Prison self-harm programme evaluation
Lack of clear evaluation methods for the success of self-harm reduction programs (e.g., ACCT process) in prisons.
267 items
8 sources
Strongest theme matches
Mixed across source types and ranked by classifier confidence plus text match strength.
Committee recommendation
99match
#18 - Set out clear evaluation methods for the new ACCT process's success in reducing self-harm.
The increasing level of self-harm in the female estate over the last decade is alarming and while the number of self-inflicted deaths is low, even one death is one too many. We recognise that the MoJ and HMPPS are working to address self-harm levels across the female estate and welcome the ongoing work to improve the Assessment, Care...
Matched on
terms: evaluation, harm, self
PFD report
89match
Emmett Morrison
HMP Long Lartin suffered from a continued influx of illicit drugs. There were also systemic failures in the ACCT process, with no support actions recorded for a prisoner with a history of self-harm.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
Jordan Buckton
Prison staff lacked awareness of a prisoner's self-harm history due to information sharing failures. Additionally, there was inadequate follow-up after prescribing anti-depressants and a mental health course was discontinued due to staff shortages.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
Craig Bell
There was an unmet need for psychological therapies for prisoners with personality disorders, poor information sharing about self-harm risk, and a lack of senior clinician attendance at discharge reviews.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
John Chapman
A critical lack of formal procedures for sharing prisoner self-harm and welfare alerts between prison reception staff and healthcare nurses during medical screenings created a risk of significant alerts being missed.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
Tomasz Nowasad
There was an over-reliance on prisoners' self-declarations regarding self-harm risk, and insufficient consideration of all risk factors or the "big picture" during ACCT reviews and discharge. Risk assessment rationales were also not consistently documented.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
Jason O’Rourke
HMP Belmarsh's immediate needs form inadequately assesses self-harm risk for new prisoners without existing care plans. The nightly roll check system lacks robust auditing, risking missed checks and compromising prisoner safety.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
Lewis Johnson
HMP Wealstun lacks night-time healthcare staff, and prison officers are inadequately trained in CPR and defibrillator use for self-harm incidents, compounded by a missing policy directive for immediate resuscitation.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
85match
Andrew Dean
There are no clear prison procedures for ensuring new prisoners can make initial family contact or for handling incoming calls from family members concerned about a prisoner's safety, posing a risk of future self-harm or suicide.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
84match
Moorland (2025)
HMP/YOI Moorland faced significant pressures this year from a high turnover of prisoners and early release schemes, yet reception staff performed well. While positive developments include improved ACCT records, successful translation programs, and some regime liberalisations, the report highlights concerns over increased violence, self-harm, and use of force. Key areas for development include addressing overcrowding (single cells as...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
81match
Michael Dobson
Limited staff availability post-prison lockdown means essential maintenance, like electricity supply issues, is delayed until the next day. This creates a potential for prisoners to self-harm.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
81match
Wyndham Thomas
The absence of in-cell ligature point risk assessments, ligature point maps, and mandatory "Safer Cells" in prisons creates critical missed opportunities to prevent self-harm by ligation.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
PFD report
81match
Nigel Feckey
The 'Offence Neutrality' policy in prisons, mingling sex offenders with mainstream prisoners, fostered fear, bullying, and self-harm among vulnerable inmates, posing a risk of future deaths where still implemented.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Erlestoke (2021)
HMP Erlestoke generally maintained a safe and humane environment during the reporting year ending March 2021, despite the challenges of Covid-19. Key improvements included a significant reduction in violence, commendable healthcare management of a Covid-19 outbreak, and improved resettlement planning. However, concerns remain regarding a troubling increase in self-harm, inadequate provision for prisoners with complex needs and IPP...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Doncaster 2019 – (2019)
The reporting year for HMP Doncaster (October 2019 – September 2020) was dominated by Covid-19, which heavily impacted the prison regime and the IMB's monitoring capabilities. The Board praised staff dedication during the pandemic and noted positive changes in senior management and improvements in the DIRF and healthcare complaints processes. However, key concerns persisted regarding self-harm risks, drug...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Exeter (2021)
HMP Exeter, a Category B local and resettlement prison, averaged 406 prisoners with an operational capacity of 431, and continued to operate under restricted regimes due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The prison experienced high levels of violence (256 prisoner assaults, 128 staff assaults) and a return to very high self-harm rates (monthly average around 70 incidents towards year-end)....
