Hm Prison Exeter

REPORT ON

AN UNANNOUNCED FOLLOW-UP

INSPECTION OF

HM PRISON EXETER

4 – 6 SEPTEMBER 2001

HM CHIEF INSPECTOR OF PRISONS

CONTENTS

Paragraph Page

INTRODUCTION 5

FACT PAGE 7

CHAPTER ONE THE PRISON 1.01-1.03 9

CHAPTER TWO PROGRESS SINCE THE 1999 REPORT 2.01-2.189 10

CHAPTER THREE TESTS OF A HEALTHY PRISON AND 3.01-3.28 49 CONCLUSION

CHAPTER FOUR SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE

Recommendations

Director General 4.01-4.02 54 Area Manager 4.03-4.06 54 Governor 4.07-4.43 55

Examples of Good Practice 4.44-4.50 59

INTRODUCTION

Short inspections have been developed to ensure that the Inspectorate visits and checks establishments between full inspections. These inspections are usually unannounced, are carried out by a small team and invariably last for two or three days. Short inspections do not serve the function of full inspections will we believe that they are important in highlighting issues of concern and in identifying areas of progress, innovation and achievement in the treatment of prisoners. There are not intended to cover every aspect of the function of the prison.

Four inspectors, Mr Geoff Hughes, Mr Peter Titley, Ms Joss Crosbie and Mrs Marjorie Simonds-Gooding carried out an unannounced short inspection of HM Prison Exeter between the 4 and 6 September 2001. The inspection’s main purpose was to review progress on recommendations made after the last inspection in May 1999. The team also monitored the treatment of prisoners using the model of the healthy prison described in Chapter Seven of ‘Suicide is Everyone’s Concern’ which was published by HM Inspectorate of Prisons in 1999. During their visit they met prisoners and staff, had discussions with the Governor and his senior management team and with the chairman of the Board of Visitors.

The findings of the inspection were summarised and shared with the Governor, Senior Management Team and Board of Visitors Chairman immediately prior to the team’s departure.

FACT PAGE

Task of establishment The establishment provides a Local Prison to Courts in the SouthWest of England and houses Adult male offenders and male Young Offenders in separate wings. As a local prison it houses both unconvicted and convicted prisoners.

The prisoner population On 4 September 2001 there were 250 convicted prisoners in an adult population of 419. In addition there were 47 convicted Young Offenders with a further 13 Young Prisoners on remand. Ten of the adults were serving Life sentences. There was a notable number of Sex Offenders in the Vulnerable Prisoner Unit. White prisoners made up 96% of the population.

Area Organisation Prison Service South West Area

Number held At 4 September 2001: Convicted Adults: 250 Convicted YO: 47 Remanded Adults: 169 Remanded YO: 13 TOTAL 479

Cost per place per annum £29,242

Certified Normal Accommodation 321

Operational Capacity 547

Last Full Inspection Inspected May 1999 Published August 1999

Description of residential units Prisoners are accommodated in four wings, one of which (D Wing) acts as the Young Offender Unit. This Unit is a re-furbished, former Remand Centre. Despite its modernisation it has no integral sanitation. The other three wings are of traditional, Victorian galleried structure, which have benefited from ongoing maintenance and decoration to provide a generally bright and airy environment. The hillside location of the establishment makes for difficulty in providing access for disabled persons or those with restricted mobility.

CHAPTER ONE

THE PRISON

History 1.01 The prison was built in 1850 and provided the original Devon County Jail. It is now the Local prison for the South West of England. Its architectural style is typical of the era and the prison comprises three galleried Wings plus a refurbished Unit which acts as a separate Young Offender Institution within the campus.

The prisoner population 1.02 There were significant indications of mental health issues amongst both remanded and sentenced prisoners. Additionally there was considerable call upon substance-use services and the incidence of crimes related to drug use was significantly higher than that indicated by the index offence alone.

1.03 At the time of the inspection the distribution of sentences by length was as follows: Adult Young Offender Under 6 months 84 19 6-12 months 55 12 12m-2 years 32 7 2 – 3 years 29 4 3-4 years 16 2 4-10 years 20 3 Over 10 years 4 0 Life 10 0

TOTAL 250 47

CHAPTER TWO

PROGRESS SINCE THE 1999 REPORT

Introduction 2.01 In order to examine the progress that had been achieved following our last inspection in May 1999 we have used the recommendations from that report as a framework for our examination of the establishment.

2.02 We have commented where we have found significant improvements and where work remains to be done. We have also highlighted additional information relating to work being undertaken and reported on new good practice examples. During this inspection, we concentrated on aspects that directly affected the treatment and conditions for prisoners and therefore not all the recommendations from the last inspection were examined. The numbers in brackets at the end of each recommendation identify the paragraph of text in the last report.

To the Director General

Health Care 2.03 The Royal College of General Practitioners should be invited to take on the role of support and advice to doctors working within prisons. (6.04) Achieved. The Prison Service recognised the need to address issues around the qualifications of prison doctors. A working group was approved by Ministers in late 2000 and is expected to report in the Autumn of 2001 and the brief for this included consideration of the importance of clinical governance and the maintenance of up to date skills by prison doctors.

2.04 The Health Care Directorate should give instructions that a form F1981 should be issued whenever a prisoner is placed in restricted circumstances. (6.20) Not achieved. There has been continuing delay and the matter is under review by the Prison Health Policy Unit. We were told that the relevant existing Prison Service

Standing Order 13 will be cancelled by Spring 2002 and that new guidance will relate to Form 1981. The recommendation is repeated.

Finance 2.05 The demands by Headquarters for an increasing amount of financial information from establishments should be minimised and rationalised. (9.17) This area is no longer inspected.

The Estate 2.06 A new gatehouse complex should be built and the opportunity taken to incorporate other departments such as visits and administration. (8.05) Not inspected.

2.07 There should be an annual, continuous programme of repair to preserve the integrity of the wall. (8.07) Not inspected.

2.08 The heating system which uses plenum ducts should be replaced with a wet system with at least four thermostatically controlled zones per wing landing. (8.08) Not inspected.

2.09 Cell windows should be progressively replaced by the modern pattern. (8.11) Not inspected.

2.10 All sash windows should be replaced. (8.11) Not inspected.

2.11 Plans should be drawn up to replace the roof coverings and fit smoke vents at the same time. (8.12) Not inspected

2.12 All flat roofs should be covered over with lightweight pitch roofing. (8.13) Partly achieved. See observations at 2.176

To the Area Manager

Employment 2.13 Restoring both workshop facilities should be progressed as a matter of priority. (5.35) Achieved

Substance Use 2.14 A passive drug dog should be acquired. (4.25) Achieved

Segregation Unit 2.15 All cells should be fitted with integral sanitation, proper provision of light and beds. (7.07) Achieved.

