New Hall inspection report 2026
Summary
Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP & YOI New Hall by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons 20–30 April 2026. This inspection of HMP & YOI New Hall found a prison operating effectively; a consequence of committed leadership and strong partnership working. Outcomes were good in three of our healthy prison tests – safety, respect and preparation for release – but not sufficiently good for purposeful activity, where shortcomings in education, skills and work provision remained a concern. The governor had, despite a relatively short period in post, developed a clear understanding of the prison’s strengths and weaknesses and was widely respected by staff and prisoners for her visibility and commitment to improving outcomes. This had contributed to better performance in health care and resettlement support, as well as progress against all but one of the concerns we identified at our last inspection. The prison was calm and ordered, and most women told us they were treated with respect.