IMB Annual Reports
768 annual reports from Independent Monitoring Boards covering 171 establishments. IMBs provide independent oversight of prisons, immigration removal centres, and secure training centres. Source: imb.org.uk.
768
Reports
171
Establishments
757
With Key Concerns
Establishment Type
Reports by Year
Key Findings
99% of IMB reports flag key concerns.
Independent monitors cover 171 establishments
across prisons, immigration removal centres and secure training centres.
Warren Hill
PRISON
Concerns
Self-harm: 11
Assaults: 8
Staff assaults: 2
HMP Warren Hill is a well-run Category C prison for men serving life or IPP sentences, consistently demonstrating a high commitment to safety and positive staff-prisoner relations. While the prison excels in healthcare provision, purposeful activity, and support for neurodiverse prisoners, key challenges include the ongoing cancellation of ROTL, uncertainty surrounding prison expansion and kitchen facilities, and the potential impact of future education budget cuts. The Board urges action on these issues to further enhance rehabilitation and resettlement outcomes for prisoners.
Key concerns identified
- The cancellation of ROTL continues to hinder prisoner rehabilitation and resettlement.
- There is uncertainty regarding prison expansion, including rapid deployment cells (RDCs) and new kitchen facilities, and whether ancillary provisions will be proportionally increased.
- Proposed significant reductions in education budgets (35%) raise concerns about maintaining educational outcomes for prisoners.
- A plan is needed to accommodate the increasing age profile of the prisoner population, including physical adaptations and appropriate care packages.
- The opportunities offered by the Governance Review for joint working, training, and prisoner development across both sites need to be fully exploited.
- Further follow-up work is required to assess the effectiveness of the Warren Hill regime against the high prisoner recall rates (approximately 50%).
- Enhancing the use of IT in prison is necessary to better equip prisoners for release.
- There is uncertainty regarding prison expansion, including rapid deployment cells (RDCs) and new kitchen facilities, and whether ancillary provisions will be proportionally increased.
- Proposed significant reductions in education budgets (35%) raise concerns about maintaining educational outcomes for prisoners.
- A plan is needed to accommodate the increasing age profile of the prisoner population, including physical adaptations and appropriate care packages.
- The opportunities offered by the Governance Review for joint working, training, and prisoner development across both sites need to be fully exploited.
- Further follow-up work is required to assess the effectiveness of the Warren Hill regime against the high prisoner recall rates (approximately 50%).
- Enhancing the use of IT in prison is necessary to better equip prisoners for release.
Warren Hill
PRISON
Concerns
Self-harm: 69
Assaults: 3
Staff assaults: 0
HMP Warren Hill is a Category C prison maintaining a safe and humane environment with effective safety measures and good staff-prisoner relationships. Key concerns include the outsourced food provision, the impact of Ministerial intervention on prisoner progression and ROTL, and the need for investment in the estate and digital education. The IMB highlights improvements in key worker delivery, healthcare, and resettlement support, advocating for on-site kitchen facilities and reinstatement of ROTL to further enhance prisoner experience and preparation for release.
Key concerns identified
- The ongoing poor provision and quality of food from the HMP Hollesley Bay kitchen, with the IMB repeatedly urging the reinstatement of an on-site kitchen at Warren Hill.
- Disappointment and disquiet regarding Ministerial intervention delaying or preventing progression to open conditions or release following successful parole hearings, and the continued suspension of the ROTL pilot.
- The need for further investment in the prison's estate, particularly for the refurbishment of shower blocks beyond the one currently underway, some of which were highlighted in last year's report.
- Lack of sufficient digital technology training and access, such as in-cell laptops, which are crucial for preparing prisoners for successful resettlement in the modern world.
- Difficulties and discrepancies in funding and provision of social care for prisoners due to local authority differences, impacting those with physical or mental incapacities.
- Misuse of legitimate prescription medications, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, by a small percentage of the population.
- Disappointment and disquiet regarding Ministerial intervention delaying or preventing progression to open conditions or release following successful parole hearings, and the continued suspension of the ROTL pilot.