2.16 The segregation unit should be closed and alternative accommodation found until the conditions are improved. (7.15) See observations under 2.142

To the Governor

Reception 2.17 The shower should be relocated and showers should be offered to all new receptions. (1.04) Not achieved. The establishment accepted that the shower should be moved, but work in Health Care, and improvements in regime activity have taken priority. Therefore, we repeat the recommendation.

2.18 The design of the cubicle for holding vulnerable prisoners should be improved. (1.05) Partially achieved. Some work had taken place to reduce the potential for self-harm, and a fan had been installed to improve ventilation. At the time of our inspection, the cubicle was not in use – a statement to this effect being displayed on the door. The cubicle contained the sealed bags of personal belongings of those prisoners due to be transferred to an alternative establishment on that day. However, if the cubicle were to be used to house any prisoner in future, attention would have to be paid to the matter of ligature points. We therefore repeat the original recommendation and draw attention to comments about ligature points elsewhere in this report.

Induction 2.19 Phone calls should be offered to all new receptions. (1.07 and 1.08) Achieved.

2.20 All prisoners should receive a full induction programme. (1.11) Achieved.

Self Harm 2.21 More Listeners should be recruited. (1.13) Achieved. There were nine Listeners in the prison at the time of this follow-up Inspection, where there had been only four Listeners at the time of our last inspection. One Listener was located in B wing, one in Health Care, one on A2 and six on A4, which was the enhanced wing. The Listeners were able to move between wings at night, and other times, when needed and were working in the gym, Health Care and other locations. Although, the Listener in D wing for young prisoners had recently left, young prisoners were able to speak to carefully vetted Listeners from the main prison. There was also a mobile telephone available for instant contact with Samaritans.

2.22 Care Team members should offer support to all staff and prisoners immediately involved in an incident. (1.15) Achieved. Contingency plans had been completed and there had been examples of support from Care Team members during, and after, incidents throughout the year.

2.23 Staff on night duty should carry scissors with them at all times. (1.16) Partially achieved. Ten heavy-duty scissors were kept in the Communications Room. These were for collection by all residential officers on night duty. We found some confusion among officers, about the collection point for these. We were variously told that the night duty officers collected the heavy-duty scissors from the Gate, from the Centre and from the Communications room. We were also told that D wing staff collected them from D wing, where in fact the only scissors we found, were those in the Emergency Pack. In fact, all scissors for night staff should have been collected from the Communications room, and should have been signed for in the log book in the Communications Room. In the weeks preceding our follow-up Inspection, only two scissors per night had been signed for. We understand that other scissors may have been routinely collected, but if so these were not logged in the book provided. Some recent suicides had been by hanging; therefore we consider that there should be a particularly well-defined procedure for collection of, and signing for, heavy- duty scissors by all residential staff on night duty, including those on D wing and the Health Care Centre (HCC). This needs to be clarified as a matter of urgency.

2.24 Prisoners should not be deprived of human contact and dignity at a time when they are most in need of help, i.e. by being placed in strip conditions. (1.18) Achieved. Strip cell use had ended for those at risk of self-harm. An observation station had been completed, which could give 24-hour supervision for one prisoner and three safer cells had been built, with sanitation giving safer accommodation for an additional three prisoners. The third of these three cells was waiting for ligature-free windows to be installed before it could also be used as a safer cell.

2.25 There were seven prisoners in the Health Care Centre (HCC) who had been identified as at risk of self-harm and these were on F2052SHs. We noted that a Listener was moving among these prisoners at different times to talk to them, when

14 needed. The observation ward which had been built to observe those seriously as risk of self harm could not be used, as the recesses immediately beyond had not been included in the refurbishment, and had many, very obvious, ligature points. In view of the many ligature points in and around cells and integral sanitation on normal location, the work on the safer observation ward should be completed to provide proper protection for those at risk of self-harm, and others from among the disproportionately high number of mentally-disordered and personality-disordered prisoners currently held at Exeter prison.

Grievance Procedures 2.26 The wing application form should be unspecific. (10.30) Achieved, the form allowed prisoners to apply generally on any issue.

2.27 Grievance procedures should be fully explained to prisoners, especially young prisoners, on induction. (10.31) Achieved.

2.28 All residential units should display information, including translations in relevant languages, about grievance procedures. (10.32) Partly achieved. All wing notice boards displayed information for prisoners about grievance procedures but translations were not displayed. Information about grievance procedures should be displayed in relevant languages.

2.29 A more structured method for prisoners to gain access to the Board of Visitors should be considered. (1.28) Partly achieved. Applications were usually taken by Board members as they walked around the prison. This situation had improved as more prisoners were out of their cells engaged in purposeful activity and could therefore approach Board members.

2.30 Access could be improved if a dedicated, locked Board of Visitors applications box were to be located on each wing. Board members would be able to access boxes on rota visits and deal with applications. We have seen this system in operation in

15 other prisons and consider that it enhances prisoner confidence in unfettered access to the Board of Visitors. A Board of Visitors applications box should be provided on each wing.

2.31 An office for the Board of Visitors should be provided. (10.34) Achieved.

OCA 2.32 A bail information scheme should be put in place as a matter of priority. (10.35) Achieved. A unit had been established in July 1999 using funds obtained from the Comprehensive Spending Review. A probation officer, assisted by an administration officer, saw all new receptions who fell within the Bail Act. Successful bail applications had risen from 6% to 20%. We were impressed by the service provided but conscious that the CSR funding was granted for only three years i.e. until July 2002. It would be a backward step if the unit did not continue and therefore we recommend that longer term funding for the bail unit should be provided.

2.33 All staff dealing with legal aid applications should be trained. (10.36) Achieved.

2.34 The lack of consistency in the provision of legal aid should be addressed. (10.37) Achieved. New working patterns and an improved regime linked with training for staff had improved consistency of provision.

2.35 Assessment procedures and pre-release programmes should be developed for short term prisoners who are to be released from Exeter. (10.38) See the section of this report headed ‘Throughcare’.

2.36 A more suitable environment should be provided in the OCA for interviews. (10.39) Not achieved. The recommendation is repeated.

Residential Units

A wing 2.37 Prisoners should have frequent and consistent daily association. (10.40) Not achieved. Association was still very limited for prisoners. Evening association, in particular, was limited to, at best, once a week. Whilst we acknowledge that the improved regime had resulted in most prisoners spending longer periods out of their cells to engage in activities, the recommendation to increase association (free time) remains valid. Prisoners should have frequent and consistent daily association.

Vulnerable Prisoners 2.38 Prisoners on the VPU should have access to the main religious services. (2.07) Achieved - see observations under 2.104

B Wing 2.39 Consideration should be given to a painting programme to brighten up the cells. (2.13) Achieved. The wing was in a very good state of repair. Redecoration had given an air of bright spaciousness to the living conditions.

