Contents

1. Introduction

2. Issues for the attention of the Secretary of State

3. Issues for the attention of the Director General

4. Premises

5. Adminstration and Staffing

6. Prisoners and Regime

6.3 A Wing
6.4 B Wing
6.5 C Wing
6.6 D Wing
6.7 G Wing
6.8 K Wing
6.9 I.E.P Scheme
6.10 Canteen
6.11 Chaplaincy
6.12 Correspondence Office
6.13 Education
6.14 Gym
6.15 Health Care Centre
6.16 HDC (Home Detention Curfew)
6.17 Kitchens and Servery
6.18 Laundry
6.19 Library
6.20 Race Relations
6.21 Reception
6.22 Requests and Complaints
6.23 Resettlement
6.24 Security
6.25 Segregation
6.26 Substance Abuse
6.27 Suicide Awareness and Selfharm Prevention
6.28 Training
6.29 Visits
6.30 Visits Centre
6.31 Videolink
6.32 Workshops

7. The Work of the Board

7.2 Board Meetings
7.3 Rota Visits
7.4 Applications
7.5 GOOD
7.6 Unfurnished cells/non-medical restraints – longer than 24 hours
7.7 Prisoners held in Medical Restraints
7.8 Serious Incidents
7.9 Training/Visits

8. Conclusions

1. Introduction

1.1 HMP Birmingham is a male Category ‘B’ local prison. Its main purpose is to receive prisoners from local Courts - Birmingham and Coventry Crown Courts, and Magistrates Courts in Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield, Coventry, Tamworth and Cannock.

1.2 The population includes remand and convicted prisoners along with prisoners awaiting sentence. It also includes vulnerable prisoners – sex offenders, and prisoners who for varying reasons cannot cope on normal location.

1.3 Once again there are problems at times getting prisoners to Court on time because of increased traffic in the Midlands area.

1.4 The lockout figure was increased from 900 to 930 during this period as a result of the increase in the prison population. Prisoners were also housed in Police cells until December 2002. To maintain sufficient spaces for prisoners coming from Court we again have a high degree of movement – overcrowding drafts to other prisons, frequently with little notice, and consequent problems with property, visits, mail etc.

1.5 The arrangement with City Pride is on going along with greater links with the Community.

1.6 HMCI made an unannounced full-scale inspection in October 2002,
resulting in a favourable report.

1.7 The average population during July 2001-July 2002 was 836.
The average population during the period covered by this Report was – 880.

The average ethnicity for this period was:
White - 64% Black – 25% Asian – 10% Other 1%
Averages for the previous period were:
White – 69% Black – 17.9% Asian – 14% Other –1%

1.8 The average population breakdown for this period was:

Remand – 89; Trials – 247; Sentenced – 374; JR – 108;
Sections - 70; Immigration Detainees – 21

The average population for the previous period was:

Remand - 102; Trials - 213; Sentenced - 363; J.R - 127;
Sections - 79; Immigration Detainees – 10.

Contents

2. Issues for the attention of the Secretary of State

2.1 The problems of mentally ill prisoners in Health Care Centres are not going away. Attention still needs to be brought to this matter. (See 6.15)

3. Issues for the attention of the Director General.

3.1 We are concerned that CARATS teams do not operate on Saturdays.
Prisoners coming into Prison Monday to Thursday are seen by CARATS the next day. Prisoners coming in from Court on Friday with severe drug problems are not seen by a CARATS worker until Monday – at Bank Holidays, Christmas and Easter the delays are even longer. We have had three suicides over a four year period with 21 year olds coming in on Fridays with severe drug problems who have committed suicide within 48 hours. Consideration should be given to weekend cover when the contracts are re-negotiated. (See 6.5)

Contents

4 Premises

4.1 HMP Birmingham is an antiquated prison – now 154 years old.

4.2 The £58 million extension to the prison on the old All Saints
Hospital site will take prisoners from October 2003.

4.3 This period has seen an incredible amount of work taking place in the
main prison to accommodate the anticipated 450 extra prisoners.

The Chapel re-opened with the addition of a World Faith Room.