- The need for further investment in the prison's estate, particularly for the refurbishment of shower blocks beyond the one currently underway, some of which were highlighted in last year's report.
- Lack of sufficient digital technology training and access, such as in-cell laptops, which are crucial for preparing prisoners for successful resettlement in the modern world.
- Difficulties and discrepancies in funding and provision of social care for prisoners due to local authority differences, impacting those with physical or mental incapacities.
- Misuse of legitimate prescription medications, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, by a small percentage of the population.
Warren Hill
PRISON
Concerns
Self-harm: 11
Assaults: 1
HMP Warren Hill, a Category C adult male prison with an operational capacity of 267, maintained a safe environment despite some low-level bullying. The Board noted improved use of safety interventions (CSIPs, ACCTs) and zero deaths in custody. Key challenges included persistent issues with food provision, the suspension of the ROTL pilot, and delays in progression caused by Secretary of State interventions. The IMB made recommendations regarding food quality, estate investment, digital skills for resettlement, and urges review of the ROTL suspension.
Key concerns identified
bullet Ongoing concerns about the provision and quality of food from HMP Hollesley Bay.
bullet The decision to suspend the ROTL pilot, impacting prisoner progression and preparation for release.
bullet Transfer of prisoners’ property remains a major concern, despite local solutions.
bullet Need for further investment in the prison estate, with outstanding work beyond current shower block renovations.
bullet Development of resettlement support, including better access to digital technologies, to reduce recall rates.
bullet Staffing shortages at the education provider, People Plus, and restrictive contract processes impacting learners.
bullet Secretary of State’s intervention delaying movement to Category D or release after parole, negatively affecting prisoner mental health.
bullet Discrepancies between local authorities regarding social care funding and equipment provision.
bullet Prisoner dissatisfaction with pay levels and the impact of increasing costs on purchasing power.
bullet The decision to suspend the ROTL pilot, impacting prisoner progression and preparation for release.
bullet Transfer of prisoners’ property remains a major concern, despite local solutions.
bullet Need for further investment in the prison estate, with outstanding work beyond current shower block renovations.
bullet Development of resettlement support, including better access to digital technologies, to reduce recall rates.
bullet Staffing shortages at the education provider, People Plus, and restrictive contract processes impacting learners.
bullet Secretary of State’s intervention delaying movement to Category D or release after parole, negatively affecting prisoner mental health.
bullet Discrepancies between local authorities regarding social care funding and equipment provision.
bullet Prisoner dissatisfaction with pay levels and the impact of increasing costs on purchasing power.
Hollesley Bay
PRISON
Concerns
Self-harm: 5
Assaults: 2
Staff assaults: 0
Hollesley Bay is an open Category D YOI prison commend for its safe and humane treatment of prisoners, effective COVID-19 management, and progress in equality and resettlement. The introduction of the 'sequencing' regime has provided a more structured approach to learning and external employment. However, the report highlights concerns regarding the prevalence of multiple-occupancy cells, significant backlog in estate maintenance, and perceived inadequacy of food provision. Healthcare delivery is generally satisfactory, though high DNA rates for appointments due to communication issues and dental waiting times require attention.
Key concerns identified
- The government's decision not to support the re-sentencing of IPP prisoners.
- The continued prevalence of multiple-occupancy cells, despite the addition of new units providing an opportunity to eliminate them.
- The ongoing backlog of repair and maintenance issues affecting the prison's fabric, including plumbing, roofs, and general appearance.
- The perceived inadequacy of food provision, particularly lunch, and concerns about food transport to HMP Warren Hill.
- High Did Not Attend (DNA) rates for both general healthcare and dental appointments, often attributed to staff not passing on appointment letters promptly.
- A persistent lack of trust among some Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) prisoners in the formal complaints system, despite robust equality monitoring.
- The continued prevalence of multiple-occupancy cells, despite the addition of new units providing an opportunity to eliminate them.
- The ongoing backlog of repair and maintenance issues affecting the prison's fabric, including plumbing, roofs, and general appearance.
- The perceived inadequacy of food provision, particularly lunch, and concerns about food transport to HMP Warren Hill.
