HMP Wandsworth – impressive progress

HMP Wandsworth is a large and overcrowded institution dating mostly from the 19th century. The prison was severely criticised at its last inspection two years ago. More recently, inspectors found that the prison had made impressive progress in a relatively short period of time. Safety had improved significantly. The Victorian environment at Wandsworth was a challenge to maintain, but despite this, environmental standards were reasonably good. There was now sufficient activity for the majority of prisoners and resettlement services were generally effective.

Inspectors were pleased to find that:

• levels of violence had reduced and staff supervision had improved;
• support for those in danger of self-harm was much improved, with evidence of better outcomes and fewer incidents;
• security was applied proportionately, use of force was reducing and disciplinary arrangements were generally well managed;
• the drug strategy was beginning to have an impact and support for drug misusers was good, although levels of illicit drug use remained too high;
• the culture had markedly improved and staff-prisoner relationships were much better;
• the quality of learning and skills provision, particularly vocational training, was good;
• the strategy to reduce reoffending was reasonably good and grounded in a useful analysis of need; and
• most medium- and longer-term prisoners received some offender supervision.

However, inspectors had some concerns:

• too many prisoners were required to share a cell designed for one;
• although the promotion of diversity was a developing priority, much more still needed to be done;
• there was a range of services for foreign nationals, who made up over 40% of the population, but the prison needed a more considered approach; and
• over a quarter of prisoners were locked up during the working day, which was still too high.

Nick Hardwick said:

‘This is a good report that records significant improvement. The prison is well led by the governor and his management team, and it is to their credit that they have created a sense of optimism and energy in the prison. One inspection report does not of itself mean that the deep-set negative culture, built up over decades, which we witnessed at our last visit, is eradicated. The challenge will be to embed these recent improvements. However, at our previous inspection Wandsworth was being run in the interests of the staff; at this inspection we found a prison that was working toward becoming an accountable public service. The governor and his staff should be congratulated and encouraged following this fresh start.’

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

‘This is a very positive report and I am pleased the Chief Inspector has recognised the achievements made by the governor and his staff at Wandsworth.

‘There are clear challenges in running a Victorian prison of this size but Wandsworth has developed a safe environment with good outcomes for the prisoners it holds.

‘The Governor and his team will now address any areas of concern in the report to continue to drive sustained improvement.’

Notes to Editors

1. A copy of the report. (522 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 inspection was carried out from 13-17 May, 10-14 June 2013.
4. HMP Wandsworth is a category B local male prison.
5. Please contact Vinota Karunasaagarar at HMI Prisons on 020 3681 2801 if you would like more information or to request an interview with Nick Hardwick.