Prison still has long way to go, inspector says

HM chief inspector of prisons has said there is still a "long way to go" before an institution can be described as safe and decent, despite the "good progress" that has been made.

In his latest report, Charlie Taylor described a catalogue of problems at HMP Bedford including concerns about levels of violence, drug use and living conditions.

Taylor said the category B prison had a "troubled recent history" and in 2023 he called for it to be put into emergency measures.

He praised the "dynamic" governor for her work but urged regional and national leaders to replace her and other senior staff, who are due to leave, as "quickly" as possible.

He warned that "Bedford is a fragile establishment".

Taylor said the governor had made significant improvements to her leadership team, tackling "underperforming staff" and recruiting some "capable staff".

"However, there was still too much inconsistency in managing behaviour and, along with the widespread availability of drugs, this was likely to be a cause of the very high rates of violence at the prison," he added.

Taylor's full report highlighted how the rate of violence over the previous 12 months had increased, compared with the same period before the previous inspection, and remained the highest of all adult male prisons in England and Wales.

There had been 151 assaults on staff and 205 on prisoners in this period, with a death at the prison "awaiting classification".

However, he acknowledged there had been a "large reduction in other serious protesting behaviours, including incidents at height, barricades and cell fires, since the last inspection".

Living conditions at Bedford prison were described as "dirty" and, Taylor noted, the "ineffective management of the pest control contract, contributed to the widespread infestation of cockroaches and rats".

He said that about a half of prisoners shared cramp cells originally designed for one person.

Longer-term maintenance issues, including window replacements, "remained unresolved".

Taylor said he was encouraged by the work happening in the young adults' wing.

Leadership from the team there meant unlock times for this group "were even better" than in other parts of the prison.

He observed there was a varied programme of activities that helped prisoners with life skills such as conflict resolution.

Taylor wants the governor to read the report and draw up a plan for improvements.

Another inspection in a few years will assess how the prison is performing.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "We inherited prisons in crisis, but this report shows signs of progress at HMP Bedford, with improvements in officer training, healthcare, and support for young adults.

"There is more to do, and the prison's action plan will help drive further improvements. Former Home Secretary Amber Rudd is also leading an independent review to deliver safer prisons, cut reoffending, and keep the public safe."

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