Foston Hall independent review of progress 2026
Report for Foston Hall Prison and Young Offender Institution
Summary
Report on an independent review of progress at HMP & YOI Foston Hall by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (8–10 December 2025). Good or reasonable progress had been made in addressing all but one of the concerns raised at the January 2025 inspection. Prison officers’ competence and confidence had developed, leaders had worked hard to meet the needs of the large population who had been recalled or were on remand, and the education, skills and work offer had improved. The prison needed to maintain this momentum and continue the work it was doing to address violence and the availability of drugs. Points to note: Although staff-prisoner relationships had improved, and at the time of this review self-harm and assaults on staff had reduced, there were two self-inflicted deaths a month later.