|
INDEX
Introduction
Review of the Year
Areas of Special Responsibilities
Applications
Statistics
INTRODUCTION
This is the third Annual report that I have produced as Chairman
of what was The BOV of HMP Ashwell and since the spring of 2003 is
the IMB of HMP Ashwell.
As reported in last year’s annual report it is the opinion
of the Board of Visitors that HMP. Ashwell is a well-run prison. It
is a prison that, over the last few years has had a large amount of
capital investment spent on improving facilities. We appreciate this
investment which over my time as Chairman has improved many facilities
beyond recognition and is ongoing. We are though still concerned at
the limited revenue budget that the prison has and although we have
total confidence in The Governor to utilise these very limited resources
to the full there are so many useful projects that would benefit from
less restraint. HMP. Ashwell continues to have dedicated, disciplined
and professional officers and staff and it is largely thanks to their
efforts that HMP Ashwell has continued to function to the high standard
that it does.
HMP Ashwell is different to many other Category ‘C’ establishments
in so much as it has criteria for allocations that reflect the fact
that it is a very low Cat ‘C’ Establishment. This means
that the prison needs prisoners who have a degree of self-motivation
and self-discipline and meet criteria that are laid out regarding:
sentence length; offence; medical criteria; etc. In the main the sending
establishments recognise this, there has though - mainly because of
the lack of custodial places in the prison system - been the occasional
case of totally unsuitable prisoners being sent to Ashwell. This issue
is of concern to the Board as in a community with the freedom of HMP
Ashwell, an unsuitable inmate has a disproportionate effect on the
whole prison and although they are quickly moved on we do feel that
the allocation criteria should be strictly adhered to.
As in any establishment that cares for over 500 inmates and 274 staff
there are always going to be problems and these are often increased
where funding, as it is in the prison service, is extremely tight.
We have been encouraged over the last year by the way that officers
have adapted to the new working patterns, changes are always difficult
to implement but over the last year we have seen a great improvement
in staff morale and we are pleased to note the enormous reduction
in TOIL that has taken place.
During the time covered by this report we have seen the arrival,
installation and occupation of a 40 cell RTU which is now called the
Langham Unit. It is very impressive and appreciated by the prisoners
occupying it. There are of course some niggles that have to be sorted
out but that is only to be expected.
I suppose that if there was one concern above all others, concerning
the prison, it is the comparative ease that drugs, mobile telephones
and alcohol are obtained by prisoners. We realise that HMP Ashwell
has a very liberal regime and prisoners have certain amount of freedom
but we are very supportive of all schemes that will deter those things
that have a de-stabilising effect on the prison and welcome the installation
of the new security cameras which we hope will play a significant
part in the reduction of illicit items coming over the fence.
I would like to finish the introduction to this report by thanking
The Governor, David Walmsley and all who work at Ashwell for the very
courteous, helpful and friendly way they treat the BOV (now IMB) and
the way they help us with our role. We have had two clerks over the
last year Diane Thorne and Brenda Waterfield without whose friendly
and constructive manner my role would have been impossible and the
board would not be able to operate. I am extremely grateful to them
both. Brenda works three days a week and hopefully we will have someone
who can cover for her on the Monday and Tuesdays. Probably our greatest
success of the year was getting a telephone in our office and I do
appreciate the amount of effort that went into “beating the
system” to get it!
Most of all I would like to thank all the members of the BOV for
their help over the last three years – we are a team that work
well together, each one having differing strengths and together we
are a force that does not go around looking for trouble but monitors
the prison, and where there are problems or difficulties, we try to
play our part in reconciling those problems, whilst recognising that
we hold no executive powers. Compared to reports from other Boards
and Establishments, I believe we have a less pressurised role than
many but that does not make it any less important. Being individuals
we all have private lives and I believe that these must come first.
Over the last year several members have found it difficult to give
their normal total dedication to their role as IMB members, I appreciate
this fact but I draw enormous strength from the fact that we are such
a diverse and friendly board that at all times if one member has a
problem another one is more than happy to stand in. That is what makes
a great team and I am extremely grateful as “team captain”
to each and every member for the support that I have received over
the last three years from the Board and everyone associated with HMP
Ashwell. I will hand over to a new chairman on 1st January 2004 a
great board that monitors a prison that is, in my view, well run and
thoroughly professional doing a great job in difficult circumstances.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
July 2002
Population 473
Diane Thorne was appointed our clerk and we were all grateful for
the help she gave us during her time in post. Rota visits signify
no major problems. The kitchen lavatory was noted to be filthy but
this was soon sorted out and assurances given that it will not happen
again – as I write this report the matter has been highlighted
again and an eye must be kept on this as it is vitally important that
this facility is kept spotless. The Gym was being well used and the
gardens were looking terrific.
