HMP/YOI Norwich was well led, had continued to make progress and
managed many of the challenges it faced, said Peter Clarke, Chief
Inspector of Prisons. Today he published the report of an
unannounced inspection of the Norfolk jail.
HMP/YOI Norwich is a local prison holding a complex mix of
remanded and sentenced category B, C and D adult prisoners and
remanded and sentenced young adults. The prison is unusual as it
is split across three separate sites, each with different
functions. These complexities are a challenge for management. At
the last inspection in 2013, inspectors found that the prison had
made good progress. This more recent inspection found that
progress had been maintained and, in some areas, built upon.
Despite facing similar challenges to other local prisons,
including lower staffing levels, increases in violence, and the
influence of new psychoactive substances, prisoners were more
likely to say they felt safe at Norwich than at other similar
prisons. Proactive action had been taken to increase safety and,
while more needed to be done, the approach had resulted in a more
stable prison.
Inspectors were pleased to find that:
- arrangements for supporting newly arrived prisoners had
improved, particularly for the many men who arrived with
substance misuse issues;
- the prison was overcrowded but still provided a basically
decent living environment and staff-prisoner relationships were
good;
- Ofsted rated the provision of learning and skills as ‘good’
and attention had been paid to enhancing the work, training and
education places available;
- work to help prisoners resettle back into the community at
the end of their sentence remained reasonably good, but a
shortage of social housing meant too many men were released
without stable accommodation; and
- work at the category D resettlement unit, Britannia House,
was notable, with excellent use of release on temporary licence
(ROTL) and most men had secured employment when discharged.
However, inspectors were concerned to find that:
- there had been four self-inflicted deaths since the last
inspection in 2013 and although support for those at risk of
self-harm was generally good, there were some weaknesses in case
management;
- although the range of work, training and education
opportunities had improved, and most prisoners had something
worthwhile to do, there were still too many men locked up during
the working day (30%); and
- although offender management work was generally up to date,
levels of contact between men and their supervisors were
insufficient.
Peter Clarke said:
“Norwich had continued the forward momentum we noted at our
previous inspection in 2013; a significant factor was strong and
stable leadership by the governor and his team. It might not have
been coincidental that unlike many other prisons we have visited
in recent months, the senior team had been at the prison for some
years. The leadership team had anticipated and managed many of
the challenges, focused on the recommendations we made in 2013
and ensured that staff were kept well informed about their
priorities. We were told during the inspection that both the
governor and his deputy were to move on. This would clearly be a
significant change for Norwich, but we left optimistic about
the many changes that were now well embedded and the number of
plans in place or being developed which would ensure progress was
maintained.”
Michael Spurr, Chief Executive of the National Offender
Management Service, said:
“I’m pleased the Inspector has recognised the positive approach
of staff at Norwich which – despite challenges – has
created a stable and progressive regime.
“Improving the care for those with mental health problems is key
and the prison is already working with health care to ensure all
prisoners receive the best possible care and support.
“The leadership team will continue to implement the report
recommendations to make further improvements at the prison.”
- ENDS -
Notes to editors:
- A copy of the full report, published on 9 February, can be
found on the HM Inspectorate of Prisons website
at: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons
- HM Inspectorate of Prisons is an independent
inspectorate, inspecting places of detention to report on
conditions and treatment, and promote positive outcomes for those
detained and the public.
- HMP/YOI Norwich is a local multi-functional prison for young
adult and adult men.
- This unannounced inspection was carried out from 12-23
September 2016.
