Progress at Worcestershire prison 'stalling'

A report published today, by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, says progress has stalled since the last full inspection in 2022.

Hewell is a men’s category B reception prison in the West Midlands.

The report says progress stalled since the last full inspection, which the prison attributed to staff shortfalls.

It found too many prisoners were still only unlocked for two hours a day, though a pilot to increase this was underway. Healthcare improved, as did the management of public protection arrangements and the oversight of prisoners released who posed a high risk of harm.

Ofsted found prisoners with learning needs and disabilities were better identified, and newly recruited staff were in training to manage officer shortages.

However, early days in custody arrangements remained poor and not enough had been done to reduce self-harm.

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