August 2002
Population 476
Saw the opening of the new Gymnasium which is the most fantastic
asset to the prison and the BOV are always aware of the great job
the staff do there under Stan Bowles. We were sad to hear of the death
of Mrs. Kristen Bushell the wife of our ex-Governor and the board
sent a letter of condolence. We had a very successful lifer’s
day which raised £672.00 for a local charity. We are becoming
concerned that staffing is below that required especially with the
imminent opening of the new Langham unit. We also noted the retirement
of Mike Coggins who had been a good friend and extremely helpful to
many members of the Board during his time here.
September 2002
Population 479
A quiet month, there is concern expressed by several members about
doubling up in cells and 8 cells in D wing have had bunk beds erected.
The necessity for this is understood but we will monitor the situation
carefully.
October 2002
Population 487
There is a concern coming from members about education and a wish
for it to be better resourced especially recognising the lack of space
available it is such a valuable asset to this prison - as this report
is being written we are pleased to see that this now happening. It
is good to note that the Education Department were responsible for
7 prizes and commendations in this years Koestler Awards and to have
a prize item included in the Poems and Prose writings of distinction
for 2002 published by the Koestler Trust. During October 9 staff from
Ashwell went to Lincoln Prison to help with the trouble there and
on 3rd October we started doubling up in two cells.
November 2002
Population 487
There is a slight concern over the amount of time taken when a prisoner
wishes to change religion and the enormous amount of paper work that
this generates. We were proud that an Ashwell Officer Mr. Windsor
had been chosen to carry the wreath at the Cenotaph Service in London.
We also visited HMP Morton Hall as a board and found it fascinating.
December 2002 and January 2003
Population 491
Prisoners started to move into the new 40 cell RTU (The Langham Unit)
of course there were some teething troubles but it was generally agreed
that this is a great addition to the prison. Reception coped well
with the extra workload which was increased by those prisons that
sent us prisoners that did not meet our criteria. Christmas passed
very quietly and we were all sad to hear of the death, after a long
illness, of John Dow MBE with whom we had all worked closely. New
years eve was rowdy and this was not unconnected to a find of hooch
in A wing.
February 2003
Population 528
There is a problem with the heating on D Wing and the board also
commented on the amount of complaints it had received regarding the
reading of inmates mail. We were assured that this was done in accordance
with the 5% rule. The Dental waiting list is now standing at 120.
March 2003
Population 529
This was a quiet month in many respects save for two exceptional
events. The first was the discovery of an unexploded hand grenade
by contractors that had to be dealt with – the second and far
more important to all of us was the installation of a telephone in
our office it has been a bureaucratic nightmare for well over a year
trying to get one and now we have it, it is much appreciated.
April 2003
Population 532
We have for some time been very fortunate in the fact that every
Monday Peter Trewerne has come in and talked at induction about the
BOV / IMB sadly at the moment he is indisposed and it was decided
that for the time being members would try and fulfil this role on
their rota week. Five half litre bottles of Vodka were found four
were empty and one full there was also on the 11th an incident when
drugs were intercepted and an arrest made. As a board we are concerned
by the availability of hooch, drugs and mobile phones. There are of
course freedoms at Ashwell that make the total elimination nearly
impossible but we are concerned at the ease with which they get into
the prison.
May 2003
Population 530
This was a quiet month staffing levels have increased. Demolition
of part of the library was halted due to the discovery of a sparrow’s
nest. More drugs were intercepted coming over the fence.
June 2003
Population 530
The board expressed concern that the anti bullying statistics were
no longer provided for the board – hopefully this will be remedied
in the future. An escape bid was thwarted and a world war 2 grenade
was found on the sports field and dealt with by a bomb disposal unit.
The Future:
The Board will continue to monitor the Prison and if we find problems,
help to sort them out. We will continue to look at all applications
and take some “on the hoof” - if time allows. One of the
more satisfying roles of a BOV member is that of being able to cut
through bureaucratic red tape and remedy a problem that may be a trivial
one as far as the system is concerned but is of major concern to the
inmate involved. As Chairman I had a few confidential access requests
but none of them were serious and after an initial burst I have not
received any for some time. The prison is constantly playing host
to external inspectors and without exception they seem to agree with
the IMB that at Ashwell we have an institution that is an asset to
the Prison Service and it our job to see that this situation is maintained.
AREAS OF SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Segregation Unit
Staff in this area are handicapped by the cramped and dingy premises,
there is mounting excitement as the new unit building nears completion.
The new building will in itself do much to raise morale of both prisoner
and officer. As a board we began the year by requesting Governor no.2
to look into the possibility of monitoring the Adjudication process.
He obliged us by introducing a computer spreadsheet for the recording
of the monthly statistics from the 256’s. This covers all areas
of concern except the number of prisoners cautioned. We now have the
monthly collection of 256’s brought to the Board meeting for
perusal. These however do not record the initiating officer. The need
for the Board to engage in this process was brought home to us when
we found a 100% increase in the Adjudications had occurred between
April 02 and March 03.
