HMYOI Wetherby was well-run, but needed to do more to reduce levels of violence, said Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons. Today he published the report of an unannounced inspection of the young offender institution in West Yorkshire.

HMYOI Wetherby was last inspected in 2014 when inspectors reported that outcomes for young people were reasonably good or better against all four healthy prison tests: safety, respect, purposeful activity and resettlement. This more recent inspection found the prison going through a period of transition with the reopening of mothballed accommodation, the refurbishment of one wing and the appointment of a new governor. Outcomes for young people remained mainly good, except in safety, where there had been a discernible deterioration.

Inspectors were pleased to find that:

• the prison had a comprehensive safeguarding policy reflecting some good structures and effective oversight;
• the identification of bullies and victims was reasonably good and supervision on the wings was good;
• the management of security was broadly proportionate to the risks faced;
• most boys lived in decent conditions;
• relationships between staff and prisoners remained a strength, and it was commendable that there had been no loss of confidence or withdrawal from staff despite the violence they faced;
• the provision of education and learning opportunities was sufficiently broad and progression was possible;
• skills development in vocational training was good and a good work ethic was promoted;
• work to support resettlement was a strength and there had been progress in developing links with resettlement consortia and community partners who provided pathway services;
• support for boys with looked after status was well organised; and
• there were some good public protection arrangements in place.

However, inspectors were concerned to find that:

• boys spent too long held in court cells before being transferred to the prison, and many arrived late, which did not help with the important task of managing risk;
• despite good supervision, nearly a third of boys reported victimisation from others, which was a significant increase since the last inspection;
• there had been an increase in the levels of violence recorded and in the severity of that violence;
• arrangements to support behaviour management had been ineffective in addressing these concerning trends;
• the use of force had increased and the environment and regime in the separation facility remained unsuitable for children, although it was not used excessively; and
• boys received slightly less time out of cell than previously and for a minority, unlock could be very limited, and inspectors found about 30% of boys locked up doing nothing during the working day.

Nick Hardwick said:

“Wetherby remained well-led and staff remained calm, measured and resilient. In most respects Wetherby provided the boys it held with positive opportunities to progress. However, this report also identified some significant challenges, not least in addressing and reducing the concerning levels of violence. Addressing this should be the priority of the establishment and much of its other work depends on progress in this area.”

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

“I’m pleased that the Chief Inspector found that Wetherby continues to be a well run establishment with skilled and professional staff.

“As the Inspectorate report makes clear, Wetherby manages a complex and challenging population.

“Tackling violence and providing a safe environment is the Governor’s top priority and we will use the recommendations in the report to support this work.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Read the report.
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. HMYOI Wetherby is a dedicated young offender institution for young men under 18.
4. This unannounced inspection was carried out from 12-23 January 2015.
5. Please contact Jane Parsons in HM Inspectorate of Prisons Press Office on 020 3681 2775 or 07880 787452 if you would like more information or to request an interview.