Prison
Cat men’s open prison and young offender institution
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Hollesley Bay
IMB Annual Report 2024 · Published 16 September 2025
HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay is an open prison and YOI that operates as a safe and humane environment, with a strong focus on prisoner progression and resettlement. While HMIP's inspection yielded positive results and healthcare generally meets needs, the Board raises concerns about the impact of early release schemes on prison workload, a failing property transfer system, and the ongoing need for estate investment. Recommendations are made to the Minister, Prison Service, and Governor on issues including IPP re-sentencing, healthcare appointment management, and the provision of single rooms.
Positive Findings
The Board considers Hollesley Bay to be a safe place for prisoners and staff, noting good relationships and a culture of respect. The prison actively promotes diversity and inclusion, with strong oversight of equality matters by the Governor and SMT. Healthcare provision is generally met, and the HMIP report was positive. There is a strong emphasis on prisoner employability and progression through a 'sequencing pathway', with vocational training and work opportunities helping prepare prisoners for release. The Board also commends the smooth transfer of the induction unit during repairs, the well-run property routines, and the active neurodiversity support.
Key Concerns
Resettlement/Release
Repeated
The Board will continue to press for a review of the 2023 decision to reject the Justice Select Committee’s recommendation, for the re-sentencing of IPP prisoners (serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences). Although some changes have been made, these do not, in the main, benefit serving prisoners in the open estate.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
Repeated
Continuing prison population pressures resulted in the implementation of SDS40 (a temporary early release scheme to address prison overcrowding), which placed a considerable workload across many departments to ensure necessary checks were completed and support put in place before release dates.
Resettlement/Release
No job opportunities have been identified for day-release prison workers at the proposed Sizewell C construction project, which is a disappointment to the Board.
Staffing
The upcoming single management structure with nearby HMP Warren Hill may be a challenging time for staff, and any uncertainty could impact prisoners, requiring careful monitoring.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The Board hopes that the change to a single management structure will result in increased benefits for prisoners, rather than being primarily a cost-saving exercise.
Complaints/Property
Repeated
The system for property being moved between establishments is failing and requires a drastic overhaul, with ongoing issues and rising complaints when prisoners are transferring in.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
There is a constant need for increasing investment in capital projects and maintenance, especially in older units and for addressing rusting metalwork on new modular units.
Healthcare
Repeated
DNAs (did not attends) continue to be a problem for the healthcare department, indicating a need for a further review of the management of the appointments process.
Overcrowding
Repeated
The Board will continue to push for single rooms for all prisoners across the Hollesley Bay estate, acknowledging that approximately 15% of rooms are currently shared.
Regime/Time Out of Cell
The Board asks if there are any plans to introduce in-cell telephony at Hollesley Bay.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The healthcare department is at its budgeted staff complement, however, the team has submitted a business case for additional nursing resources due to increased demand, especially from an ageing population. The chaplaincy is experiencing an increased caseload without a proportional increase in staffing. The key worker scheme is not offered in the open estate, a point the Board has previously questioned. The upcoming single management structure with HMP Warren Hill in 2025 is noted as a potentially challenging time for staff.
Healthcare
Healthcare at Hollesley Bay is a nurse-led service provided by Practice Plus Group, generally meeting prisoners' needs. The HMIP report from April 2024 was positive, though the healthcare waiting area is sometimes overcrowded. The prison supports neurodivergent prisoners with a dedicated manager and mentors. There has been an increase in the number of older prisoners, leading to higher demand for healthcare and social care. A significant issue is the high rate of 'did not attends' (DNAs) for both nurse and GP appointments, wasting resources.
Regime & Daily Life
Hollesley Bay operates an open prison regime where prisoners are required to be purposefully engaged during daytime hours, with an emphasis on rehabilitation and preparation for release. Prisoners have access to much of the grounds and units have recreational facilities. However, HMIP noted limited regular enrichment activities, though senior managers are now focusing on strengthening this provision. The 'sequencing pathway' is a praised structured regime rewarding positive engagement. The Board continues to press for single rooms for all prisoners, noting about 15% are shared.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (including transfers) | 4 | 5 | |
| Discipline (adjudications, segregation, incentives) | 3 | 1 | |
| Discrimination | 2 | 1 | |
| Family and relationships | 1 | 0 | |
| Food | 0 | 2 | |
| General and other | 2 | 3 | |
| Healthcare | 6 | 12 | |
| Property | 3 | 3 | — |
| Staff | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 25 | 27 | |
| Work, training and education | 1 | 0 |
Recommendations (20)
Ministry of Justice: 3
HMPPS: 8
Governor / Director: 9
9 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board will continue to press for a review of the 2023 decision to reject the Justice Select Committee’s recommendation, for the re-sentencing of IPP prisoners (serving Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences). Although some changes have been made, these do not, in the main, benefit serving prisoners in the open estate. What specific steps will the Minister take to address the Board’s concerns and ensure a more effective and equitable approach to re-sentencing?
Ministry of Justice
Resentencing
Response
The Minister noted the Board’s disappointment and explained that such resentencing would likely result in release without any custody supervision.
Recommendation 2
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board appreciates that continuing prison population pressures resulted in the implementation of SDS40 (a temporary early release scheme to address prison overcrowding, which allowed certain eligible prisoners to be released after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the usual 50%) during 2024. However, it questions whether the impact on establishments is taken into account when considering the timeframe required for such schemes. Some 200 discharges were dealt with by Hollesley Bay during a six-week period, with the usual figure being around 60. A considerable workload across many departments was necessary to ensure that all necessary checks were completed and support put in place before release dates. What measures is the Minister considering to lessen these effects and ensure adequate support for both prisons and released individuals, particularly in terms of proper checks and pre-release preparation?