2.40 Staff working on B wing should be specially selected and belong to a dedicated group. (2.15) Achieved. The original recommendation referred to a time when B wing housed young offenders. Since that time, the young offenders had been transferred to D wing. Many of the existing B wing staff transferred to the new location. We spent time with prisoners, staff and a combination of prisoners and staff on the young prisoners’ (D) wing. It was clear from both prisoners and staff that officers working on D wing were particularly used to working with young prisoners and knew them as individuals. New working patterns were in place to ensure that a dedicated group of staff worked consistently on this wing.

2.41 All staff on B wing should be trained in understanding adolescent behaviour. (2.15) Achieved. As indicated above, this recommendation related to the use of the wing for the accommodation of young offenders. This part of Exeter's responsibilities was transferred to D wing. Whilst we were told that the main training emphasis in the current year had been on Control and Restraint (C and R) techniques, the Senior Officer had arranged for staff in this location to undertake relevant local training to equip them to work with adolescents.

2.42 Time out of cell for young prisoners should be greatly increased. (2.17) Partially achieved. Education was now offered in a unit away from the main prison and Young Offender workshops had opened to provide varied work, often from the local community. However, since the move to D wing, association was held in a very small room, with no natural light. We do not believe that this association room is appropriate for the young prisoners at Exeter. An association area, more appropriate to the needs of young, energetic prisoners should be provided.

2.43 The drug awareness course should be developed. (2.17) Partly achieved. Once a week the CARATS team gave a half-day talk on drug awareness, as part of the induction programme for young prisoners on D wing.

2.44 Expansion of the YMCA groups should be considered and staff supervision in this context reviewed. (2.18) Achieved. YMCA provision had been increased from one half day per fortnight to one full day per fortnight. The YMCA workers talked to the young prisoners about their offending behaviour and life skills relevant for their release. We spoke with prisoners and YMCA workers, immediately after their YMCA day. We were impressed with the impact this day had had on the young prisoners taking part and the enthusiasm and dedication of the YMCA workers. The YMCA team had received additional training, which allowed them to supervise prisoners without prison officers present.

2.45 The above two courses should be part of a structured induction programme for young prisoners entering Exeter. (2.18) Achieved. There was an excellent induction programme in place for young prisoners with both the CARATS and YMCA teams as part of the structured induction programme. We observed young prisoners taking part in Induction and noted the excellent content of this programme. There was also a very effective input from New Bridge, who held a parenting class, and from C-Far whose activities are described in the Throughcare section of this report. Probation officers, the Chaplain, Physical Education Instructors (PEIs) from the gym and teachers from Education, also took part in the Induction programme. In addition, there was a very good YMCA programme. Officers from D wing saw each young prisoner, individually, on their first day after arrival to explain all aspects of life on the wing and to check for any immediate concerns. We considered the regular, diverse and rolling Induction programme for young people on D wing was an example of best practice.

2.46 A more positive and constructive regime for young prisoners in Exeter should be developed. (2.19) Achieved. New working patterns meant that the regime for young prisoners was more positive and constructive.

2.47 Regime opportunities for cleaners on the wing must be addressed. (2.21) Achieved. Normal regime opportunities were available for cleaners on D wing.

2.48 Privileges should not be denied to prisoners unless part of a punishment or system of control resulting from a formal process. (2.24) Achieved. We did not find any evidence that privileges were denied to prisoners, unless part of a punishment or other formal process.

2.49 Prisoners should be given the opportunity to make phone calls in the evenings. (2.26) Achieved. Young prisoners were making telephone calls in the evenings.

2.50 There should be more frequent access to showers. (2.27) Partially achieved. Young prisoners on D wing were only able to have showers twice a week as there were so few showers available. There were two lavatories, two urinals, two basins and one shower on the first landing. The second and third landing shared three lavatories, three urinals, five basins and three showers.

2.51 Whilst staff made great efforts to give these young people more showers, by including them during their time in the gym, we consider that the number of showers, basins and lavatories was totally inadequate for adolescents who should be encouraged to take hygiene seriously in order to increase their self-respect and self-esteem and better prepare them for release. We repeat our recommendation that more showers should be available for young prisoners.

2.52 The personal officer scheme should be developed. (2.29) Each officer on D wing had been allocated a maximum of five young men. This allocation was the same at the time of our follow-up inspection. All Personal Officers were taking part in specific training, depending on their wings. The training on D wing was specific to these young peoples' needs. All the young prisoners we spoke with knew who their personal officers were and told us that they had been very supportive. They also made the point that they could, and did, approach any officers on D wing if their own personal officer was not available. During induction, we observed clear explanations about the role of the personal officer. Development work had taken place and the scheme was heading towards effective implementation throughout the establishment. We noted the Personal Officer awareness training which had been developed in-house and saw a locally produced Personal Officer handbook which was to be issued to all staff. We witnessed the difficulties of achieving continuity, given the large number of prisoner movements encountered in a local prison, and we noted the system of allocating personal officers by cell location. In the circumstances, we considered that this was a good system which was enhanced by the fact that personal officers were identified by name and number on the prisoners' information notice boards.

2.53 Sentence planning should occur. (2.29) Partly achieved. For adult prisoners the basic requirements of sentence planning were met. For both adults and young offenders there were elements of risk and needs assessment undertaken in the initial interviews. This led to the early identification of candidates for offending behaviour programmes and those with educational needs were appropriately channelled. We saw that history sheets (upon which daily occurrences were recorded about individual prisoners) were located in newly created wing offices as part of the establishment's efforts to boost the effectiveness of both the personal officer and sentence planning systems. We noted that the establishment had implemented the shortened version of sentence planning documentation for those prisoners with less than 12 weeks to serve. We observed that staff held impressive levels of knowledge about individual prisoners and that there was a general level of positive rapport between prisoners and staff at all levels in the residential units. This provided a positive baseline for the further development of sentence planning and the personal officer scheme should be supported by a continuing investment in local training.

2.54 The IEP scheme should be reviewed. (2.30) Achieved. This had been reviewed and improved.

2.55 Enhanced status should be available for any prisoner who deserves it. (2.30) Partially achieved. However, many young prisoners were disappointed and angry that the enhanced status that they had worked so hard to achieve at other establishments could not be carried with them to Exeter. We recommend that when transferring to Exeter from other establishments, young prisoners should be able to take their enhanced status with them, and that record should be made of this status by the transferring prison.

2.56 Steps should be taken to ensure that prisoners understand the IEP scheme. (2.31) Achieved. We observed the explanation of this scheme to young prisoners during their induction programme. We also observed an atmosphere on D wing that made it

21 very easy for these young people to ask officers questions about any aspect of the scheme that they did not understand.