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Dovegate (2025)
HMP Dovegate, a Category B training prison, experienced an increase in self-harm incidents and use of force during the reporting period, alongside five deaths in custody. Key concerns include a lack of specialist resources and exit plans for prisoners with personality disorders, significant pressure on offender management due to policy changes, and disruptions to the Therapeutic Community. Positively,...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
76match
Channings Wood (2020)
While the Board very much welcomes the continued downward trend in many key safety indicators, progress in reducing levels of self-harm and the use of psychoactive substances is slower. What steps are planned to further reduce the number of prisoners self-harming at Channings Wood? Despite successes in the interception of drugs, can even more effective measures be taken...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Bedford (2022)
HMP/YOI Bedford faced significant challenges during the reporting year, operating under "restrict" regimes due to COVID-19 and staff shortages, leading to widespread cell confinement. While positive steps were made in safety initiatives, particularly with a new young adults' wing and improved ACCT processes, the prison continues to struggle with high levels of self-harm and violence. Mental health services...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Exeter (2022)
HMP Exeter, a Category B local and resettlement prison, experienced persistent high levels of violence and self-harm, alongside challenges with staffing instability and extensive refurbishment work in 2022. While healthcare provision was generally satisfactory, access to psychological therapies remained limited, and living conditions were often impacted by overcrowding and restricted regimes. Progress towards successful resettlement was hindered by...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
76match
Norwich (2023)
The IMB report for HMP/YOI Norwich highlights persistent staff shortages as the overarching issue, leading to a restricted regime with prisoners locked up for extended periods daily. Key concerns include high levels of self-harm and violence, an overstretched mental health team, and a lack of purposeful activity and rehabilitation programs for long-term and IPP prisoners. The Board also...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
Committee recommendation
74match
#2 - Set out how to monitor Probation Service impact on reoffending and share Reset evaluation findings.
MoJ and HMPPS do not know how probation performance affects outcomes such as reoffending. The overall aims of the Probation Service are to protect the public and to reduce reoffending. MoJ estimates that the economic and social cost of reoffending by adult offenders was £20.9 billion in 2024–25. HM Inspectorate of Probation’s 2023 research indicates that high-quality probation...
Matched on
terms: evaluation, prison
PFD report
73match
Ian Brown
Despite previous recommendations, HMP Woodhill has failed to rigorously implement strategies to reduce self-inflicted deaths, resulting in continued rises in suicide and self-harm due to inadequate ACCT case management.
