News
IMB reflects on major change in role of HMP Durham to reception prison
In its annual report for the period 2017/18 the IMB reports that this change has increased the workload in many areas and required the prison to constantly adapt to the challenges.The main issue affecting the prison is safety. The prison has seen large increases in the use of force, assaults, death in custody and illegal … Read more >
Concern about impact of widespread use of Psychoactive Substances at HMP Haverigg
In their latest annual report the IMB at HMP Haverigg says there is continuing concern about the impact of widespread use of Psychoactive Substances (PS), not only with respect to those addicted to its use but on the general prison population, staff and also on the overall regime. Risk to life It is disturbing to … Read more >
New report on HMP Channings Wood reveals continuing concern over the state of the prison
The annual report from the Independent Monitoring Board at Channings Wood highlights that over the year to August 2018 the prison continued to decline, both in relation to the safety and well-being of the prisoners themselves, and in the physical condition of their surroundings. Among the points raised were: The significant increase in the use … Read more >
HMP Hewell is not providing a service fit for the 21st Century
HMP Hewell provides a poor environment for both prisoners and staff and is yet to overcome the widespread use of illicit drugs and mobile phones or to provide appropriate resettlement support, says the annual report of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) published today. The IMB, which comprises volunteers appointed by the Minister to check that … Read more >
Featherstone 2017-18 annual report published today
Read the report in full here.
Increase in violence and self-harm of concern to Independent Monitors at HMP Cardiff
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Cardiff publish their annual report today for the period 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018. The report highlights their concern at the increase in levels of self-harm and violence during their reporting period, though monitors noted that these were at a lower level than similar prisons and that … Read more >
New staff arrivals at HMP Dartmoor bring improvement but prisoner self-harm still at high levels
The Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Dartmoor has published its annual report covering the period from 1st October 2017 to 30th September 2018. In the report the IMB members, who are volunteers appointed by Ministers to monitor how prisoners are treated, detail the developments and changes undergone in the past year. Areas of improvement include: … Read more >
NPM report highlights concerns for detainees who are not being held in safe and decent conditions
The National Preventative Mechanism (NPM) is the United Kingdom’s structure for complying with its commitment to the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). In their Ninth Annual Report, published today, the NPM presents the findings of the 21 member organisations, including those … Read more >
Further decline in conditions and inadequate facilities at HMP Ford of concern to IMB
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Ford is very concerned by the deteriorating state of accommodation, which is having a detrimental impact on many aspects of prison life including personal hygiene and purposeful activity. In its annual report for the period 1 November 2017 to 31 October 2018, the Ford IMB notes that: there … Read more >
IMB at HMYOI Deerbolt reports increasing violence and assaults on staff
In their annual report published today the Independent Monitoring Board at HMYOI Deerbolt report that: Prisoners sent to Deerbolt from all over the country bring with them gang rivalries from different cities, which has contributed to increased violence (also fuelled by a rise in the amount of drugs getting into the prison) Staff numbers are … Read more >