2.57 Schedule One offenders should be immediately identified and clear methods of communicating this information to staff should be in place. (2.32) Achieved.

2.58 Staff should be made aware of the implications of holding Schedule One offenders with juveniles. (2.32) Achieved but we noted that Juveniles were no longer held at Exeter as a matter of course.

2.59 Arrangements for exercising vulnerable young prisoners should be improved. (2.33) Achieved.

C Wing 2.60 The cell painting scheme should be encouraged. (2.35) Achieved.

2.61 Sanitary arrangements should be improved and a de-scaling programme implemented. (2.36) Achieved.

2.62 The cell call system should be tested daily and faults corrected the same day. (2.37) Achieved.

2.63 Wing managers should be accountable for the testing of cell call systems. (2.37) Achieved.

2.64 Prisoners should not be held in a cell in which the cell call system is not working. (2.37) Achieved.

2.65 The staff attendance system should be reviewed to ensure the basics of the regime can be regularly delivered. (2.38) Achieved.

2.66 Privacy hoods should be fitted to all telephones. (2.39) Not achieved. We noted that some telephone hoods had been fitted to some telephones elsewhere, but found these to be ineffective for the purpose. We repeat the original recommendation.

2.67 The incentives scheme should be reviewed. (2.40) Achieved. We noted during the inspection that the incentives scheme was again under review, with the intent to increase the incentives available for enhanced prisoners.

2.68 A personal officer scheme should be developed. (2.42) Achieved, but yet to achieve full potential.

D Wing 2.69 More frequent access to the recreation area should be provided. (2.43) No longer applicable due to change of use of D Wing but see comments about the young prisoners now housed in D Wing. The original recommendation referred to Enhanced status prisoners who at the time of that report were held in D Wing.

2.70 Arrangements for night sanitation should be reviewed. (2.45) We found the night sanitation arrangements for these young prisoners were degrading and inappropriate. We believe that this may contravene Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights which states that no one shall be subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment. Prisoners were dependent on a member of the night staff unlocking them in answer to their cell bell. This was happening, but on an inconsistent basis. Nobody was able to explain clearly to us, whether night staff were unlocking

23 young prisoners during every night when requested. We were not told whether this unlocking, when it happened, was available throughout the night. We found that many consecutive nights had no record of any unlocking at all. On those nights that were recorded, the log showed a large number of people unlocked. This was recorded up until about midnight and rarely was there any sign of further unlocking after that hour. In the absence of being unlocked, or if there was a delay in unlocking, these young people were reduced to using the bucket provided. We understand that there are plans in place for the installation of electronic unlocking in D wing. We believe that this is an expensive way of fudging the issue and that cells without proper sanitation are unacceptable. In these circumstances, D wing should be demolished unless appropriate installation of integral sanitation is carried out. In the meantime, we believe that the human contact factor in the present system, at least allows for some assessment of urgent or facetious demands for unlocking.

2.71 The wing should be developed as a drug free unit. (2.48) Not achieved. At the time of our full inspection in May 1999, D wing was an Enhanced wing. At the time of our follow-up inspection, young prisoners were located on D wing. There was no drug free landing for the young people located on D wing. However, at the time of our follow-up inspection, the enhanced landing on D3 served inevitably as a drug free area for young prisoners, because voluntary testing was in place and any use of drugs meant loss of Enhanced status.

2.72 The privileges permitted should be expanded, including privacy keys. (2.48) This recommendation again referred to D Wing when it was an Enhanced wing for adult prisoners.

2.73 Launderette facilities should be provided. (2.50) This recommendation referred to D wing when it was an Enhanced wing, and would have been an additional facility for those on Enhanced regime.

2.74 The ventilation in the cells should be improved. (2.50) Not achieved. The Construction Unit considered that the ventilation was adequate and no improvements were made at the time that D wing was refurbished. This continued

24 to be inadequate for these young people who were often using buckets for sanitation throughout the night as well as eating in their cells. We recommend that this ventilation should be urgently improved if this wing is to remain open.

Throughcare 2.75 There should be a dedicated manager accountable to the Governor for the delivery of Throughcare. (4.03) Achieved. A senior manager was responsible for the co-ordination and development of Throughcare functions and we witnessed effective levels of communication between the relevant individuals and departments.

2.76 There should be sufficient resources to deliver Throughcare. (4.03) Achieved. In pursuit of best value, the Head of Throughcare and the Senior Probation Officer had looked at ways of varying the grades available to staff the seconded probation department and the appointment of a housing and accommodation specialist was imminent. A significant amount of work was generated by the Home Detention Curfew (HDC) scheme and the associated risk assessment processes underlined that the public protection duties which fell to Throughcare staff. There was little time available for individual casework and that there was an increasing tendency to delegate substantive professional duties from Probation Officers to Probation Service Officers (PSOs). An effective example of the deployment of such staff was found in relation to the enhanced thinking skills programme to which reference is made elsewhere in this report.

2.77 Different disciplines of staff should work together in a more co-ordinated and effective way to meet the Throughcare needs identified. (4.03) Achieved. The co-ordination and leadership of the Throughcare function resulted in visible enthusiasm and commitment to an ongoing programme of improvement. Staff demonstrated vision and imagination in looking to expand the range of services and personnel involved in resettlement work. For example, a mentor scheme was planned and links had been created with the Employment Service.

2.78 A needs analysis should be undertaken to indicate the extent of the help required for welfare matters and for tackling of offending behaviour. (4.05) Achieved. A successful funding application to the Rowntree Trust led to the completion of a needs analysis by an outside consultant in May 2001. In addition, the local induction process includes assessment of educational needs as well as a risk assessment and screening of unconvicted prisoners for potential bail consideration.

2.79 All young prisoners should be given a full and challenging regime to help them develop work and life skills and responsible attitudes to their futures. (4.06) Achieved. We have commented at various points in this report to the training for Personal Officers in young offenders’ needs, arrangements for education, workshops, CARATS, YMCA, and C-Far for young prisoners. There was also an excellent initiative with New Bridge who provided a parenting course to help these young people prepare for release and their futures.

2.80 The prison should continue to strive to implement the Enhanced Thinking Skills course. (4.08) Achieved. This was a major success story. In the first-year of operation the prison has achieved 56 completions of the Enhanced Thinking Skills(ETS) programme and achieved a rating of 100% in a quality audit undertaken by the Offending Behaviour Programmes Unit (OBPU). This level of achievement reflects great credit on all concerned and demonstrates the determination of the establishment to overcome a number of logistical problems en route to this result. We were told that the establishment plans to expand its delivery of ETS courses by two further programmes in the forthcoming year and the senior psychologist was in discussion about the possibility of introducing the accredited Sex Offender Treatment Programme (SOTP).