Matched on
terms: harm, self
IMB annual report
72match
Send (2021)
HMP Send operated under severe COVID-19 restrictions during the reporting year, significantly impacting the regime, education, and prisoner wellbeing, with women often confined for up to 23 hours daily. Despite these challenges, staff were commended for their professionalism and efforts to maintain safety and humane treatment, including the introduction of in-cell phones and improved canteen services. Key concerns...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Eastwood Park (2021)
This has been another challenging year due to Covid-19, impacting regime and IMB monitoring. While staff professionalism is commended, the Board remains concerned about high self-harm and violence levels, inadequate mental health provision, and the impact of lockdowns on prisoners' wellbeing. Despite some improvements in healthcare applications and infrastructure investment, significant issues persist with staffing, accommodation options post-release,...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Foston Hall (2021)
HMP/YOI Foston Hall faced significant challenges in the reporting year ending November 2021, primarily from persistent Covid-19 restrictions and severe staffing pressures. The IMB acknowledged the dedication of staff and noted improvements in areas like induction and welfare checks. However, serious concerns remain regarding the prison's high self-harm rates, inadequate mental health provision, unsuitable accommodation, and the impact...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Bronzefield (2022)
HMP/YOI Bronzefield, a female local/YOI prison, held an average of 480 prisoners during the reporting year. While offering a generally safe environment and some positive regime initiatives like new gym sessions and an ESME room, the prison faced significant challenges. Key issues included rising self-harm incidents, severe staff shortages curtailing the regime and services, and persistent problems with...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Ashfield (2022)
HMP Ashfield, a Category C training prison for convicted male sex offenders, maintained a safe environment despite increased self-harm (157 incidents) and violence (15 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults). The prison returned to a normal regime in March 2022 following Covid-19 restrictions. Key concerns include staff shortages in healthcare, ongoing issues with last-minute accommodation for released prisoners, and continued perceptions of...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Foston Hall (2022)
HMP/YOI Foston Hall faced significant challenges in the reporting year, primarily due to acute staff shortages which severely impacted the regime, leading to frequent curtailments and long periods of cell confinement. Key concerns included high levels of self-harm and violence, inadequate accommodation, and slow progress in healthcare provision and resettlement outcomes. Despite these difficulties, the Board commended staff...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Winchester (2023)
HMP Winchester made steady progress in a challenging environment, marked by improved staff numbers and a positive shift in culture, yet persistent issues with its Victorian infrastructure and overcrowding remain. While self-harm incidents decreased overall, the number of individuals involved increased, and prisoner-on-prisoner assaults rose. Healthcare experienced staffing shortfalls affecting GP and dental waiting times, and activity placements...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Wymott (2023)
HMP Wymott faces significant challenges including a rise in violence and self-harm, severe staff shortages impacting safety and regime, and inhumane conditions on A and B wings where refurbishment is repeatedly delayed. Overcrowding forces prisoners to double up in unsuitable cells, while healthcare struggles with inadequate facilities and high agency staff reliance. The Board commends efforts in education...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Long Lartin (2023)
HMP Long Lartin experienced another challenging year ending December 2023, marked by an increased prisoner population and significant staffing shortages, leading to an unpredictable regime and increased prisoner frustration, self-harm, and violence. The prison's infrastructure, particularly in-cell sanitation on four wings and outdated security systems, is severely degraded, compounded by unsatisfactory maintenance services from Amey. Despite improvements in...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
72match
Swinfen Hall (2020)
The number of self-harm incidents increased this year, from 803 to 881. While the Board acknowledges that some of this increase derives from a small number of prisoners repeatedly self-harming, it commends the efforts of staff supporting these prisoners. The Board welcomes regular updates on new initiatives to reduce the extent of self-harm and their impact and would...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
72match
Usk and Prescoed (2021)
With respect to the promotion of prison safety, the Board supports the concerns of Dame Anne Owers (letter to the Director General of Prisons, November 2020) regarding the decision that making a ligature (also known as noose making) by prisoners should no longer be a nationally reportable self-harm incident.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
72match
Lancaster Farms (2021)
To reconsider and improve the strategies available to the prison to manage and reduce the number of incidents of self-harm, particularly among the small number of prisoners who frequently self-harm and could be assessed as demonstrating severe mental health difficulties (paragraphs 4.2.2, 6.3.5).
