efforts in supporting prisoners and efficiently managing Covid-19 outbreaks. The Board welcomes significant funding for prison expansion, including new workshops, gymnasium, and kitchen facilities. Overall, the Board believes men feel safe and healthcare services are satisfactory.
Key Concerns
Safety
A concerning increase in violence and self-harm, notably amongst those under 25 years old.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The original living accommodation (wings A to D) and kitchens are cramped and no longer fit for purpose.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The Board continued to have concerns regarding the robustness of systems and their application to support transition on the release of prisoners.
Other
Repeated
The Board continues to be very concerned about the amount of property lost within the system, and the negative impact on prisoners’ wellbeing and the disproportionate amount of time spent on resolving matters by staff and the Board.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The Board wishes to register ongoing concerns about the men being locked in their cells for 23 out of 24 hours, and on occasions longer. This is not conducive to their long-term rehabilitation or wellbeing.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The ongoing problem with litter outside F wing and behind window grilles across the prison is not only an eyesore but also a health, safety, and security risk.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
The lack of implementation of an updated, understandable IEP as highlighted in the last 2 IMB annual reports.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The prison experienced staff shortages due to absences and high turnover, particularly among primary care staff and wing officers, many of whom are new. This led to increased pressure on existing staff, a more disjointed service for prisoners, and challenges in maintaining key worker contact and communication between departments. Staff absence also hindered the timely processing of complaints.
Healthcare
Healthcare services, now managed by GMMH, are generally satisfactory, with daily GP and regular dental clinics. Covid-19 measures led to some service suspensions and in-cell consultations, but a vigilant testing team successfully promoted vaccinations, though uptake was lower among younger prisoners. Mental health services, provided by a 12-strong nursing team, contact about 20% of the population, with the pre-PIPE unit operational.
Regime & Daily Life
Covid-19 significantly restricted the regime, with the prison largely operating under Stage 3, leading to lockdowns of up to 23 hours daily. This severely limited time out of cell, purposeful activity, and access to education and sports facilities, despite efforts to offer daily exercise and in-cell learning packs. The Board expressed concern that prolonged restrictions are not conducive to long-term rehabilitation or wellbeing.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMU | 31 | 23 | |
| Property | 46 | 22 | |
| Residential | 23 | 11 |
Recommendations (4)
Ministry of Justice: 1
Governor / Director: 3
2 repeated
Recommendation 1
The Board welcomes the announcement that HMP/YOI Hindley is to be expanded, subject to planning permission being granted. It is important that the funding is fully secured to complete the full project in a timely way.
Ministry of Justice
Estate
Recommendation 2
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
As raised last year, Covid-19 and the introduction of new contracts have had a negative impact on the information advice and guidance available to men prior to and on release. Resolving this now needs to be a priority to ensure prisoners receive comprehensive support at this time of potential vulnerability.
Governor / Director
Resettlement
Recommendation 3
Whilst the Board recognises the need to prevent the spread of Covid-19, it wishes to register ongoing concerns about the men being locked in their cells for 23 out of 24 hours, and on occasions longer. This is not conducive to their long-term rehabilitation or wellbeing.
Governor / Director
Regime
Recommendation 4
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The ongoing problem with litter outside F wing and behind window grilles across the prison is not only an eyesore but also a health, safety, and security risk. The Board urges the Governor to ensure that further action is taken to resolve this matter.
Governor / Director
Estate
Other IMB Reports for Hindley
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.