Additional information 2.81 Our discussions with staff indicated that a number of Category B sex offenders were likely to be transferred to Exeter as a result of the re-role of HM Prison Dartmoor to a category C prison. There was already a substantial population of sex offenders on the wing at the time of this inspection and apart from a proportion of these being eligible for participation in ETS programmes, there was little specific provision for this

26 category of offender. In the event that greater numbers of sex offenders are to be housed at Exeter it is vital that some appropriate programmes be introduced to combat the high-risk of further offending which attends in this area of offending.

2.82 Consequently, we recommend that appropriate additional funding be made available to address the specific offending behaviour needs of sex offenders and thereby enable the establishment to discharge its commitment to prisoners and its responsibilities for public protection.

2.83 Some form of pre-release preparation should be provided for prisoners being discharged from Exeter. (4.10) Achieved. The prison provided six courses of two weeks duration during the year. This programme was led by two prison officers and covered general resettlement topics. In addition to this, specific referrals were made of selected prisoners to a voluntary agency which offered counselling to survivors of sexual abuse. This scheme was supported by a successful application for National Lottery funding. This latter service was particularly important, given the relatively high number of sex offenders and vulnerable prisoners housed in the establishment - a significant number of whom would have been likely to have experienced past abuse. A specific and challenging resettlement programme provided for 18 to 24 year olds by the voluntary organisation C-FAR, is described in the additional information below:

Additional Information 2.84 The prison had an established link with the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation (C-FAR) - a charitable organisation committed to the resettlement of young offenders in the 18 to 24 years age bracket. The staff of this organisation were working in close co-operation and liaison with Prison Service personnel and we saw evidence of the impact of the C-FAR programme on young offenders referred by Exeter prison. We saw an account of this organisation's policy of recruiting a wide range of staff from diverse but highly relevant backgrounds and we heard accounts of the impact of their work

Drug Strategy 2.85 The operation of MDT should be immediately improved. (4.16) Achieved.

2.86 The Drug Strategy Group should take a more active role in co-ordinating available data in the prison. (4.17) Achieved. We noted that a pro-active Drug Strategy Co-ordinator reported to a broad based Drug Strategy Group. Utilising the variety of statistical information available in relation to drug users, and drug use, the establishment had developed a supportive, and knowledgeable CARAT Service.

2.87 An information pamphlet should be published for all new prisoners. (4.21) Achieved. Drug information was incorporated into the induction literature available to all new admissions.

2.88 The issue of a CARAT Service should be raised within the prison and at the local DAT. (4.22) Achieved. CARAT Services are well established within the prison provided in conjunction with staff from the Exeter Drug Service. The Drug Strategy Co-ordinator attends three, of the four, local DAT meetings.

2.89 Searching arrangements should be reviewed. (4.25) Achieved.

2.90 A drug needs analysis of the prison should be conducted and a management information system introduced. (4.26) Achieved. We noted that the Drug Strategy Co-ordinator was drafting a new needs analysis form, utilising examples of good practice from other establishments. A variety of information was made available to the management group at the bi-monthly Drug Strategy Meeting, as noted above.

Education 2.91 The contract should be more closely tailored to meet the requirements of the prison. (5.01) Partly achieved. There was evidence that the individual needs of prisoners had been taken into account through an analysis of assessment tests on first reception. These tests had not always been carried out at the time of the previous inspection and therefore requirements were difficult to assess. Monitoring of basic skills testing and a more sophisticated induction programme appeared to have given the education department a more accurate picture of prisoners' needs. We were, however, surprised to discover that targets for basic skills at Level 2 of 44 in numeracy and 52 in literacy had been set apparently as arbitrary figures without reference to the Education Department. In any event, these had been exceeded.

2.92 Education plans should be introduced and incorporated into sentence plans. (5.01 and 5.06) Partly achieved. The education department was sometimes asked for contributions and reports for sentence plans although these were generally restricted to those prisoners serving 12 months or more.

2.93 Reasons for the relatively low level of take-up of classes should be investigated and steps taken to ensure that more prisoners benefit from education. (5.02) Achieved. There had been significant changes resulting in greater access to classes by more prisoners. Examples of these changes were a more comprehensive induction programme, more consistent basic skills testing, improved regime and much improved facilities for vulnerable prisoners. An outreach programme to cover B wing, workshops (including YOs), Health Care Centre, segregation unit and kitchen was also in place.

2.94 An educational needs analysis and assessment of every prisoner should be carried out. (5.05) Achieved as part of the new induction programme for prisoners.

2.95 A systematic approach towards the learning needs of prisoners with higher learning requirements is required. (5.12) Achieved. A number of initiatives had been introduced aimed at those prisoners with higher learning requirements. These included the European Computer Driving Licence scheme, Arts appreciation and social and life skills course. Additionally such prisoners were used as one-to-one tutors within the education department.

2.96 The curriculum should be expanded and NVQ awards introduced. (5.14) Not achieved. The education department assisted the PE staff who were running an NVQ in Sport and Recreation. A catering NVQ was planned and a bid had been made to start a hairdressing course. However there were still areas of work where NVQ or other vocational qualifications could be offered to increase the possibilities of employment on release. We repeat the recommendation that the curriculum should be expanded and NVQ awards introduced.

2.97 The use of local voluntary resources should be encouraged. (5.15) Partly achieved. This recommendation reflected tentative steps towards enlisting volunteer help for some of the curriculum. It did not appear that this initiative had been followed up but other links with local resources had been improved. Connexions Careers Service and Action for Employment both visited the prison twice a month, the local job centre undertook sessional groups twice a month and presentations had been given by the Prince's Trust Business Grant and Personal Development group.

2.98 The curriculum should be constructed to meet the widely differing needs of the prisoners. (5.17) See above.

2.99 The IT provision should be reviewed and improved. (5.19) Achieved. New computers had been provided through CSR funding. Maintenance would be carried out as part of the Quantum contract.

Physical Education 2.100 PE staff should not be re-deployed on generic officer duties. (5.24) Achieved. PE staff were rarely used on generic officer duties and then only as a last resort.

2.101 Staff should be trained as sports and games officers in order that they can be released to support the PE department. (5.24) Partially achieved. Although there were four sports and games trained officers they were not used to support the PE department due to staff shortages elsewhere.

2.102 A formal induction programme for PE should be delivered as part of the induction programme. (5.27) Achieved. Although there had been an induction course during the 1999 inspection this was very basic. We were pleased to note that the induction had now been formalised with a 75-minute session being held daily to take account of receptions. Records were kept on prisoners attending the PE department.

2.103 The medical fitness assessment process should be reviewed. (5.28) This was no longer an issue, indeed special programmes were run for those prisoners for whom remedial exercise might be beneficial.