Ministry of Justice
Resettlement
Response
TPRS eligibility has been expanded from 12 weeks from release to 12 months, and with a stricter eligibility criteria. Eligibility has been extended and this is helpful. However a further scheme, SDS40 (which allows eligible prisoners serving determinate sentences to be released after completing 40% of their sentence, rather than 50%) was introduced in 2024, again putting departments under considerable pressure to meet deadlines.
Recommendation 3
Major construction work is proposed at Sizewell C, a government-approved project. The Board is disappointed to find that no job opportunities have been identified for day-release prison workers. Will the Minister highlight this issue?
Ministry of Justice
Employment
Recommendation 4
The year 2025 promises to be one of major change for HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay as it starts on the pathway to a single management structure with nearby HMP Warren Hill. This may be a challenging time for staff, as they contemplate what the future may hold for them. Any uncertainty could impact prisoners. The Board is very mindful of the need for careful monitoring as the process gets underway and to be alert for any issues that may arise.
HMPPS
Staffing
Recommendation 5
The Board hopes that the change will result in increased benefits for the prisoners in both establishments, and that this, rather than a cost-saving exercise, will be a priority. What specific, measurable actions will be taken to ensure that the changes genuinely prioritise increased benefits for prisoners over cost savings, and how will these be tracked and evaluated?
HMPPS
Prison Operations
Recommendation 6
Repeated
Prev. addressed
The Board continues to comment favourably on the sequencing pathway at Hollesley Bay and trusts that sequencing will remain at the heart of prisoner progression.
HMPPS
Regime
Response
HMPPS’ specialist Support Group will work with all relevant internal stakeholders to understand more about sequencing, its impacts and whether it is transferable. The Custody Group visited in December. Reported several positive practices. Will share and then add to the Custody Improvement Catalogue.
Recommendation 7
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board considers that the reception unit at Hollesley Bay handles prisoner property effectively. However, we cannot comment favourably on property being moved between establishments. A failing system that requires a drastic overhaul. What steps are being taken to address the failing system and when can we expect to see substantial improvements in this area?
HMPPS
Prisoner Property
Response
The Board’s concern is noted. Digitally recorded prisoner escort records include a property section. Reminder of volumetric control limits. Still ongoing issues when prisoners transferring in. Complaints have risen about this issue.
Recommendation 8
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The IMB is pleased to see the increasing use of prisoner work teams to undertake painting and decorating around the prison. Where possible, they have also helped with refurbishment work within units, but this does not detract from the constant need for increasing investment in capital projects and maintenance.
HMPPS
Estate
Response
The open estate is given the same priority as others regarding funding initiatives. Rust on modular units is being actively addressed. Capital projects planned. Rust appears to be an ongoing issue.
Recommendation 9
Repeated
Although additional benches have been added to the outdoor seating area adjacent to the visits hall, the Board asks that the number is kept under review to ensure that as many visitors as possible can be accommodated.
Governor / Director
Visits
Response
Additional seating provided. Popularity suggests yet more be provided, if possible.
Recommendation 10
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
DNAs (did not attends) continue to be a problem for the healthcare department. The Board requests that a further review of the management of the appointments process is undertaken.
Governor / Director
Healthcare
Response
Acknowledged and reviewed. 2024 saw continuing issues. Repeated.
Recommendation 11
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board acknowledges that, whenever possible, a single room is offered to prisoners. However, we will continue to push for single rooms for all.
Governor / Director
Accommodation
Response
Acknowledged at Board meetings. The Board will continue to raise this issue.
Recommendation 12
The Board asks if there any plans to introduce in-cell telephony at Hollesley Bay.
Governor / Director
Communication
Recommendation 13
The Board is pleased to acknowledge the very positive result of the unannounced HMIP inspection in April. It also notes the positive comments by the Chief Inspector.
Governor / Director
Other
Recommendation 14
The Board commends the induction unit and other staff for their response to the unexpected closure of Wilford unit for urgent maintenance and the need to relocate prisoners and the induction programme.
Governor / Director
Staffing
Recommendation 15
The sensory garden adjacent to Samford unit is a welcome addition. The Board looks forward to its continuing development.
Governor / Director
Regime
Recommendation 16
The need for hourly observations of prisoners arriving too late to be seen by the healthcare departments highlights an important need.
HMPPS
Reception/Healthcare
Response
Prisoners should only arrive at prisons within the contracted reception opening hours. Escorting services should notify the prison of any delays. Hollesley Bay staff elect to monitor the wellbeing of late arrivals.
Recommendation 17
Prev. unaddressed
The Board is disappointed that the Governor’s request for a dedicated search dog was not approved. It hopes the decision will be reconsidered.
HMPPS
Security
Response
Regrettably, there are no additional resources for a dedicated search dog. Regional dog handlers can be deployed on request.
Recommendation 18
Prev. unaddressed
Will the key worker scheme be extended to the open estate?
HMPPS
Staffing/Regime
Response
Key work is not resourced centrally for the male open estate. Governors continue to deliver a personal officer scheme should they wish.
Recommendation 19
Prev. addressed
A review of the arrangements for dispensing medication is requested. The current regime is slow and cumbersome, which leads to frustration among prisoners and friction with healthcare staff.
Governor / Director
Healthcare
Response
Review completed.
Recommendation 20
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board suggests that there is a need to review the handling of prisoners’ post, in particular where healthcare appointments are concerned.
Governor / Director
Communication/Healthcare
Response
2024 saw continuing issues. Repeated.
Other IMB Reports for Hollesley Bay
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
3 Apr 2024
Unannounced
Safety: 4
Respect: 4
Activity: 3
Release: 4
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.