HMP Wolds - some improvements, but concerns remain

HMP Wolds was a safer prison than at its previous inspection, but there were clear weaknesses in other areas, said Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons, publishing the report of an announced inspection of the training jail in East Yorkshire.

At its last inspection in 2010, inspectors found that performance had deteriorated and expressed concerns about the availability of drugs, a lack of staff confidence in confronting poor behaviour, weaknesses in the promotion of diversity and limited work and training provision. This follow-up inspection found some improvements, but many previous concerns still needed to be addressed. At the time of our inspection the future management of the prison was subject to a competitive tendering process.

Inspectors were pleased to find that:

  • the level of violence remained low;
  • the use of force remained low and was reasonably well managed, while levels of self-harm were lower than in similar establishments;
  • time out of cell was good, there was sufficient activity for all and some impressive work opportunities in IT; and
  • provision across the resettlement pathways was generally good, with excellent work to support families.

However, inspectors were concerned to find that:

  • there were slightly fewer illegal drugs in the prison than during the previous inspection, but levels still remained high and the improper use of diverted prescription medication added to the problem;
  • although staff-prisoner relationships were generally respectful, the poor behaviour of some prisoners was not always confronted;
  • too little had either changed or improved to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities and, despite some good features, there was insufficient vocational training and training and learning had too low a profile;
  • in spot checks, inspectors found that up to 30% of prisoners were on the wings doing nothing during the working day;
  • few education, training and work places were of sufficient quality to engage prisoners and develop their skills;
  • offender management and resettlement planning were not well integrated, although there was an appropriate focus on risk and harm reduction; and
  • work to promote diversity remained under-developed and the provision of health care had worsened.

Nick Hardwick said:

‘This is a mixed report. Wolds finds itself on the cusp of potentially significant change, with competitive tenders for the management of the prison signalling uncertainty about its future. We noted at our last inspection that Wolds was not designed as a training prison, making the delivery of meaningful activity a challenge. Sufficient activity is available, but it needs increased prioritisation and organisation and greater attention to quality. Similarly some good provision in resettlement needs better coordination. The prison has many strengths, but managers must give their full attention to its very clear weaknesses.’

Michael Spurr, Chief Executive Officer of the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), said:

‘I am pleased that the Chief Inspector acknowledges improvements have been made since the previous inspection but accept his assessment that further work is needed, particularly in the management and quality of purposeful activity and resettlement.

‘The competition process that The Wolds is undergoing can create uncertainty but the Director and her staff will continue to work to address the issues highlighted in the report to move the prison forward.’

Notes to editors:

  1. View a copy of the report. (485 kB)
  2. HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on conditions and treatment, and promote positive outcomes for those detained and the public.
  3. This announced full follow-up inspection was carried out from 23-27 April 2012.
  4. HMP Wolds is a training prison for adult male category C prisoners. It is managed by G4S.
  5. Please contact Jane Parsons at HMI Prisons on 07880 787552 or Barbara Buchanan on 020 7035 2102 if you would like more information or to request an interview with Nick Hardwick.