2.104 The idea of an occupational health programme should be pursued. (5.31) An occupational health committee had been established and work was ongoing. A proposal was to be put to the Governor later in the year.

2.105 An additional PEI should be funded. (5.32) Not achieved. The recommendation is repeated. An additional PEI should be funded.

Additional information 2.106 The PE department was generally accepted as being a most valuable contributor to the regime. There was no doubt that they were enthusiastic and provided a very good service for prisoners. The range of activities from remedial

31 classes to recreational PE and courses leading to nationally recognised qualifications was good. Unfortunately the facilities did not live up to the quality of the staff and programme. The outside all weather pitch was unsuited to contact sports and the weight training room was barely adequate. We recommend that a new sports hall and outdoor PE facility should be provided.

Visits 2.107 The opportunity for visitors to personally book visits when in the establishment should be considered. (5.38) This had been considered by the establishment, but following a review of procedures for booking visits, it had been concluded that there was no real need, nor sufficient resources to make any additional provision. However, we found that both remanded and convicted prisoners could book several visits in advance by telephone. Where possible, we found a flexible and understanding attitude towards those trying to book visits in advance. We repeat our recommendation that visitors should be able to book visits personally, in advance while visiting a prisoner at Exeter.

Religious Activities 2.108 The chapel should be reserved for religious services. (5.46) Achieved. However some non-religious meetings were held in the chapel when the subject matter was considered to be compatible with a place of worship.

2.109 A separate multi-faith room should be provided. (5.47) Achieved. The room was small and basically furnished. The few posters were rather clumsily attached to the walls but there appeared to have been little or no attempt to provide other than basic accommodation. At the time of the inspection one of the few chairs was broken and the aura of the room was somewhat uninviting. Consideration should be given to upgrading the facilities offered by the existing multi-faith room.

2.110 Vulnerable prisoners should be enabled to attend religious services. (5.48) Achieved. The main Sunday morning service was held at 09:15 hrs and a separate one for vulnerable prisoners at 10:30 hrs, thus enabling all prisoners wishing to pursue a

Christian service to be catered for. Arrangements for non-Christian faiths were less clear and consideration should be given to enable religious observance by vulnerable prisoners of other faiths.

Catering 2.111 Plans to introduce NVQs should be pursued. (5.53) Partly achieved. The planning of NVQ training had been undertaken and the appointment of a suitably qualified NVQ assessor was imminent at the time of the unannounced inspection. A local NVQ adviser was due to visit the establishment in October 2001. The means to achieve NVQ qualification in catering should be in place before the end of the current financial year.

2.112 The pre-select option should be widened to include as many prisoners as practicable. (5.55) Achieved. The pre-select menu had been extended to 50% of the establishment's population. It was not practicable to provide this service to the most mobile of the remand population.

2.113 The intervals between meals should be reduced. (5.56) Partly achieved. Breakfast was served daily at 08.15 hours, lunch at 12.15 hrs. and weekday tea at 17.30 hrs. However, weekend tea was served at 16.30 hrs. which still gave rise to a substantial gap between that meal and the serving of breakfast on the next day. We recommend that further consideration be given to reducing the gap between Saturday tea and Sunday breakfast.

2.114 Stock control within the freezer units should be improved and more suitable freezer space should be provided. (5.57) Achieved. Two additional chest freezers were installed and this enabled improvements to stock control and management.

2.115 The freezer and fridge alarms should be maintained on the same basis as other alarm systems. (5.58) Achieved. Records were kept by the Works Department as part of the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme.

Prison Shop 2.116 Price lists should be displayed on wing notice boards. (5.63) Partially achieved. Price lists were on some landings on some wings. We were told that prisoners preferred to use their own copies that they were given in order to order from the prison shop.

2.117 Prisoners should be provided with the option to buy fresh fruit. (5.65) Not achieved. None of the officers or prisoners we spoke with was aware of any provision or arrangement to buy fresh fruit. We repeat our recommendation that prisoners should be able to buy fresh fruit from the prison shop.

2.118 There should be notices in the shop and on the wings to inform prisoners of the arrangements for buying ethnic specific items. (5.66) Not achieved. We could find no evidence of arrangements for prisoners to buy ethnic specific items. There were no notices on the wings or in the shop about these products. We were told that it was possible to order them from the shop, but without knowing what was available, it was very difficult for minority ethnic prisoners to buy these items. We repeat our recommendation that there should be notices in the shop and on the wings to inform prisoners of the arrangements for buying ethnic specific items. We also recommend that information about products for minority ethnic prisoners should be included in the induction programme.

2.119 All new prisoners should be offered an advance of money on entry. (5.67) Not achieved. We heard from prisoners and officers that there were no arrangements in place for advance of money on entry to Exeter. Additionally, there were many situations where prisoners had been sent money on a Friday, for example, but had not been able to receive products from the prison shop, using that money, until 13 days later. This caused particular problems on D wing, where prisoners’ lists for the shop

34 were collected on Monday morning. Many officers on the wings had commented on the stress this caused prisoners. We recommend that there should be more flexibility in dealing with prisoners’ money and particularly arrangements for Prison Shop orders should be reviewed for young prisoners on D wing. We also repeat our recommendation that new prisoners should be offered an advance of money on arrival and that if, perchance, such a system is already in place, that its availability be communicated to new prisoners.

2.120 The shop should continue to be administered as it is and not changed to a bagging system. (5.70) Not achieved. Since our initial inspection when we made this recommendation, a bagging system had been introduced and was in use for young prisoners on D wing. It did not give proper choice as it was impossible for these young people to know, from the available prison shop list what the products were, and the size and quantity, for which they were paying. We believe this system did not help any prisoners, and particularly young prisoners, to lead a responsible life on release. We recommend that young prisoners on D wing do not have to use the bagging system as a means of choosing and buying products from the prison shop.

Race Relations 2.121 Commitment to Race Relations should be identified as a responsibility on all job descriptions. (5.71) Achieved.

2.122 A Race Relations Action Plan should be in place. (5.73) Achieved. Information was made available on all wing notice boards. Both the Race Relations Liaison Officer and the deputy had undertaken the necessary training for their roles. It was planned to improve the displayed information on the wings, by the addition of photographs of the personnel involved.

2.123 Prisoner representatives should attend at least part of the Race Relations Meeting. (5.74) Not achieved. The establishment held only a small percentage of individuals from minority ethnic groups, but more effective effort should be made to enable minority ethnic prisoners to voice their opinions in policies that directly affect them and we therefore repeat the recommendation with renewed vigour.

Health Care 2.124 We acknowledged that a great deal of work, including a Health Needs Assessment, had taken place since our last inspection. There was a Health Improvement Programme steering group in place at the time of our follow-up inspection and this met three or four times a year specifically to discuss Health Care improvement programmes in prisons.

