Bedford independent review of progress 2024

Summary

Inspectors returning to HMP Bedford found tentative progress, following a shocking inspection in 2023 which led the Chief Inspector to invoke the Urgent Notification protocol for the second time at the prison. However, they warned there was still much more to do to break its long cycle of poor inspection reports. Senior leaders were now more visible around the prison, which was starting to drive up standards, and a proactive safety team were working hard to understand and tackle the root causes of violence. Despite this, violence between the men had continued to rise in the six months before our visit, and the overall rates remained among the highest of all adult male prisons. Illicit drugs, limited time out of cell, frustrations about not being able to get things done, and a lack of challenge from staff about poor behaviour were all contributing to a continued lack of safety. Read the press release

Inspection ratings

Findings

Priority concerns

Violence between prisoners had continued to rise and overall rates remained among the highest of all adult male prisons. Illicit drugs, limited time out of cell, difficulty getting things done and insufficient challenge of poor behaviour contributed to a continued lack of safety.

Other key concerns

Violence; illicit drugs; limited time out of cell; cleanliness and accommodation; cockroaches; damaged windows.

Notable positive practice

HMIP noted more visible senior leaders, proactive safety work, equality and fair treatment work led by diversity and inclusion managers, reduced self-harm and improving support for prisoners with poor mental health.

Progress since the previous inspection

Progress was described as fragile, with extensive ongoing support from HMPPS needed to make improvements sustainable.