- High Did Not Attend (DNA) rates for both general healthcare and dental appointments, often attributed to staff not passing on appointment letters promptly.
- A persistent lack of trust among some Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) prisoners in the formal complaints system, despite robust equality monitoring.
Warren Hill
PRISON
Concerns
Self-harm: 26
Assaults: 5
Staff assaults: 1
Warren Hill maintained a safe environment despite Covid-19 constraints, effectively managing outbreaks and promoting positive staff-prisoner interactions. The IMB commends the prison's efforts in harmonising regimes and establishing on-site approved premises. However, persistent issues with food provision, the suspension of the ROTL pilot, and challenges related to prisoner property and in-cell telephony remain significant concerns, along with the impact of recent parole changes on prisoner morale and progression.
Key concerns identified
- Ongoing issues with the quality, quantity, choice, and temperature of food provided from Hollesley Bay kitchen, with the Board reiterating its call for a kitchen to be reinstated at Warren Hill.
- The suspension of the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) pilot, which is deeply regretted by the Board due to its value in resettlement and progression.
- Persistent problems with the movement of prisoners' property, a concern raised by the Board for at least six years.
- Difficulties with the in-cell telephony system, where prisoners are charged for unanswered calls or calls where a message cannot be left.
- The recent decisions by the Secretary of State impacting parole hearings and progression, which have caused a loss of morale among prisoners.
- Challenges in healthcare, including locum GP shortages and discrepancies in social care funding from different local authorities.
- The suspension of the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) pilot, which is deeply regretted by the Board due to its value in resettlement and progression.
- Persistent problems with the movement of prisoners' property, a concern raised by the Board for at least six years.
- Difficulties with the in-cell telephony system, where prisoners are charged for unanswered calls or calls where a message cannot be left.
- The recent decisions by the Secretary of State impacting parole hearings and progression, which have caused a loss of morale among prisoners.
- Challenges in healthcare, including locum GP shortages and discrepancies in social care funding from different local authorities.
Warren Hill
PRISON
Concerns
Assaults: 0
Staff assaults: 0
HMP Warren Hill, a Category C adult male prison with an operational capacity of 262, is generally considered safe and treats prisoners with respect, despite the significant challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic during the reporting period (June 2020 – May 2021). The regime was severely curtailed, with reduced time out of cell and suspension of education and therapy, yet staff maintained relationships and prisoner wellbeing was supported. Key concerns include the poor quality of food, delays in property policy reform, and missed opportunities for in-cell technology, though progress was noted on an approved premises and a disabled cell.
Key concerns identified
- The ongoing difficulties with the provision and quality of food from the Hollesley Bay kitchens, including an incident where a dead mouse was found in a heated trolley, which has led to a breakdown in trust and numerous complaints.
- The continued delay in publishing the long-awaited review of the handling of prisoners’ property, which remains a matter of concern for both current and transferred property issues.
- The missed opportunity to install in-cell laptops concurrently with the planned in-cell telephony upgrade, limiting prisoners' access to learning and applications.
- Several estate issues, including some doors lacking adequate apertures for fire hoses, ill-fitting windows with withdrawn replacement funding, and slow progress on a wheelchair-accessible room and wet room.
- The severe curtailment of the progression regime, purposeful activity, education classes, group therapy, and the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) scheme due to the pandemic.
- Disruption to the key worker system, which became a "box-ticking" exercise, although management is addressing this with refresher courses and strengthened supervision.
- The continued delay in publishing the long-awaited review of the handling of prisoners’ property, which remains a matter of concern for both current and transferred property issues.
- The missed opportunity to install in-cell laptops concurrently with the planned in-cell telephony upgrade, limiting prisoners' access to learning and applications.
- Several estate issues, including some doors lacking adequate apertures for fire hoses, ill-fitting windows with withdrawn replacement funding, and slow progress on a wheelchair-accessible room and wet room.
- The severe curtailment of the progression regime, purposeful activity, education classes, group therapy, and the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) scheme due to the pandemic.
- Disruption to the key worker system, which became a "box-ticking" exercise, although management is addressing this with refresher courses and strengthened supervision.