The Segregation Unit moved into temporary premises in the old re- furbished Prison Hospital awaiting the re-building of an extended Segregation Unit on B1A.

The Health Care Centre had yet another temporary home on G1 to release B1A for work – see above.

B3 was completed as a Primary Health Care Centre.

Reception also moved into temporary accommodation on J Wing whilst rebuilding of an extended Reception area took place.

Vulnerable prisoners moved from D Wing to G Wing.

Contents

5. Adminstration and Staffing

5.1 There has been considerable disruption in the Management of the Prison during this period culminating in the secondment of the Deputy Governor, Ferdie Parker, and his subsequent appointment as Governor of HMP Blakenhurst. This was with no handover period at all and came at a crucial time with the new prison coming on stream and many new inexperienced staff. It put an unfair burden on the Governor.

Ferdie Parker, it must be acknowledged, played a very important part in the regeneration of HMP Birmingham. He and Governor Mike Shann made a formidable team.

No other Governors left, but 3 more were appointed (as at June 2003)

5.3 There has been an enormous recruitment drive during this period in readiness for the expanded prison population. There have been opportunities for existing staff to be promoted to Principal and Senior Officers as well as transfers of these grades from other prisons. In the main recruitment of officers has been from people with no experience of prison work - although many OSG’s have taken the opportunity to transfer and train as Discipline Officers.

We do, however,sound a note of caution regarding the number of inexperienced staff now working on the landings.

5.4 Once again we must congratulate the Management and POA on their ability to come to agreement on sensitive issues. For the third year running there have been no failures to agree.

5.5 Although long-term sickness is being tackled, the incidence of casual sickness is still a problem.

5.6 Staff culture continues to improve, and we would acknowledge that there have been tremendous pressures on staff dealing with constant overcrowding drafts and the problems they bring, along with the extra responsibility of overseeing inexperienced staff.

Contents

6. Prisoners and Regime

6.1 The Regime is improving all the time, although we still hear complaints that interruptions have been caused by staff shortages – leave, sickness or bedwatches.

6.2 Overcrowding drafts as mentioned earlier cause problems to staff - moving in the middle of courses, assessments, training etc, although in some instances ‘holds’ are put on people where appropriate – the overriding factor, however, is to make spaces to receive prisoners from the Courts.

6.3 A Wing

During the period under review many new and inexperienced officers have been appointed and this has meant extra watchfulness and supervision by well-established officers. This is, of course, time consuming, and necessary, but paperwork continues to be just as time consuming and a point, once again, raised by staff on this Wing.

6.4 B Wing

A mixture of prisoners, some Cat B and some Cat C. Prisoners on full time education have moved to A Wing and those remaining on B Wing are described as unemployable, often because of failed security or because no one else wants them.

Association has been spasmodic, but showers and cell clean-outs are offered on a daily basis. It is often the case that prisoners do not want to play football games or pool and are quite happy to stay in their cell to watch TV and make a cup of tea. There is nothing constructive to do on the wing and officers are hoping that once the new prison is fully operational decisions will be made as to the future of this wing. It is the largest wing with a collection of volatile prisoners.

6.5 C Wing

This wing has continued to house the First Night Centre which has proved to be helpful in settling down first time offenders who often are frightened and even suicidal as has been unfortunately the case on one occasion during this period. New prisoners are assessed for safety reasons and seen by a Doctor – serious drug problems were dealt with immediately. They are seen by people from all Departments the following morning (unless it is the weekend). All new prisoners can make one free phone call - numbers of new prisoners can vary from 8 to 15, with Fridays and Mondays usually being the busiest days.

The Board is concerned that no member of the CARATS
team is available over the weekend period (See 3) and this matter has been raised with the Area Manager.

A ‘meet and greet’ service continues and Listeners are available to talk to new prisoners.

The crisis suite and ligature free cells are well used.

The officers on the wing are enthusiastic and have continued to improve conditions.

6.6 D Wing

Vulnerable prisoners’ wing – sex offenders and poor copers.
The wing has always had an excellent regime with enthusiastic and helpful staff willing to listen to prisoners. The atmosphere on the wing is excellent.