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
72match
Elmley (2024)
Remove prisoners’ access to razor blades as an instrument of self-harm and replace these with safer electric shavers.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
72match
Eastwood Park (2024)
Ensure individuals who prolifically self-harm are more evenly distributed throughout the women’s estate to help reduce the adverse pressure on the regime and staff in a single prison.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Wakefield (2021)
HMP Wakefield, a high-security prison, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, operating under severe lockdown regimes with prisoners spending only 1.5 hours out of cell daily. While violence reduced, self-harm incidents and deaths in custody increased. The Board raised serious concerns about persistent issues with mental health transfers, a lack of consultant forensic psychiatrist provision, and the...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Eastwood Park (2022)
HMP/YOI Eastwood Park faced a challenging reporting year (Nov 2021 – Oct 2022), marked by critical staffing shortages (17.5% below target), two deaths in custody, and exceptionally high self-harm levels, leading the IMB to no longer consider it safe for all women. The prison struggled with an increasing number of women with complex mental health needs, exacerbated by...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Gartree (2022)
HMP Gartree experienced an increase in assaults and self-harm incidents during the reporting year, alongside nine deaths in custody. The Board raised significant concerns about the lack of progress on essential infrastructure improvements, the quality and availability of purposeful activity, and delays in mental health transfers. Positive developments included improvements in the complaints system and effective detection of...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Send (2023)
HMP Send is a closed women's prison that made significant efforts to ensure prisoner safety and humane treatment during a challenging year. While the Board noted positive staff-prisoner relationships, persistent staff shortages, particularly in OMU and probation, negatively impacted services and progression. Key concerns include high self-harm rates, the lack of digital in-cell technology, the unjust detention of...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Bronzefield (2024)
Bronzefield faced significant challenges in the reporting year, primarily due to severe staff shortages impacting all aspects of the regime, leading to prisoners being locked up for extended periods and missing activities. Healthcare delivery was suboptimal due to lack of staff and poor coordination, resulting in medication delays and cancelled appointments. The prison also grappled with a high...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
72match
Send (2025)
HMP Send, a closed prison for adult women, managed a population of 245 prisoners against an operational capacity of 255. The Board commended staff efforts in ensuring safety and positive relationships, noting improvements in complaint handling. However, the report highlighted significant increases in self-harm, assaults, and use of force incidents, along with persistent concerns regarding the adequacy of...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB recommendation
72match
Elmley (2021)
There should be greater, more formal analysis of self-harm. The assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) documents are valuable for recording such events and their possible triggers, but the underlying causes seem never to be identified in their relation to the prison environment, which could be modified.
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
LGO / SPSO decision
71match
201303972 - Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained that the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) had decided that he no longer needed to be managed under their process for prisoners at risk of suicide or self-harm. Mr C had been managed under this process for a number of days, as he had carried out acts of self-harm. During that period,...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
LGO / SPSO decision
68match
201005201 - Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, complained about delay in being assessed for offending behaviour related programmes for which he had been identified as suitable. Mr C felt his progression to less secure conditions would be affected by the delay. He said he was identified for programmes at his Integrated Case Management (ICM) case conference in October 2010...
Matched on
terms: prison, programme
LGO / SPSO decision
68match
201300527 - Scottish Prison Service
Mr C, who is a prisoner, progressed to the national top end (NTE) in January 2012. This is a less secure prison facility, to which prisoners can progress before moving to open prison conditions. The risk management team (RMT) there were concerned that Mr C had not been assessed for offence-related programme work prior to his progression. They...
Matched on
terms: prison, programme
IMB annual report
68match
Bullingdon (2022)
HMP Bullingdon faced chronic overcrowding and significant staff shortages, which impacted safety, regime delivery, and staff-prisoner relationships throughout the reporting year. While healthcare provision was generally good and improvements were seen in some areas like equality data analysis and IT systems, challenges such as high violence, drug availability, and prisoner churn hindering progression persisted. The Board highlighted a...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
68match
Lowdham Grange (2023)
HMP Lowdham Grange experienced a challenging reporting year (Feb 2022 – Jan 2023) marked by significant contract transition and refurbishment works. This led to a deterioration in safety, increased self-harm and assaults, and a decline in staff morale and prisoner engagement. Despite some positive healthcare developments like a new wellbeing centre, services remained below community standards, compounded by...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self
IMB annual report
68match
Swaleside (2023)
HMP Swaleside experienced an unprecedented year of staff shortages, severely impacting the regime and humane treatment of prisoners with restricted time out of cell. Despite these challenges, the Board commends the SLT and staff for implementing an improving regime, which saw a decline in violence and self-harm incidents. Key concerns remain around staff retention, the poor state of...
Matched on
terms: harm, prison, self