Onley inspection report 2025
Report for Onley Prison
Summary
The relentless targeting of Onley by drones carrying drugs and other contraband was having a hugely destabilising effect on this Midlands category C prison at the time of this inspection. Random drug testing with a positive rate of 34% showed the extent of the challenge faced by leaders. In a rural location, with weaknesses in physical security, including windows that were easily breeched, the prison service had failed to defend this jail from serious organised crime gang activity. Unsurprisingly, levels of violence had increased significantly since our 2022 inspection; much was driven by the effects of a thriving illicit economy, with prisoners in debt subjected to assault or choosing to self-isolate. The experienced governor had, for the first time in many years, been able to recruit the full complement of officers, and leaders had worked hard to support staff welfare and improve retention. This meant, however, that many staff members lacked experience and had not developed sufficient capability in the role.