During the last six months of the reviewing period prisoner occupancy changed (vulnerable prisoners moved to G Wing) and it became a working wing. It was a complete change for Birmingham Prison in that it was an ‘open door’ wing. Prisoners were opened up at 7.30am and after breakfast went to work. The only times they were locked in cell was during the lunch period and at the evening meal. Credit should go to staff for ensuring the success of this regime.

In June the wing changed yet again to an Induction Wing

6.7 G Wing

During the latter six months of the reviewing period this wing became the vulnerable prisoners unit on landings 2,3 and 4 with the temporary Heath Care Centre on G1. Some work is done on the wing, such as breakfast packs for the kitchen. An art class is held and some of the prisoners are able to work on the Braille Unit and the Glasses project. At the present time courses are few and far between, but hopefully this will be rectified in 2004. Staffing is satisfactory – exercise, showers and association are maintained.

6.8 K Wing

During the period under review this wing has held CAT C convicted prisoners. Association has been on a regular basis, as has exercise. Prisoners attend education classes, and some work in the Workshops.

A computer class has been held on Landing 3.

6.9 Incentives and Earned Privileges Scheme

Privileges have been reviewed and will be reviewed again in 2004. All wings manage their own schemes. All new prisoners start on standard and prisoners transferring from other prisons maintain the level at which they were transferred.

The average figures for this period were:
Basic - 4; Standard - 782; Enhanced – 110

6.10 Canteen

The canteen contract is supplied by Aramark. There are problems from both points of view. Aramark staff have difficulty at times in escort arrangements from the main prison gate because of lack of appropriate staff. This reduces their time available – they are unable to work between 11.30 and 13.30 and again at teatime – 16.30. They have to leave the wings by 20.00 – often before their tasks are completed. Often canteen lists are lost – between the prison and Stafford and prisoners do not always provide honest identification.

There are many complaints from prisoners regarding incorrect canteen and lack of choice. Staff also complain regarding the mistakes in orders which are a regular occurrence and cannot be rectified until the following week.

Hopefully with the opening of the new prison workshops Stores will be kept in Birmingham and any changes (eg brands of goods or varieties) can be altered and the whole process improved.

6.11 Chaplaincy

This is an important centre, involved as it is in the everyday life of the prison and prisoners.

Services are held on Sundays and Muslim Prayers on Fridays. Other services are held as necessary. For some time during this period the Sunday Service was run as two separate Services for security reasons. There are two full-time clergy and many visiting clerics.

Arabic classes are held for Muslims. A full-time Imam was appointed in February 2003, but due to various delays will not take up his post until October 1st, 2003. A separate Sunday Service is held on G Wing for vulnerable prisoners at which the average attendance is between 15 and 20 and recently separate Friday Prayers have also been held for vulnerable prisoners on G Wing with approximately 9 Muslims attending.

Numbers attending services average of 52 at C of E and 33 at the RC service. Average number of Muslims attending Friday Prayers – 65; 4 Sikhs; l Bhuddist; 1 Hindu and 1 Jehovah’s Witness. Other Christian religions join the C of E Services.

The current prison population by specific faiths is 314 CE;
123 RC; 121 Moslem; 14 Sikh; 4 Methodist; 1 Church of Scotland; 1 Black Moslem; 2 Hindu; 2 Jehovah’s Witness; 1 Buddhist; 3 Christian Scientist; 3 Rastafarian; 5 Other Christian Religion; 1 Christ Church of God; 1 Pentecostal; 1 Orthodox; 1 Tao; 1 Agnostic; 321 declared themselves as ‘nil’.

One of the full-time Clergy is a Suicide Prevention and Diversity trainer and a Bereavement Counsellor.

6.12 Correspondence Office

Staffing levels are variable. Staff are often called upon to do other duties. More OSG’s will eventually be redeployed. Ideally they need four experienced people constantly in the office. They can be up to two and a half days behind with correspondence. We get many complaints from prisoners re late delivery of letters – late mail along with lack of telephone calls and cancelled visits are the most disruptive things for prisoners.