2.125 Since January 2001, Exeter had been part of the Devon Prisons Medical Cluster, which also included Dartmoor and Channings Wood. As a result of this, the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) was dividing his time between three very different prisons, each with specific needs.

2.126 We also noted that Exeter prison was holding a disproportionate number of mentally disordered and personality disordered prisoners.

2.127 We recommend that there should be an urgent review of the Devon Prisons Cluster and that, in the light of our opinion that it is not practical for the SMO to divide his time between these three prisons, that Exeter prison should have a full-time MO. In view of the particular role of this local prison and the health needs of the population a Pharmacist should be based at Exeter together with specialist detoxification nurses.

2.128 Additionally, we believe it is a matter of urgency that the Health Care Centre should be looked at in the context of its use as a safer location for the constant supervision and intermittent supervision of those prisoners at serious risk of self- harm. This is particularly relevant and urgent, as we believe that none of the wings

36 are safe enough for custody of those at potential, or serious, risk of self-harm. The wings had many obvious, and previously used, ligature points.

2.129 The foregoing remarks provide a backcloth against which the following findings and recommendations should be read:

2.130 Only those prisoners needing 24 hour nursing care should be admitted to the HCC. (6.02) Not achieved. A review of this had taken place since our full inspection. We were told that there were occasions when prisoners needed to be admitted for observation, and this period may be less than 24 hours. Some of these people had special needs, such as those identified and being assessed as those unable to cope on normal location. The Health Care Unit remained part of the Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA). Due to increased overcrowding during the last two years these places had been used for prisoners who did not need 24 hour nursing or medical care.

2.131 At the time of our follow-up inspection, there were three non-medical prisoners who were cleaners, located in one complete unit on their own. One of these prisoners was also a trained Listener.

2.132 Nursing resources should be used more efficiently. (6.06) Not achieved. There was a shortage of officers in the Health Care Centre and a shortage of administrative support. Nursing resources (and the SMO resource) continued to be used for many administrative functions, such as entering notes on the computer, making appointments and liaising with the dentist, optician, hospital outpatient clinics and the Pharmacy at Channings Wood. One of the aims of the Devon Prisons Medical Cluster was to use nursing resources across the region more efficiently. This did not appear to be the result of the Cluster arrangement, as so much of the work for Exeter prison had to be carried out within the establishment.

2.133 Clinical supervision as required by HCS 2&4 should be in place. (6.09) Achieved. The Cluster manager had identified a system to meet this recommendation and we were told that this was up and running and that that Channings Wood had a Training Centre to meet this requirement.

2.134 The needs of the prison should be discussed with the chief executive of Exeter Health before a needs assessment takes place. (6.13) Achieved. A meeting had taken place between the chief executive of Exeter Health, the SMO and Governor prior to the completion of the Health Needs Assessment.

2.135 The budget for Health care should be needs based. (6.13) Not achieved. The Health Needs Assessment had been undertaken to inform the allocation of budgets and it had been hoped this would support a bid for additional resources. A work profile was produced for the Cluster Director to review against resources. We believe that the budget for Health care is still not needs based, but that it is historically based. We do not consider that it takes into account the high proportion of mentally disordered and personality disordered prisoners and patients being held in Exeter prison and Health Care Centre and we repeat the recommendation with renewed emphasis on its purpose.

2.136 More rigorous supervision of cleaning schedules is required. (6.14) Achieved. New systems had been put in place.

2.137 More showers should be provided and sanitation should be provided in all furnished rooms. (6.15) Not achieved. Funding had not been available for showers in these cells. Sanitation (lavatory and washbasin) had been provided in two of the three safer cells. We were told that one cell was required without sanitation for collection of samples and also for checking on those prisoners claiming to be on hunger strike.

2.138 The unfurnished room should be redecorated. (6.15) Partially achieved. All the safer cells had been redecorated, but because of the nature of their use, and the volatility of some of the prisoners in the Health Care Centre, they were regularly damaged.

2.139 All cell call buttons should be within easy reach. (6.15) Achieved. All cell buttons were within easy reach, were working and were part of the new upgraded bell system that enabled electronic monitoring.

2.140 An audit should be conducted to determine the needs of patients admitted but found not to require full-time nursing care and more suitable options explored. (6.17) Partially achieved. The Health Needs Assessment determined the needs of the group identified and the action required. It had been agreed that on occasion, a small number of non-medical cases would be located in the Health Care Centre and that these would include exceptional protection cases or seriously disabled prisoners.

2.141 We noted that there was no provision for those prisoners with physical special needs on normal location. As a result those disabled prisoners needing wheelchair access had to be located in the Health Care Centre. This was another example where those who did not need medical supervision could potentially take up Health Care spaces. We recommend that as a matter of urgency, provision be made for disabled prisoners on normal location.

2.142 Additionally, as stated earlier, non-medical prisoner cleaners were located in the Health Care Centre at the time of our follow-up inspection.

2.143 Patients should be unlocked for twelve hours a day and have six hours planned activity. (6.18) Not achieved. Existing resources meant that this could not be complied with, although the Health Needs Assessment had included this recommendation. It was not possible to unlock personality-disordered offenders for any length of time, nor many of those on Intermittent Supervision (IS). At the time of our follow-up inspection, there were nine IS prisoners in the Health Care Centre.

2.144 Efforts had been made to take some prisoners to the gym, but there were difficulties handling this category of prisoners who were often in the Health Care Centre for mental health assessment.

2.145 Mentally ill patients care should be under the general direction of a consultant psychiatrist. (6.19) Achieved. We were told that the Health Care Centre at Exeter was a primary care facility and therefore provided a primary care physician who dealt with most psychiatric illness that fell under the definition of primary care. We understood that Consultant psychiatrists visited the Health Care Centre and as part of the Health Needs Assessment, the appropriate levels of psychiatric care and supervision had been addressed. A sub-group of the Health Improvement Programme had been meeting regularly to look at the specific needs of mentally disordered and personality disordered prisoners.

2.146 The range of visiting specialists should be reviewed in the light of the findings of the needs assessment. (6.21) Partially achieved. This had been reviewed and was ongoing.

2.147 The need for visiting psychiatrists should be considered. (6.21) The Health Needs Assessment had identified a need for a visiting psychiatrist, but the prison had been unable to find a suitable specialist.

2.148 Transfer to general psychiatric beds and continuity of care on release from prison should be discussed with the local Health Authority and the NHS. (6.23) The SMO was in regular discussions with senior members of the local Health Authority and NHS executive as part of his role as SMO for all three prisons in the Devon Prisons Cluster.

2.149 There should be a water supply and basin in the reception room used for medical checks. (6.24) Partially achieved. We observed a new water supply and basin in the reception room used for medical checks. However, there was no provision for disposing of urine, following samples being taken, and the basin used for washing hands, was used for disposing of urine. We recommend that provision be made for the disposal of urine samples in the reception room used for medical checks.