D. Unit
This year has seen provision made for the double occupancy of 12
rooms if necessary because of the increased number of prisoners. Provision
has also been made to extend Reception hours until 20.30 hrs to accommodate
the late transfer of prisoners into Ashwell, allowing time for a confident
assessment period prior to location. The recent resiting and improvement
in the induction room and process has enhanced the welcome given and
the potential offered for the engagement of prisoners in their resettlement
prospects.
Sentence Planning
It is always impressive to attend one of these sessions as Officers
from the Prison and probation services join forces to gather material
together and with the Prisoner decide how he will be best prepared
for a non offending future. As the number of staff in the Probation
department has come up to strength this year, their contribution to
this process is dovetailing well with their other extensive duties.
Resettlement Policy Committee (RPC)
The work and achievements of this committee under the chairmanship
of Governor Folland since her appointment in June 02 have soared.
With the introduction of PSO 2300 the RPC replaced the Throughcare
committee and is responsible for:
• The Co-ordination of resettlement activity.
• Compliance with PSO2300 and the Prison Service Standard on
Resettlement.
• Development & Implementation of a resettlement Business
Plan.
• Maintaining the delivery and effectiveness of resettlement
services across the establishment.
• Monitoring the implementation of the Common Inspection Framework
(CIF)
• To provide an integrated strategic approach to the resettlement
function at HMP Ashwell.
• To coordinate activity with regard to employment, housing,
risk reduction and preparation for release.
• To identify best practice from other establishments.
• To liaise with other establishments and ensure relevant information
is passed on.
• To Co-ordinate the provision of voluntary workers in the
establishment, and to ensure that voluntary work is supported and
regulated within the establishment.
• To ensure that the Prisoners get the correct induction, assessment
and sentence planning.
• To co-ordinate the bids for funding.
The RPC committee meets every two months with monthly meetings between
the practitioners.
Members of the RPC include the Resettlement Governor , Principal
and Senior Officers, Healthcare, Probation, Psychology,
Industries, Education and key staff delivering resettlement activities
also attend.
The RPC has recently been extended to include a quality improvement
forum for the implementation of the Common Inspection Framework (CIF)
this means that the prison will be prepared for the examination of
learning standards as part of the Adult Learning Inspectorate.
The Strategic Objectives for 2003/04 include the following:
• Implementation of the CIF
• Development of an action plan to bring Qualifications to
all areas.
• Full implementation of PSO 2300
• A review of all non- accredited programmes in line with the
“ what works” strategy and the PSO Regime Interventions.
• Development of community links and appropriate protocols.
• Implementation of PS plus (an EU Social Fund Initiative)
• Co-ordinated OASYS training for key workers.
• Development of the role of Resettlement Officer under the
new profile
• Bid for ETS to deliver booster programmes
• KPT (key performance target) of 250 per year of training
and education outcomes.
• Increased resources in line with Custody to Work, Area resettlement
money, a recent bid has increased the staff by one Senior, one Physical,
one Administrative Officer, and a caterer to deliver qualifications.
At the moment HMP Ashwell is seeking approval to operate a Resettlement
Regime for selected prisoners. If successful this will mean that 40
designated places will be set aside for prisoners to participate in
a stage one resettlement programme.
Workshops
There are still on going concerns about lack of work. Every day, prisoners
are being sent back to their Wings for various reasons, such as shortage
of Instructors through holidays and sick leave or lack of materials.
There are plans for new workshops in the pipeline The Computer Repair
Workshop and the Industrial Cleaning Workshop we are concerned about
the length of time it has take to get these up and running.
Library
The library has now been relocated to C Wing and is operating at
full capacity. Education is also using it for their Open University
students. Diane seems to have sorted out the teething problems after
the move and all is now running smoothly.
Visits and Visitors Centre
There are always many justifiable compliments paid to the staff of
the Visitors Centre under Margaret Webb. We are pleased to hear that
in the near future the centre is to move from its present portacabin
to the training room. After this move has taken place we will have
a very impressive set up.
Training
The board has an ongoing training programme and most members have
undertaken the courses relevant to their time on the board.
We have a guest speaker at our monthly board meetings and this gives
us an insight into their various roles within the prison. It also
helps to keep the board informed of relevant changes in policy.
As a board we also visit other establishments, which in itself is
a useful exercise and keeps us in touch with fellow BOV members.
Malise Graham
Chairman of Board of Visitors, HMP Ashwell
APPLICATIONS
Last year the board received 137 applications. Last year it was (149)
Broken down by month:
July 21 (11)
August 24 (8)
September 8 (11)
October 13 (18)
November 13 (16)
December 9 (9)
January 8 (7)
February 10 (23)
March 10 (5)
April 6 (16)
May 7 (25)
June 8 (10)
The applications can be broken down into the following categories:
Tables on the following are available in the hard copy of the report:
- Nature of applications to the Board
- Board details
- Use of segregation
- Prison statistics
- Complaints
|