6.13 Education

Every prisoner, subject to security clearance and adherence to the ‘Code of Discipline’, has the opportunity to receive education via Dudley College which has retained the contract for education within the prison.

With new assessment and diagnostic tests the educational needs of individual prisoners are quickly and accurately identified.

These needs are met by a variety of courses including Basic Skills, Distance Learning-Open University, Social Life Skills,Personal development, Healthy Living, Citizenship, Business Skills, Preparation for Work, Visual Arts, music and ESOL. They have also been successful in gaining Koestler Awards.

Education is taken to all parts of the prison – workshops, Wings, HCC and full time on G Wing, (VPU).

‘Student’ representatives meet with staff each month to discuss relevant issues.

6.14 Gym

A busy unit as ever with dedicated and enthusiastic staff – looking forward to moving into their new premises in October. During the reporting period 4 prisoners obtained Level 1 NVQ’s enabling them to work in Leisure Centres on release. The men are encouraged to treat their PE sessions as educational as well as recreational. The work with local disabled people from a local Day Centre continues. Progress plans are given and monitored by two prisoners who are studying for the Open College Network – working with others. They also compete for Community Sports Leader Awards.

Great interest was shown when the Health Fair Bus visited HMP Birmingham – the only prison to be visited by this team.
Sports day for the disabled, held at Newbold Revel, was attended by the disabled group and two prisoners were allowed a day’s release to accompany them.

The staff continue with their own training – refresher courses, remedial studies – sports injuries to A Level, etc.

6.15 Health Care Centre

The Centre moved yet again to more temporary premises in October on G1.

The Centre seems to exist on a variable list of locum and/or part time doctors. Some cover mornings, other evenings. Often no doctor appears until 10am or later, presumably after completing their own morning surgeries. Hopefully with the move to the local PCT this will change. There has been no Senior Medical Officer since May 2001,even though the post was originally advertised in September 2001.

Nursing staff visit the wings each morning to dispense medication frequently causing delays to the medical dispensation on G1.

The atmosphere in the Unit has improved enormously. Patients are out of cell practically all day and are usually occupied. A successful weekly Art class is held.

Much of the improvement on the Unit, as reported last year, is due to the presence of Discipline Officers who often join in activities with the patients and help in many ways, leaving nurses to get on with practical nursing.

We continue, as many local prisons do, to hold mentally ill patients who should be in more suitable conditions – i.e. secure units. These people are frequently volatile and potentially dangerous to staff. Many are self-harmers - some on constant watch.

The Board continues to be of the opinion that such people should be sent directly from Court to secure units and not 'dumped' into conditions where appropriate mental health facilities are not available. (See 2.1)

Although the Prison Service in conjunction with the NHS is trying to deal with this problem, we have yet to see any results.

The chiropodist attends fortnightly – there is no appreciable waiting list. Similarly the optician attends weekly. Two dentists attend weekly and the waiting list has been tackled with enthusiasm!

The number of hospital appointments between January 2002 and June 2003 was 276 compared to 240 for the previous period.

44 hospital outpatients appointments were cancelled for varying reasons (30 the previous period) – 5 declined by prisoners; 4 prisoners transferred out; 7 due to staffing shortages; 9 due to prisoners being discharged; 2 cancelled by NHS; 1 cancelled by Security; 8 other reasons – i.e. court appearances, hospital changes).

As ever bedwatches continue to cause problems throughout the prison. In the current reporting period there were 100 compared to 66 in the previous period.

In May 2003 there were 16 bedwatches. They really do cause havoc and there must be a better way of dealing with them in a local prison. It is an issue we raise regularly in our Reports.

6.16 HDC

HDC continues to be successful. Changes were made in December 2002 which enabled more prisoners to be released through this system. Birmingham Prison is regarded as the best in the country for discharge on HDC. They follow not just the law, but ‘the spirit of the law’ HDC is usually granted if there is no good reason for it not to be. 338 were granted HDC during this reporting period compared to 260 during the previous period.

