Prison 'one of the most impressive' - inspector

Hollesley Bay is a prison and young offender institution for men over 18 in Woodbridge

An open prison has been described as "one of the most impressive in the country" in an inspection report.

Hollesley Bay is a category D prison housing 627 inmates, near Woodbridge, Suffolk and recently saw a man convicted of murder abscond.

HM Inspectorate of Prisons conducted an unannounced inspection in April and its chief inspector, Charlie Taylor, described the prison as "safe" and "decent".

However, seven key concerns were raised, but a Prison Service spokesperson said Hollesley Bay was working on improvements.

The report said leaders at Hollesley Bay provided "the direction, encouragement and resources to enable good outcomes for prisoners".

Mr Taylor highlighted that the prison contained "some of the better-run workshops I have seen in my time as chief inspector".

He said staff helped support prisoners to develop skills including bricklaying, carpentry and horticulture.

"However, we found that some of the working hours did not mirror working conditions in the community, with prisoners returning to their units at lunch and workshops disappointingly closed on Fridays," Mr Taylor said in the report.

Other positives noted in the report included the prison having developed good relationships with employers and the "impressive" offender management unit that "worked hard" to support prisoners' progress to the end of their sentences.

Inspectors visited the prison, near Woodbridge, unannounced in April

The seven concerns raised did not need to be treated as priorities, according to inspectors, but leaders were told they should address them and track their progress.

Other issues included patients waiting too long for some health appointments, the quality of food and most patients with long-term conditions did not have individualised care plans outlining treatment and leaders.

Inspectors flagged that leaders did not "sufficiently promote the appropriate English and mathematics qualifications" and there were not enough enrichment activities.

The probation team's shortages noted were described as "persistent" that "often created unnecessary delays in prisoners' ability to progress in their sentence", the report said.

Abscond reduction strategy

While not noted as one of the seven concerns, according to the report, there had been eight absconds in the previous 12 months from the inspection.

It said "this was higher than most other open prisons", however "the number had reduced since its peak in 2021".

"Investigations into each abscond and temporary release failure had been completed to identify any learning, and an abscond reduction strategy had been introduced," the report added.

Inspectors did find that some investment into the prison's security had been made including around CCTV and new lighting.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are pleased the chief inspector has acknowledged the hard work of the governor and staff at HMP Hollesley Bay in making it one of the most impressive prisons the country.

"The prison continues to drive improvements further including installing new CCTV and strengthening the induction process for new staff to foster better relationships with prisoners."