Warren Hill
PRISON
Concerns
HMP Warren Hill is a Category C adult male prison known for its therapeutic environments and progression regime. The IMB found it to be a safe establishment with strong staff-prisoner relationships and a wide array of purposeful activities. Key concerns include the persistent national issue of property transfer, outdated telephony infrastructure impacting family contact and parole hearings, and the lack of funding as a resettlement prison. The delay in completing on-site approved premises and high recall rates are also noted as challenges to successful resettlement.
Key concerns identified
- The apparent failure to deal with the national issue of property transfer between establishments causes significant distress to prisoners.
- Telephony and data lines are not up to modern standards, impacting visits and parole hearings, particularly during lockdown.
- The high cost of calls inhibits family contact and the Board reiterates the need for in-cell telephony.
- Warren Hill is not funded as a resettlement prison despite its focus on preparing prisoners for release.
- Funding for creative experiences providing developmental opportunities for prisoners is at risk due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Recall rates for prisoners released on parole remain disappointingly high.
- The planned on-site approved premises remain unfinished, hindering resettlement efforts and having been idle for several years.
- Telephony and data lines are not up to modern standards, impacting visits and parole hearings, particularly during lockdown.
- The high cost of calls inhibits family contact and the Board reiterates the need for in-cell telephony.
- Warren Hill is not funded as a resettlement prison despite its focus on preparing prisoners for release.
- Funding for creative experiences providing developmental opportunities for prisoners is at risk due to the COVID-19 emergency.
- Recall rates for prisoners released on parole remain disappointingly high.
- The planned on-site approved premises remain unfinished, hindering resettlement efforts and having been idle for several years.
The Mount
PRISON
Concerns
The Independent Monitoring Board reports on HMP The Mount for 2019-2020, highlighting significant challenges stemming from chronic under-funding, which affects staffing, infrastructure, and rehabilitative opportunities. Despite these issues, the Board notes improvements in decency, security, and healthcare provision, commending staff efforts. Key concerns include the pervasive drug problem, insufficient Category D and IPP progression places, and the failure to embed new initiatives like the key worker scheme.
Key concerns identified
- The Prison Service has had its budgets reduced over the years, leading to shortages of staff, equipment and supplies, and of work opportunities for prisoners. This leads to complaints and frustration from the prisoners, causing prison staff unnecessary ongoing problems. Either major investment needs to be put into the service with some urgency or there needs to be a policy which prevents so many people being locked up.
- There is a chronic shortage of spaces in open establishments, which often means that a prisoner waits many months for a place to be offered, and then sometimes is forced to take a place which is a long way from their home, which does not allow for proper family reintegration. More category D places need to be found, so that a proper progress through a prison sentence can be achieved.
- The Mount has 44 prisoners serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection many of whom, if not all, have now been in prison for much longer than their tariffs. The Mount can offer these men very little to help them work towards release. They need to be in prisons where they can benefit from therapeutic communities or “progression regimes” such as that offered by HMP Warren Hill.
- The availability of drugs continues to a central issue in many of the problems facing the prison, including criminality, violence, bullying and reoffending on release.
- Many new and interesting initiatives are often started but not embedded, so fall by the wayside – for example, the key worker scheme. This issue needs to be addressed.
- There is a chronic shortage of spaces in open establishments, which often means that a prisoner waits many months for a place to be offered, and then sometimes is forced to take a place which is a long way from their home, which does not allow for proper family reintegration. More category D places need to be found, so that a proper progress through a prison sentence can be achieved.
- The Mount has 44 prisoners serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection many of whom, if not all, have now been in prison for much longer than their tariffs. The Mount can offer these men very little to help them work towards release. They need to be in prisons where they can benefit from therapeutic communities or “progression regimes” such as that offered by HMP Warren Hill.
- The availability of drugs continues to a central issue in many of the problems facing the prison, including criminality, violence, bullying and reoffending on release.
- Many new and interesting initiatives are often started but not embedded, so fall by the wayside – for example, the key worker scheme. This issue needs to be addressed.