Bedford scrutiny visit 2021
Report for Bedford Prison
Summary
The important focus on rehabilitation and release planning to reduce reoffending and improve successful resettlement had largely been lost at the start of the pandemic. While the offender management unit maintained its focus on completing essential tasks linked to progression, face-toface support was rare. The absence of such support from community rehabilitation company (CRC) staff was a huge frustration for the governor and others, and left many prisoners ill-equipped for release. Direct support aimed at promoting positive family relationships had also ended a year ago and the slow implementation of in-cell telephones did not help in promoting contact with loved ones. Overall, many of the key concerns that we identify in this report reflect the challenges that leaders at Bedford have faced for many years. While improvements were evident under our test of respect, the more systemic issues of high levels of violence and underdeveloped staff–prisoner relationships persisted. Inspectors also identified several priorities for improvement, including and recommendation S3 and paragraphs 2.8 and 2.21–2.23). 1.4 Communication with prisoners workers were used creatively to inform and support others. Our survey showed that most prisoners knew what the COVID-19 restrictions were and most had had them explained to them.