Belmarsh independent review of progress 2022

Summary

the inspection seriously and, in most areas, our findings were encouraging, with reasonable progress found against most recommendations. Report of an independent review of progress at HMP Belmarsh 3 1.5 The governance of use of force and violence were much better and there was some early evidence of improving outcomes. Violence and self-harm had reduced and we saw some good initiatives, for example, a conflict resolution team interviewed every new arrival to identify concerns and minimise potential clashes. There had been very little progress, however, in increasing the effective use of body-worn cameras and a different approach by leadership was clearly required.

Inspection ratings

Findings

Priority concerns

Time out of cell remained inadequate, and body-worn cameras were still not being used routinely during use-of-force incidents.

Other key concerns

Time out of cell; purposeful activity data; body-worn camera use.

Notable positive practice

HMIP noted an innovative conflict resolution team that identified potential sources of violence and tracked incidents.

Progress since the previous inspection

Good progress was found in one recommendation, reasonable progress in seven and no meaningful progress in two.