Concerns over drugs at HMP Five Wells
Inspectors noted worries around safety and overcrowding as well at the Wellingborough prison
There are growing concerns over drug taking, safety and overcrowding at HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, according to a new report from the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB).
The annual report found the issues at the Wellingborough jail, one of the country’s newest category C facilities.
It opened in February 2022, is operated by G4S and was designed for rehabilitation and resettlement, with space for more than seventeen hundred adult men.
By March 2025, the population had increased beyond its intended capacity, with around two-thirds convicted of sexual offences now integrated across the prison.
The IMB notes positive changes under new leadership, including better staff support, improved communication, and the return to a full “green regime” in late 2024, allowing more purposeful activities for prisoners. The monthly prison council continues to give prisoners a voice to raise concerns directly with managers.
Despite efforts to improve, safety remains a major concern with concerns over illicit substances prevalent, a high rate of positive drug tests and ongoing issues with the smuggling of items. There has been a rise in self-harm incidents—up by almost sixty percent in the last year—and three deaths in custody, with more work needed to improve care and reduce risk.
Violence within the prison is up twelve percent, mainly between prisoners rather than against staff. Use of force incidents also increased, and the IMB highlights a need for better management and staff training.
The healthcare unit, run by Practice Plus Group, has improved communications and appointment systems, but faces staff shortages and long waiting times for some appointments.
Education provision has improved since Novus became the provider in July 2024, with better staff training and a rise in attendance, but further consolidation is needed.
The report concluded that while HMP Five Wells has made progress in several areas, especially purposeful activity, staff support, and education, significant challenges remain related to safety, staffing, property management, and prisoner wellbeing.
A HMP Five Wells spokesperson said in a statement:
"We are pleased the IMB recognises the very positive progress made in key areas, including increased staff support and a full regime of work and education.
“Since the end of the IMB’s reporting period in March 2025, we have continued to achieve significant reductions in violence, use of force, self-harm incidents and the rates of positive drug tests.”