6.17 Kitchens and Servery

The newly refurbished kitchen is now operational after a series of delays with new and hopefully more reliable equipment. The Staff maintained their usual high standards whilst working out of portakabins under very difficult conditions – very cramped, faulty equipment with great delays with the provision of spare parts. Most difficult was coping with very hot weather and no appropriate air conditioning.

The staff have been disappointed that there was no consultation regarding the extended kitchens and equipment.

They have no problem in recruiting prisoners, but unfortunately there have been ups and downs with pilfering. The catering PO hopes to include more ethnic food on the menu, particularly Caribbean.

Although we raised the question of central purchasing last year and had an appropriate response from the Minister, the staff still have problems with delays in deliveries and complaints to Corby Central purchasing are not dealt with.

Unfortunately the NVQ’s which were discontinued when the temporary kitchens came into operation have not been resurrected. These are important qualifications which can help prisoners gain employment on release.

It was agreed in June that Kitchen Staff would no longer supervise prisoners in the main Servery – it would be undertaken by Wing Officers. In the event this was delayed until August.

6.18 Laundry

During this period the Staff have had a problem with prisoner turnover. Their complement is 24 but can manage with 18 if necessary. It is planned that personal laundry will be done on the wings when the new prison opens – launderettes will also be provided on the existing wings. However, the Prison laundry will still be responsible for the bulk – obviously increasing with the new extension.

Swinfen Hall laundry is still done in Birmingham, with occasional work from City Hospital.

The hours worked in the Laundry during this period actually exceeded the planned hours by 4027 hours.

6.19 Library

The Library has now settled down after the move in July 2002. Their vision of the new library as a place where prisoners can relax, read and learn has been realised. Some prisoners have never been in a library prior to coming to HMP Birmingham. Prisoners respect the new surroundings and incidences of bad behaviour are rare and damage to books has gone down considerably.

The Library celebrates literary events – Black History Month in October with displays and promotions; Adult Learners’ Week in May with a promotion called “Learn in the Library” which showcased the many learning opportunities available to library users both in the prison library and external libraries. They also took part in HMP Birmingham’s Cultural Awareness Week in October, arranging visits by the Eagles Jazz Band and Dr Roi Kwabena.

Library Officers have worked hard and with enthusiasm and several have received several awards including Reading Champions under the National Literacy Trust’s reading Campaign scheme which is aimed at encouraging boys and young men to read and highlights positive male role models.

One of the great successes of the new Library has been the development of the library reading group – “The Bookies” comprising 30 members including some staff who work hard at promoting books and reading. This has contributed significantly to the reading culture that is developing in the Prison.

6.20 Race Relations

Racial Issues continue to be taken very seriously in Birmingham Prison. In the 2002 standards audit they received an Excellent report. Foreign Nationals – averaging 100 - now get a regular free monthly call to their home in lieu of visits. The range of nationalities is very diverse – indicative of the number of asylum seekers receiving custodial sentences.

In the current reporting period 52 racial complaints/incidents have been logged.
In the previous reporting period 20 were logged.

6.21 Reception

Another area working with great difficulty out of temporary premises whilst the normal ones were being refurbished.

There have been many problems with prisoners’ property during this period – some attributed by staff to operating out of the very cramped temporary conditions. There is an enormous prisoner turnover – all affecting property. There are particular problems when prisoners move and for whatever reasons their property is not transferred with them.

Staff on the Wings have also complained about the difficulties of getting prisoners to Reception to collect property. Hopefully the move to the refurbished Reception will resolve some of these problems.

Prisoners are no longer held for lengthy times in the Contractors’ vans waiting to enter Reception – there are still sometimes delays in late deliveries of prisoners from the Courts, but generally there appears to be a better relationship with the Contractors.

The average number of Daily Receptions - 63
The average number of Daily Discharges - 63

Number of prisoner movements during this period:
Transfers in - 846 - previous period 826
Transfers out –2422 - previous period 2999

6.22 Request and Complaints

During the period under review approximately 1022 request and complaint forms were received.

