Standford Hill

The establishment continues to be handicapped by the lack of its own kitchen facilities, which restricts further development of an otherwise very expandable category D prison.

C wing is a temporary building that has far outlived its projected lifespan.

We are also supportive of the Governor’s desire to introduce an internet room. This is a very practical prerequisite for any establishment looking to prepare prisoners to move into the outside world.

The development of the national vocational qualification for prisoners working in the gardens has been painfully slow, and we are not satisfied that the oversight of this area by Government Facility Services Limited is as effective as it could be.

We have also been disappointed that funding constraints have halted, and in some cases reversed, the initiatives begun in the educational area over recent years, and restricted the educational options available to prisoners.

The retention of property upon arrival at Standford Hill is another matter entirely, and is responsible for much frustration and annoyance for prisoners – to the degree that it has the potential to undermine progress towards rehabilitation. This is because prisoners feel they are being unfairly punished for the good behaviour which has led to their arrival at Standford Hill. It should, of course, be noted that for much of the time Standford Hill is following HMPPS protocols or responding to information received. Two items are of concern, both likely to have been purchased through proper channels at previous prisons, and approved for use by the authorities there. These items are music systems and games machines (mostly X-boxes).

Worth noting, because of the general level of comment upon it, is the dislike of the current roll call system, which requires prisoners to go behind their doors for counting. Several prisoners complain that they find it demeaning.

There is one area which continues to present problems – that of external probation links. While it is difficult to establish the facts, it seems that there are administrative issues arising, which can create serious delays in clearance for release on temporary licence (ROTL).

Recommendation 1 Repeated

We would again commend the work done on resettlement and its success in reducing reoffending after prisoners leave Standford Hill. We believe that the prison has the physical potential for expansion, so that this work could be capitalised on; however, the prison desperately needs its own kitchen facilities and the upgrading of cell block C before this can be achieved.

Other (minister) Estate

Recommendation 2 Repeated

The provision of on-site kitchen facilities is long overdue and would enable the prison to be expanded.

HMPPS Estate

Recommendation 3

We also believe that the effectiveness of the prison and its rehabilitation programme would be enhanced if an internet room could be created, for prisoners to plan their futures and communicate with future employers.

HMPPS Regime

Recommendation 4

We also suggest a review of property rules which should be consistent across all establishments with new rules issued to staff and copied to prisoners.

HMPPS Regime

Recommendation 5

The development of the national vocational qualification for prisoners working in the gardens has been painfully slow, and we are not satisfied that the oversight of this area by Government Facility Services Limited is as effective as it could be.

Governor / Director Education

Recommendation 6

We have also been disappointed that funding constraints have halted, and in some cases reversed, the initiatives begun in the educational area over recent years, and restricted the educational options available to prisoners.

Governor / Director Education