Prison
Cat B
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Dovegate
IMB Annual Report 2021 · Published 8 March 2022
HMP Dovegate, a Category B training prison, maintained a generally calm environment with positive staff-resident relationships despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Board welcomed improvements in facilities, the rollout of body-worn cameras, and innovative staff recruitment. However, significant concerns remain regarding unresolved property transfer issues, the lack of progress for IPP prisoners, and the inadequacy of the healthcare inpatient unit, alongside a dramatic rise in healthcare waiting times due to pandemic restrictions.
Positive Findings
The prison was generally calm and settled, with good relationships between residents and staff. The Board was pleased to see the successful rollout of new body-worn cameras, addressing a long-standing issue, and noted significant improvements to the prison's fabric and cleanliness, including the boarding up of an unhygienic toilet. Cooperation between healthcare and custodial teams proved effective in managing the Covid-19 crisis, and innovative recruitment measures were adopted to address staff vacancies. The new 'Restart Dogs' programme was a welcome addition to purposeful activity.
Key Concerns
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
prisoners’ property during transfer. This has been highlighted in at least our last three annual reports. Far more urgency needs to be applied to this problem.
Resettlement/Release
There should be focus on reviewing the sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) prisoners, enabling them to progress and move towards a safe release. It is against natural justice that so long after this sentence was abolished so many prisoners are still in prison.
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The Board continues to deal with a substantial number of property issues resulting from transfers from other establishments. More effort needs to be made to find a national solution to this problem. Despite a framework being developed in April 2020, nothing very significant seems to have happened and the IMB still chases property that has not arrived with the prisoner or is incomplete. No electronic system exists across the estate and prisoners still arrive with property cards.
Healthcare
Repeated
Accelerate plans for the conversion of the in-patient unit in healthcare to provide consultation and treatment rooms adequate for the number of residents in the prison. Should it be decided not to proceed with the above, then urgently upgrade the inpatient bath/shower room.
Healthcare
Liaise with the head of healthcare to reinstate escorts to outside hospital appointments to the levels in place the previous reporting year.
Safety
Repeated
Continue to encourage staff to make proper use of the BWCs which are now available and worn by frontline staff. Staff should be reminded that their value as de-escalation and evidential tools is only useful if they are turned on. This is essential for in-cell interaction where no other CCTV source is available.
Board Commentary
Staffing
Staff vacancies, both administrative and operational, became an increasing concern throughout the year, with a significant number of new staff members leaving. This, combined with staff illness and self-isolation, challenged management, despite attempts to offer overtime. The Board welcomed innovative recruitment measures by management, such as visiting local universities. While the key worker scheme was limited to vulnerable individuals due to Covid-19, positive staff-prisoner interactions were observed, and the scheme was revived towards the end of the reporting year.
Healthcare
Healthcare and social care are provided by Practice Plus, with mental health services subcontracted to Midland Partnership Foundation Trust. Good cooperation between healthcare and custodial teams led to positive outcomes, but Covid-19 caused a dramatic rise in waiting times for GP, dental, and mental health appointments due to reduced waiting room capacity. Concerns persist regarding the suitability of the inpatient unit, its dated facilities, and lack of dedicated palliative care, with a proposal being considered for its closure or modification, despite previous assurances of remedies.
Regime & Daily Life
The prison's accommodation and facilities are generally good, with clean communal areas and attractive gardens. However, daily regime was significantly impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns, leading to longer periods in cells for many prisoners, though efforts were made to provide in-cell activities and extra telephone credit. Group work in the Therapeutic Community was halted, shifting to in-cell phone therapy. The gym underwent a major overhaul with new equipment, and great effort was made to maximise allocated gym time when regulations allowed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confidential access to the Board | 196 | 213 | |
| Food | 47 | 45 | |
| Healthcare | 110 | 124 | |
| Other | 129 | 108 | |
| Property | 303 | 291 | |
| Staff behaviour | 102 | 117 | |
| Total applications to IMB | 887 | 898 |
Recommendations (6)
HMPPS: 3
Governor / Director: 3
4 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board looks for positive timely action from the Prison Service regarding the point raised below: prisoners’ property during transfer. This has been highlighted in at least our last three annual reports. Far more urgency needs to be applied to this problem.
HMPPS
Resettlement
Recommendation 2
There should be focus on reviewing the sentences of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) prisoners, enabling them to progress and move towards a safe release. It is against natural justice that so long after this sentence was abolished so many prisoners are still in prison.
HMPPS
Resettlement
Recommendation 3
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board continues to deal with a substantial number of property issues resulting from transfers from other establishments. More effort needs to be made to find a national solution to this problem. Despite a framework being developed in April 2020, nothing very significant seems to have happened and the IMB still chases property that has not arrived with the prisoner or is incomplete. No electronic system exists across the estate and prisoners still arrive with property cards.
HMPPS
Resettlement
Recommendation 4
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
Accelerate plans for the conversion of the in-patient unit in healthcare to provide consultation and treatment rooms adequate for the number of residents in the prison. Should it be decided not to proceed with the above, then urgently upgrade the inpatient bath/shower room.
Governor / Director
Healthcare
Recommendation 5
Liaise with the head of healthcare to reinstate escorts to outside hospital appointments to the levels in place the previous reporting year.
Governor / Director
Healthcare
Recommendation 6
Repeated
Prev. addressed
Continue to encourage staff to make proper use of the BWCs which are now available and worn by frontline staff. Staff should be reminded that their value as de-escalation and evidential tools is only useful if they are turned on. This is essential for in-cell interaction where no other CCTV source is available.
Governor / Director
Safety
Other IMB Reports for Dovegate
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
18 Sep 2023
Unannounced
Safety: 3
Respect: 3
Activity: 1
Release: 3
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.