Prison
Cat B
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Exeter
IMB Annual Report 2025 · Published 27 May 2026
HMP Exeter is an all-male and young offender category B reception prison (Local) with a small resettlement function. At the end of the reporting year, its operational capacity remains at 310. During the year there were four deaths in custody.
Positive Findings
The prison was found to have improved its performance and outcomes for prisoners across all key areas of inspection: safety, respect, purposeful activity, and preparation for release. Staff training has continued to expand with fortnightly training sessions. The appointment of a neurodiversity support manager and the decision to introduce an incentivised substance free living (ISFL) unit on D wing reflects the prison’s recognition of this.
Key Concerns
Safety
Delays in the CCTV project and the continued closure of A wing impact negatively on the safety and security of prisoners and staff
Safety
A rise in the number of illicit items entering the prison which causes intermittent instability
Safety
An increased number of prisoners self-isolating, linked to the high number of deaths in custody, but with some improvements in supporting their needs
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
Poor conditions in D wing – too hot in summer, damp and mould in winter
Healthcare
Lack of permanent, suitable clinical and peer review space throughout 2025
Education/Purposeful Activity
Reduced variety and choice in the provision of educational courses
Board Commentary
Staffing
Staff training was interrupted during Covid-19 and subsequently by staff shortages, but has continued to expand with fortnightly training sessions helping to ensure that staff are better trained to deal with the challenges they face. This not only covers mandatory topics but is also shaped by local priorities. Staff are now more familiar with the idea and use of individual prisoner management and support plans and the impact of neurodiversity. Leaders have been supported to influence cultural and climate change through working with the national behaviour change team and involvement in a prototyping pilot where problems are identified and solutions tested.
Healthcare
Exeter continues to receive high numbers of prisoners with a history of drug and or alcohol abuse or with neurodiverse, trauma or mental health issues. During the year there have been examples of prisoners awaiting transfer (sometimes beyond time limits) to secure hospital environments. The appointment of a patient engagement lead and a neurodiversity lead, with positive outcomes for prisoners.
Regime & Daily Life
As a reception (local) prison, the number of prisoners arriving and leaving the establishment creates complexities particularly in the areas of providing purposeful activity and preparation for release. Increasingly strategies to improve outcomes for prisoners have taken more account of prisoner needs and the transient nature of the prison population. One outcome of the high turnover in population is the impact on peer helpers including buddies, Listeners, violence reduction (VR) representatives, and Insiders, etc, who can no longer be retained.
Other IMB Reports for Exeter
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
18 Nov 2025
Unannounced
13 Nov 2023
IRP
18 Nov 2022
Urgent Notification
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.