Prison
Cat C
Key Concerns Identified
Positive Findings
Highpoint
IMB Annual Report 2024 · Published 21 May 2025
HMP Highpoint, a Category C training and resettlement prison, maintained a population of approximately 1,300 in 2024. While self-harm incidents decreased, there was a concerning rise in assaults on both prisoners and staff, and an increase in use of force and ACCTs opened. Key challenges include persistent issues with property management, the poor performance of the maintenance contractor (GFSL), and the unchecked influx of contraband, all contributing to ongoing safety concerns.
Positive Findings
The Board commended the well-run Care and Separation Unit (CSU) and the successful Listener scheme. GP and nurse-led services consistently achieved high ratings, with mental health needs met 98% of the time. The D&I team provided exceptional support, and the chaplaincy's bereavement support was noted as outstanding. Additionally, the dental team received a national award for their work.
Key Concerns
Other
Repeated
In spite of the revised Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework, the Board continues to be concerned about the loss or delay of prisoners’ property in transfer between establishments.
Other
Repeated
There has been no improvement in the management of prisoners’ property within the prison, and the Board would also like to see an improvement in the handling of prisoners’ parcels within the Prison Security Framework.
Healthcare
During the reporting year, the Board has seen a considerable rise in the number of healthcare applications. There were 77 applications received compared with 38 in the previous year. The Board would ask that the Minster look into the reasons behind this.
Estate/Conditions
Repeated
The Board continues to be seriously concerned about the service provided by Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL). Again, we request an urgent review of the works maintenance contract to ensure it fully meets the ongoing needs of a challenging prison environment.
Safety
Repeated
As noted in two previous annual reports, the netting around the prison blew down in a storm and was slowly being replaced (in most units). However, it has still not been completely replaced, all this time later. The prison is still vulnerable to ‘throwovers’ (where people from outside the prison throw parcels over the walls, which contain illicit items, to be picked up by prisoners) and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison, which has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
Safety
The IMB is concerned that one of the three constant watch cells is in the CSU.
Overcrowding
Prison overcrowding, and the resultant difficulties in transferring prisoners to other establishments or wings, has, in part, resulted in reported changes in the prison population and debt continues to fuel unrest, contributing to the continued increase in reported violent incidents.
Education/Purposeful Activity
The IMB is concerned that there are some prisoners who are unable to read and who do not always declare this on arrival on the induction unit, and that for a number of those attending education induction, there was too much information to take in at a time when they were trying to adjust and understand their new environment.
Substance Misuse
Repeated
The IMB also remains concerned that large quantities of drugs (and other contraband) continue to get into the prison, which has an impact on prisoner safety.
Board Commentary
Staffing
The prison saw 55 new officer starters and 48 resignations during the year, indicating some turnover. While resettlement staffing levels were reported as good, the chaplaincy experienced occasional service cancellations due to shortages. Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL) struggled to recruit escorting staff, and the key worker scheme continued its positive development.
Healthcare
Healthcare, provided by Practice Plus Group, maintained a green rating across most metrics, with mental health needs met 98% of the time. The mental health team effectively managed a caseload of 29 prisoners. Dental services experienced a backlog early in the year due to maternity leave but recovered with new appointments and received a national award. A concern remains the high rate of DNA appointments, exceeding a 10% threshold.
Regime & Daily Life
The prison operates without a lockout time, with late arrivals accommodated on the induction wing before property processing. Induction typically lasts 7-14 days, with efforts made to facilitate timely moves. The key worker scheme aims to provide 45 minutes of support per prisoner weekly. However, ongoing maintenance issues and untimely repairs by GFSL continue to impact the living environment.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaints | 3 | 2 | |
| Discrimination | 10 | 10 | — |
| General welfare | 45 | 42 | |
| Healthcare | 77 | 38 | |
| Home Detention Curfew | 3 | 2 | |
| Licence conditions | 1 | 1 | — |
| Other | 51 | 48 | |
| Parole | 0 | 1 | |
| Property | 59 | 60 | |
| Recategorisation | 1 | 1 | — |
| Regime | 55 | 45 | |
| Transfers | 20 | 18 |
Recommendations (7)
Ministry of Justice: 4
HMPPS: 2
Governor / Director: 1
4 repeated
Recommendation 1
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
In spite of the revised Prisoners’ Property Policy Framework, the Board continues to be concerned about the loss or delay of prisoners’ property in transfer between establishments, and refers you to Section 5.9. The Board, once again, asks for an urgent review into the handling of prisoners’ belongings.
Ministry of Justice
Other (Property)
Recommendation 2
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
There has been no improvement in the management of prisoners’ property within the prison, and the Board would also like to see an improvement in the handling of prisoners’ parcels within the Prison Security Framework.
Ministry of Justice
Other (Property)
Recommendation 3
Rail Track and construction: the Board would ask the Minister to acknowledge the excellent work carried out by the reducing reoffending team and the senior management team and would refer the Minister to the section 7.2.9.
Ministry of Justice
Other (Acknowledgement)
Recommendation 4
During the reporting year, the Board has seen a considerable rise in the number of healthcare applications. There were 77 applications received compared with 38 in the previous year. The Board would ask that the Minster look into the reasons behind this.
Ministry of Justice
Healthcare
Recommendation 5
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
The Board continues to be seriously concerned about the service provided by Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL). Again, we request an urgent review of the works maintenance contract to ensure it fully meets the ongoing needs of a challenging prison environment.
HMPPS
Estate
Recommendation 6
Repeated
Prev. unaddressed
As noted in two previous annual reports, the netting around the prison blew down in a storm and was slowly being replaced (in most units). However, it has still not been completely replaced, all this time later. The prison is still vulnerable to ‘throwovers’ (where people from outside the prison throw parcels over the walls, which contain illicit items, to be picked up by prisoners) and the increased opportunity for contraband to get into the prison, which has a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners.
HMPPS
Safety
Recommendation 7
The Board is aware that drug debt and fermenting liquids to brew prison alcohol are a major concern for the prison and we welcome the strategies, such as searches with specialist dogs and a designated search team (DST), which are being implemented to counteract this.
Governor / Director
Substance Misuse
Other IMB Reports for Highpoint
HMIP Inspections
Recent inspections by HM Inspectorate of Prisons for this establishment.
16 Oct 2023
Unannounced
Safety: 3
Respect: 4
Activity: 1
Release: 2
PPO Fatal Incidents
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman fatal incident investigations for this establishment.