In November 2002 when the new scheme was belatedly introduced in Birmingham the numbers increased dramatically and the BOV Chairman was inundated with confidential access letters, many of which were totally unsuitable and concerned matters which could have been dealt with on the wings. Our policy was to return them to prisoners with a covering letter indicating they were not suitable for confidential access

Property has been one of the main complaints. Property posted in and lost, property not received from other establishments, property allegedly lost at this establishment and complaints that prisoners were not taken to Reception to collect property. Increasingly there is communication directly with other Boards re outstanding property matters, and the whole system becomes a paperchase – with the main objective seemingly to avoid a Prison paying compensation – whilst this is going on the prisoner is without his property. Property matters have been signed off only to find from another Board that the issue is not resolved.

There is a concern that meeting KPI’s is the most important factor.

Another recurring complaint is one of finance – money not received from other establishments, money not credited to account, and postal orders allegedly lost.

Both of these matters are exacerbated by constant prisoner movement because of over-crowding, and the Board feel that with soaring numbers both in prisoner numbers and the number of request complaint forms being received, the system is likely to be overwhelmed. Certainly within this establishment the Clerk is struggling to contain the situation.

6.23 Resettlement

The Resettlement Unit provides a service for prisoners sentenced to 12 months or less. All eligible prisoners are interviewed at the beginning and at the end of their sentence. Problems are identified and records kept. Contact is made with the employers of prisoners in employment at the time of sentence, thus ensuring that full information is available in an attempt to safeguard continued employment on release.

A Liaison Officer deals with the appropriate Government Agencies regarding outstanding Income Benefits on sentence and future benefits. Benefit surgeries are held twice a month.

Outside specialists are called upon as necessary. A Progress to Work programme exists for prisoners anxious to find work on release.

Appointments are made with prospective employers and suitable training schemes identified. Help is given to arrange pre-booked Job Centre interviews.

The Resettlement Unit has worked very hard to make sure that prisoners have suitable accommodation addresses on release. Their efforts have seen a dramatic reduction in NFA’s( no fixed abode) from 40% to only 5%. Resettlement is an area that is expanding to work with the increasing number of prisoners.

6.24 Security

There has been a marked drop in drugs coming into the prison. A number of stand down searches have been carried out with good results and searches of visitors by Police have proved beneficial. MDT targets have not been met but this situation should improve with the addition of more staff.

The Department has had an enormous workload during this period particularly with the number of Contractors working in the prison.

The number of assaults – prisoner on prisoner during this period was 82 – previous period 120
The number of assaults – prisoner on staff during this
period was 52 – previous period 54.

The number of C & R Movements during this period was 122
of which 61 were White, 49 Black and 12 Asian.

The number for the previous period was 103.

6.25 Segregation Unit

The Segregation moved to temporary premises pending a new unit being built in BlA – they were housed in part of the old HCC and were not ideal. However the Segregation Staff were able to maintain their usual high standards – the unit was rarely full – they dealt with difficult and sometimes violent prisoners extremely well – they also had their fair share of difficult prisoners from other prisons – but usually managed to get prisoners on GOOD back to normal location fairly swiftly.

During this period Governors were no longer able to award added days to a prisoner’s sentence as a form of punishment. In circumstances where this may be necessary the adjudications are now done by District Judges. However the number of days a prisoner could be held in cellular confinement was increased.

Of the total 213 GOOD/CC
The ethnicity breakdown was:
White - 118; Black - 76; Asian – 16; Other - 3

The number of adjudications for the period July 2001-June 2002 was 615 – 139 were dismissed.

The number for this reporting period totalled 670 – an extra 208 were dismissed for varying reasons – not proven, tranferrred out, medically unfit etc.

The Independent Adjudicator commenced in January and sat on 8 occasions. He adjudicated on 35 cases and dismissed 4 others.

6.26 Substance Abuse

There is now more liaison with outside agencies which is improving all the time. Work with the CARATS team is going well and they are receiving more co-operation from staff on the wings. Detoxification of prisoners is up and running. They are being detoxed on subutex which is preferable to methadone and is popular with prisoners. 15-20 prisoners a day are being treated this way for a twelve-day period.

A Detox unit is due to open shortly with a Drug Strategy team who are currently being trained. It will also house detox and clinical staff, CARATS team, STU/Voluntary DTU.

