Belmarsh independent review of progress 2025

Summary

Report on an independent review of progress at HMP Belmarsh by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, 7–9 April 2025. Good or reasonable progress had been made on many of the concerns raised at the full inspection in June 2024. Cleanliness had improved, more prisoners were undertaking purposeful activity, and the quality of teaching in education and training activity was better. Although there was more to do, leaders at all levels were committed to improving outcomes for prisoners and had a clear vision for the future. Points to note: Leaders reviewed the care plans of prisoners in crisis in a weekly multi-agency meeting and made sure extra action was taken to help them.

Inspection ratings

Findings

Priority concerns

There was still more to do to improve outcomes for prisoners.

Other key concerns

Sustaining improvements in cleanliness, purposeful activity, education and prisoner outcomes.

Notable positive practice

HMIP noted that leaders reviewed care plans for prisoners in crisis in a weekly multi-agency meeting and ensured extra action was taken.

Progress since the previous inspection

Good or reasonable progress had been made on many concerns, with leaders committed to improving outcomes and a clear vision for the future.