Hewell

The Board again restates its previously recorded concern at the prevalence and treatment of prisoners held in custody indefinitely under indeterminate sentences for public protection. We have seen no evidence of attempts to manage the sentences of these individuals with any focus on forward progression. Nor have we seen recognition that the despair of endless detention results in self-destructive behaviour, leading to the use of segregation and challenges to discipline within the prison. This, in turn, causes these prisoners to fail at the parole board. We urge the minister to take up the issue of prisoners still being held in custody indefinitely despite the power to pass such sentences being removed eight years ago.

Similarly, the Board remains concerned about the difficulties encountered in transferring prisoners with severe mental health/behavioural issues to an environment where they can be treated effectively.

The inappropriateness of the prison for prisoners (and staff) with disabilities remains a disgrace.

The fact that the majority of men share cells designed for a single occupant has largely become an accepted feature of life in the prison. Such arrangements are undignified and appear to create much of the tension within the prison.

While the Board cannot comment on clinical matters, it remains consistently struck by the level of discontent on the part of prisoners with not having their health needs met and with healthcare services in general. This discontent is particularly prevalent regarding mental health care provision.

The Board has no evidence of active discrimination within Hewell and notes the very low numbers of DIRFs submitted. That said, the disproportionate representation of black, Asian and mixed-race prisoners (race being the only protected characteristic for which data appears currently to be collected in this area) in both positive and negative behaviour metrics and in adjudications has, to date, been accepted and explained away rather than fully investigated by the prison. Plans to work with the Zahid Mubarek Trust in this area are welcomed.

The Board is not yet satisfied that sufficient screening is available to identify those prisoners with learning difficulties/disabilities, although some data on this is now collected as part of the equalities work. We are satisfied that any prisoner arriving at Hewell with a formal diagnosis is appropriately identified. We remain concerned that the additional challenges of prison life exacerbate the difficulties, in many cases leading to a cycle of disciplinary/behavioural issues, and there is little appetite to deal with the underlying issues. We have seen, and it has been anecdotally confirmed by staff, that some behavioural challenges are likely to be caused by learning disabilities going undiagnosed.

Recommendation 1 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

The Board again restates its previously recorded concern at the prevalence and treatment of prisoners held in custody indefinitely under indeterminate sentences for public protection. We have seen no evidence of attempts to manage the sentences of these individuals with any focus on forward progression. Nor have we seen recognition that the despair of endless detention results in self-destructive behaviour, leading to the use of segregation and challenges to discipline within the prison. This, in turn, causes these prisoners to fail at the parole board. We urge the minister to take up the issue of prisoners still being held in custody indefinitely despite the power to pass such sentences being removed eight years ago.

Ministry of Justice Resettlement

Recommendation 2 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

Similarly, the Board remains concerned about the difficulties encountered in transferring prisoners with severe mental health/behavioural issues to an environment where they can be treated effectively. Again, will the minister work with colleagues in other departments to ensure greater availability of more suitable locations for these prisoners?

Ministry of Justice Mental Health

Recommendation 3

In the light of long remand periods, review the policy that remand prisoners are exempt from some of the obligations that go with effective resettlement and opportunities are provided.

HMPPS Resettlement

Recommendation 4 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

Ensure that prisoners inappropriately located at HMP Hewell (by reason of their category, etc.) are speedily moved to appropriate prisons.

HMPPS Regime

Recommendation 5 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

Provide funding to ensure that those with mobility issues can move around the prison e.g., lifts and widened doorways.

HMPPS Estate

Recommendation 6

When the category D Hewell Grange was open prisoners were employed to maintain the approach to the prison, cut the verges and clear and tidy the car parks. Those prisoners are no longer present and funding to fulfil these requirements is necessary.

HMPPS Estate

Recommendation 7 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

Please conclude the report into the death on 14 June 2018, so that any identified lessons learned may be acted upon.

Other (other) Safety

Recommendation 8

Maintain the improvement with the early days unit, including improved transition from the induction houseblock to permanent accommodation.

Governor / Director Regime

Recommendation 9

Improve identification of those prisoners with learning difficulties/disabilities and their consequential support.

Governor / Director Equality

Recommendation 10

Maintain culture change pressure to have a consistent standard of staff behaviour towards prisoners.

Governor / Director Staffing

Recommendation 11 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

Improve the handling of prison complaints and applications systems, focusing particularly on those which raise issues of discrimination, to ensure that such concerns are appropriately addressed and where necessary dealt with through the DIRF process.

Governor / Director Complaints

Recommendation 12

Improve the cleanliness and appearance of the approach to the prison.

Governor / Director Estate

Recommendation 13 Repeated Prev. unaddressed

Maintain a focus on equality issues to ensure that all prisoners are treated fairly. For example, but not exclusively: the provision of wheelchairs in reception, translation services and information in other languages.

Governor / Director Equality