Currently new prisoners are not tested in Reception.
This is expected to change when the new 1st Night Centre is completed on D Wing. Currently they are tested by the voluntary drug testing team the night after reception, to give confirmation of substance abuse to the detox GP/Nurses.

213 random mandatory drug tests were completed during this period of which 31 were positive – 24 cannabis, 13 opiate, 1 benzodiazapine.

6.27 Suicide Awareness and Selfharm Prevention

There were four deaths in custody during this period, one of which was through natural causes – inquests are still awaited. Prior to this, the Prison had a period of eighteen months with no suicides – a situation not achieved in Birmingham for twelve years.

A Safer Custody Group has been developed which encompasses Reception and First Night Centre and shortly work will start on D Wing as a First Night Centre funded by the Safer Custody Group.

The Crisis Suite on C Wing has been used 79 times during this period – 76 in the previous period.

638 2052Sh books were opened – 636 in the previous period.
There were 140 self-harm incidents – 141 in the previous period.

6.28 Training

This Department has had a very busy year with 193 POELTS trained during the period. Most Staff were also trained in the use of the Prison Service new computer system – Quantum.
There were 44 external courses and 33 internal courses covering 446 staff (excluding Quantum). 94 staff attended Suicide Prevention courses; 61 Diversity training; 50 C & R training; 34 Anti-bullying courses; 24 Mental Health training and 9 Substance Abuse/STU – the remainder attended sundry courses.

Average training days per member of staff during this period was 13.72

6.29 Visits

The drug dogs have proved their worth again in this area – as they have in the Correspondence Office.

There are five domed and eleven fixed cameras in use and any suspicious movement can be targeted and immediate action taken where necessary.

Visitors caught passing drugs to prisoners are seen by the Police and are usually banned for three months and then re viewed. Closed visits may then be ordered for a period of time. Prisoners in these situations are usually dealt with by adjudication.

In the Visits area vending machines are available, although subject to frequent breakdown, and a non-supervised play area is available for children – although not many seem to use this facility.

6.30 Visitors Centre

This is a purpose built centre where visitors may wait until called over to the Prison. It is staffed by HALOW and is efficiently run. They now have responsibility for booking visits, although a second telephone line is urgently required - particularly with the proposed increase in population. A Cat D prisoner is employed as a cleaner and when one is available the area looks clean and tidy. However we have frequently had to complain about the area when no cleaner is available.

6.31 Videolink

This area goes from strength to strength, due in no small part to the enthusiasm of the staff. They are very organised and wanting to grow all the time. Crown Courts in Birmingham and Coventry now also book time in addition to the various Magistrates Courts.

From the time of opening in July 2002 to December 2002 664 appearances by videolink took place. From January 2003 to July 2003 there were 1400 appearances.

Before videolink all these appearances would have meant prisoners going through reception and being transported to Court. Out of area Courts such as Leicester, Derby and Stafford now also use Birmingham’s videolink.

Some Solicitors still seem unable to appear on time, throwing the sessions into disarray.

Enlightened Judges have also used a three-way link and more use could be made of the link by for instance inter-prison communication between partners in place of phone calls – staff would like to see the facility extended in this way.

6.32 Workshops

There is little change in this area from last year – problems are still the same – prisoner turnover and training on machines for workshop 7 which needs skilled workers. Turnover is about 100 prisoners every three weeks and until there is a more stable workforce they cannot take on any more skilled and interesting contracts. Workshop 6 requires no skill – it’s just packing. Staff would like to see a compact to make JR’s and remand prisoners work. There are no problems with prisoners who do work.

No repairs have been carried out in these areas, but hopefully when the new site is up and running some attention will be given to these old workshops which will be retained.

Workshop usage during this period was:

Workshop 6 - 49.64% of planned hours
Workshop 7 - 54.62% of planned hours

Contents

7. The Work of the Board

The Board eventually had a name change in April – from BOV to IMB – the Independent Monitoring Board – to reflect more accurately what we do. The Staff have taken the new title on board very well, although it confuses prisoners occasionally!

