In the Media

30% of inmates 'doing nothing' at prison run by G4S

PUBLISHED August 22, 2012
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Wolds prison has improved since it was assessed two years ago but still needs to do more to address a number of problems, according to an official report.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons, Nick Hardwick, said the category C jail, in East Yorkshire, has seen "some improvements" since the last visit in 2010 but said "managers must give their full attention to its very clear weaknesses".

The jail has been run by G4S, at the centre of the Olympic security scandal, since it opened in 1992. The firm is currently rebidding for the contract and a decision is expected later this year.

In 2010 inspectors found problems with its training provision and also expressed concerns about the availability of drugs, a lack of staff confidence in confronting poor behaviour and weaknesses in the promotion of diversity.

The follow-up inspection in April this year highlighted impressive aspects of the prison, including low levels of violence and the use of force, and said time out of cells was good.

But it also found levels of illegal drugs in the prison remained high and too little had changed or improved to provide "meaningful employment and training opportunities".

Up to 30 per cent of prisoners were on the wings "doing nothing" during the working day while "the poor behaviour of some prisoners was not always confronted".

Mr 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 co-ordination.

"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."

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