News
IMB Lincoln 2018/19 annual report published
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) for HMP Lincoln has today published its annual report for the period 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2019. Every prison has an IMB attached to it whose role is to ensure that proper standards of care and decency for prisoners are maintained. The Board’s Chair, Norma Krawiec, says, “The … Read more >
HMP/YOI Norwich: Complex prisoner needs and overstretched staff an increasing conundrum say independent monitors
Overstretched staff strive daily to keep prisoners safe in decent surroundings Many men requiring help are insufficiently supported as a consequence of deficits in services provided within the community, which can unfairly result in those with complex needs and mental illness ending up in prison. And the sheer number of prisoners needing professional help forces … Read more >
Positive changes as staffing levels rise but drugs still ‘problematic’ says IMB at HMP Highpoint
In its 2018 annual report published today, the Highpoint Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) – made up of volunteers appointed by Ministers to ensure prisoners are treated humanely – notes that: there has been a substantial rise in staffing levels, which has had a positive impact on the regime the prison has a strong commitment towards humane … Read more >
Heathrow holding rooms require better facilities for children and other vulnerable individuals held for long periods, says IMB
In its annual report on the short-term holding facilities, the Heathrow Airport IMB welcomes the marked improvements to the physical conditions in the holding rooms during the year since Mitie C&C took over the contract, but these facilities still fail to provide satisfactory overnight sleeping accommodation at a time when lengths of detention for some … Read more >
Violence, drugs and self harm at HMP Lewes highlighted in IMB annual report
A significant increase in prisoner-on-prisoner violence, together with high levels of self-harm and the availability of drugs are major issues outlined in the annual report of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at HMP Lewes. Of particular concern is the recorded violence perpetrated by a prisoner on another prisoner which rose from 165 incidents to 278 … Read more >
IMB national annual report 2017/18 – ministerial response published
The IMB national annual report for 2017/18 was published on 5 June 2019. The ministerial response has now been received and can be viewed here.
Gatwick Pre-Departure Accommodation: Children’s distress means family removals process should be reviewed, say independent monitors
Child describes ‘a palace within a prison’ The Independent Monitoring Board for the Home Office’s Gatwick pre-departure accommodation (PDA) – made up of a team of volunteers appointed by ministers to ensure detainees are treated humanely – today publishes its annual report for 2018. The report describes much good work that is done to … Read more >
Tinsley House independent monitors call for time limit on immigration detention
Board concerned about of safeguarding of vulnerable detainees at Tinsley House. The Tinsley House Immigration Removal Centre Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) – made up of a team of volunteers appointed by ministers to ensure detainees are treated humanely – today publishes its annual report for 2018. In its report the IMB concludes that: in the main, … Read more >
Gartree IMB highly critical of decision to appoint Mitie as healthcare provider
In its annual report published today (21st June), the Gartree Independent Monitoring Board is highly critical of the decision to appoint Mitie as Healthcare provider to HMP Gartree, when they had no previous experience of providing healthcare services to prisons. The outcome was that Mitie had their licence withdrawn by the Care Quality Commission only … Read more >
IMB Northumberland welcomes staff efforts to curtail drug supply but raises concerns about prisoner transfer delays
The 2017/18 Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Board for HMP Northumberland is published today (21st June). The Board – made up of volunteers appointed by Ministers to ensure prisoners are treated humanely – came to a number of judgements including: • Identifying accommodation for men upon release is an ongoing challenge: not having a … Read more >