7.1 During this period, unfortunately one member died and one resigned. One member took leave of absence and subsequently transferred to another Board.

7.2 Board Meetings

The Board met formally on 12 occasions.

7.3 Rota Visits

The Board carried out 107 formal rota visits. In addition a further 120 visits were made for varying reasons, including visiting Special Areas, GOOD authorisations, committee meetings, general administrative meetings etc.

A breakdown of Board attendance at the Prison is as follows:

7.4 Applications

Two members deal with prisoner applications each Monday. In the period July 2001 – June 2002 we received 614 applications. During this reporting period we received 699 applications.

A breakdown of applications is as follows:

There were no applications for the full Board.

7.5 G.O.O.D (Good Order or Discipline)

Members authorised the continuing segregation of Prisoners held on GOOD on 34 occasions.

7.6 Unfurnished cells/non medical restraints – longer then 24 hours - none

7.7 No of Prisoners held in Mechanical Restraints - none

7.8 Serious Incidents – none

7.9 Training/Visits
2 members attended the BOV Annual Conference at Keele University.
3 Members attended the Experienced Members’ Course
Various members attended Breakaway Training; Quantum training and Mental Health training
2 members attended the Respect Area meeting
Members attended 3 inquests
Th Chairman gave 3 training talks to POELTS (Prison Officers Entry Level Training) re the IMB.
The Board paid Training visits to HMYOI Brinsford and HMP Parc.

The Board was also host to members of various Boards attending the Keele Annual Conference; HMP Bristol; HMP Channings Wood, HMP Bullingdon, HMYOI Brinsford and HMP Leyhill.

The Board also hosted visits from two parties of Russians – the Delegation working with IMB to set up a similar organisation in Russia.

Members sit on various Committees – Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Race Relations, Substance Abuse and Rewards and Recognition.

7.10 The Board was delighted to nominate the Governor, Mike Shann, for a Butler Trust award in recognition of the work he had done in turning around Birmingham Prison from what had been regarded as a failing prison. He was successful and received his award from The Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace in March. The Vice Chairman accompanied him.

7.11 The Board received permission to increase the membership to 20 in readiness for the extra workload with the 50% increase in the population when the new prison opens in October 2003. Extensive efforts were made starting in November to recruit new members. Interviews were held in April and 6 new members were proposed. They were eventually appointed, together with a transferee from Brinsford Board in August 2003.

Unfortunately, once again we have to report that we have had problems with IMB Clerical services despite our transfer to the Secretariat. In many ways this created more problems because there was no handover period, no training for the new Clerk until well into the Clerk’s tenure and no stand-in to cope with sick leave, leave and general absence from the office. Members’ phone calls were unanswered and people interested in working for the Board found it difficult to access the given extension number.

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8. Conclusions

This reporting period has been a good one for HMP Birmingham. The unannounced inspection by HMCI was successful along with the good results of the Standards Audit team.

The Management Team has had the dual role of running the prison on a day to day basis and overseeing the building of the new Prison along with a large recruitment drive to ensure sufficient staff were in post for the opening in October. The Staff have worked under extremely difficult conditions, frequently in inappropriate temporary accommodation whilst refurbishment of the existing prison has taken place. The ongoing problem of overcrowding – although HMP Birmingham is not overcrowded - has caused Staff to face the same problems as last year with the effects of constant transfers.

The Board has concerns about the number of inexperienced staff now on the landings. Experienced prisoners can take advantage of this – likewise inexperienced staff may not always be able to diffuse situations. This situation places more responsibility on experienced staff.

With the opening of a new Health Care Centre in October and the partnership with the local PCT, we hope that the problems we have reported in this area for many years will be solved.

We also hope that with the opening in October the Management and staff will have a period of stability rather than all the changes that have been happening during this reporting period, albeit in readiness for the new prison.

A new era for HMP Birmingham is about to happen – no longer a rundown Victorian prison, but a prison ready to face the 21st Century with appropriate facilities to match. We wish Governor Mike Shann, his Management Team and Staff well at this crucial time.

BARBARA BRADBURY
November 2003

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