Staff shortages and overcrowding highlighted in HMP Bullingdon annual report
Independent Management Board warns issues are affecting prisoner progression and safety
HMP Bullingdon continues to grapple with staff shortages, inexperienced personnel, and chronic overcrowding, according to the Independent Management Board’s (IMB) 2024-25 annual report, published today.
The report outlines how these challenges have negatively impacted the prison’s regime and hindered keywork sessions, as well as prisoners’ progression and resettlement opportunities.
Main concerns
The IMB has highlighted several ongoing problems at the prison, including:
Of the 11,645 planned keywork sessions aimed at building positive relationships between prisoners and staff, less than half took place due to insufficient staff availability.
The prison remains severely overcrowded, with many prisoners sharing cells designed for single occupancy.
Levels of violence persist, exacerbated by limited CCTV coverage in only three of the six wings. This affects investigations into violent incidents and hampers efforts to prevent the passage of contraband.
High numbers of prisoners on remand or serving short sentences struggle to engage with education or work programmes, which makes successful resettlement more difficult after release.
Positive developments
Despite the challenges, the IMB noted some improvements at HMP Bullingdon.
The Board observed prison officers demonstrating caring and understanding attitudes towards prisoners, despite staffing difficulties.
Additionally, the report praised the prison’s new reception and induction process, which enhances the experience for prisoners arriving at HMP Bullingdon. Between January and June 2025, a total of 4,243 prisoners arrived in reception amidst high levels of movement within the prison population.
What should happen next
IMB Bullingdon Chair, Jennifer Pilkington, has called for urgent action to address the staffing shortages and overcrowding.
“Continuing issues around staffing in the prison are preventing the delivery of successful outcomes for prisoners, and the Board urges the Minister to prioritise initiatives that will overcome this fundamental problem,” Pilkington said.
She also addressed the issue of violence, saying that overcrowding has contributed to unacceptable levels of incidents within the prison.
The IMB annual report presents a mixed view of HMP Bullingdon, with staffing issues and overcrowding continuing to pose significant challenges.