Pharmacy 2.150 This section was not inspected.

A minimum/maximum thermometer should be obtained for the fridge and the temperature range recorded daily. (6.26) Not inspected.

A computerised patient medication record is required. (6.27) Not inspected.

An out of hours policy should be written and adopted. (6.28) Not inspected.

Proper key security should be maintained. (6.29) Not inspected.

A review of the need to have medication in the reception area should be made. (6.29) Not inspected.

The design of the treatment hatches should be modified. (6.30) Not inspected.

Prescriptions should be written up correctly by doctors. (6.32) Not inspected.

Secondary dispensing should cease. (6.33) Not inspected.

Treatment times should be increased to allow several administrations per day and the practice of handing doses to patients in advance should be curtailed. (6.33) Not inspected.

There should be better control over stock handling and an agreed stock list should be implemented. (6.34) Not inspected.

Ready prepared manufacturer packs should be obtained. (6.34) Not inspected.

Copies of invoices should be obtained and the controlled drug register amended accordingly. (6.35) Not inspected.

Dental Services 2.151 This section was not inspected.

There should be an increase in the length and number of sessions. (6.39) Not inspected.

Procedures for selecting prisoners for inclusion on sessions for emergency dental treatment should be reviewed. (6.40) Not inspected.

Locum cover should be provided for when the dentist is absent. (6.40) Not inspected.

Clinical waste bags should be removed after each session. (6.41) Not inspected.

A mercury spillage kit and spillage tray should be provided. (6.41) Not inspected.

Control and Good Order

Segregation Unit 2.152 In 1999 the segregation unit was heavily criticised for its physical environment and the poor conditions and regimes for prisoners. It was closed in 2000 for refurbishment and re-opened early in 2001. Although geographically in the same place, A1, we were satisfied that there had been a transformation both in the surroundings and the ethos of the unit. Cells had been refurbished to include a toilet and wash basin, were neatly decorated and had a new cell call system. All prisoners we spoke with in the unit were reasonably satisfied with their treatment although one prisoner felt harshly dealt with at adjudication.

2.153 Staff were helpful, interested in their work and seemed pleased with the changes that had been made.

2.154 The cell call system should be repaired and maintained in the correct working order. (7.08) Achieved. A new cell call system had been installed as part of the refurbishment programme.

2.155 Prisoners should be supplied with the means to make a hot drink during the evening period. (7.09) Achieved. A hot water boiler had been provided in the unit and prisoners issued with a screw top beaker. Hot water was given to prisoners during the evening period.

2.156 Prisoners in the segregation unit should be given a choice of meals. (7.10) Achieved. Prisoners in the segregation unit were given the same choice of meals as the rest of the wing.

2.157 The process of supplying food to the unit should be reviewed. (7.10) Partly achieved. Although there had been improvements in the serving arrangements it was still necessary for food to be carried down steep stairs from the main servery on A2 to the unit on A1. It was difficult to see how this problem could be resolved.

2.158 Prisoners held in segregation should be given the opportunity to exercise in the fresh air for at least one hour a day. (7.11) Achieved. During our inspection of the unit we heard an officer asking each prisoner if he wanted exercise that afternoon. The officer was not aware of the inspector's interest in him and therefore we were satisfied that this was normal practice. Furthermore records were kept of exercise and when exercise was declined. We were pleased to note that prisoners did not necessarily take exercise in isolation from each other.

2.159 Access to telephones should be improved. (7.12) Achieved. A cardphone had been installed in the segregation unit as part of the refurbishment thus easing access by prisoners. Previously prisoners had to be taken by staff from the unit to the landing above with all the associated difficulties.

Anti-bullying 2.160 There should be an overall strategy about what should be done to prevent bullying, identify bullies and support victims. (7.19) Achieved. This was completed in August 2000 and was periodically reviewed to take account of best practice emerging across the wider service. This attitude to self- improvement and openness to the influence of best practice is to be commended.

2.161 Systematic measuring of bullying should be introduced. (7.16) This was achieved through regular monitoring.

2.162 Anti-bullying training should be provided for all staff. (7.17) Partly achieved. Substantial numbers of staff have yet to receive training in this field and we repeat the recommendation.

2.163 All staff should be made aware of and trained in the correct procedures for tackling bullying. (7.20) Partly achieved. Substantial numbers of staff have yet to receive training in this field and we repeat the recommendation.

2.164 A proper method for collating information and monitoring should be devised. (7.21) Achieved as part of the revised anti-bullying strategy.

2.165 The committee should be reformed and hold regular meetings chaired by a member of the senior management team. (7.22) Achieved. The anti-bullying committee met monthly under the chairmanship of a senior manager.

2.166 A constructive programme to address the bully's behaviour should be considered. (7.24) Achieved. This formed part of prisoner management on all residential units and whilst all staff were not fully trained in anti-bullying issues, the vast majority appeared to be familiar with the bullying referral system and the associated documentation. Prisoners were widely aware that bullying behaviour was not tolerated and would not go unchallenged.

2.167 A strategy for supporting the victims of bullying should be formalised. (7.25) Achieved. This was further reinforced by plans for the Personal Officer scheme to become more fully operational.

2.168 The anti-bullying information forms should be redesigned and staff should be trained in their use. (7.26) Partly achieved. Substantial numbers of staff had yet to receive training in this field and we repeat the recommendation.

2.169 Anti-bullying posters should be displayed in all areas of the establishment. (7.27) Achieved.

2.170 Any new strategy developed should be widely publicised and available for both staff and prisoners. (7.27) Achieved.

2.171 The notice on the visitors notice board should be more visible and include a contact phone number. (7.29) Achieved.

2.172 All prisoners should be given information on bullying during induction. (7.30) Achieved. We considered it was innovative, simple and effective that information leaflets should be placed in the pillow cases of all new arrivals. Reception staff were alert to the particular problems of those who were unable to read and verbal advice was offered.

The Estate 2.173 The approach road should be completed and then brought into use as a one- way system. (8.03) Achieved. The work was completed in the summer of 2000 and had led to some reduction in the traffic problems.

2.174 Weep holes should be drilled in the stonework and the wall straightened. (8.06) Achieved.

2.175 Unused fencing should be removed and the opportunity taken to simplify the complex of security fencing within the wall. (8.06) Achieved.

2.176 The roof on the education block should be overcovered with pitched roofing to prevent leaks and also reduce solar gain. (8.14) Partly achieved, insofar as the roof of the education building was over covered using a flat roofing and anti-reflective substance. We were advised that the proposal to over cover with a pitched roof was not cost-effective act bearing in mind that the education building itself was a temporary structure.

2.177 The battery maintained lighting should be checked throughout the prison after dark and any deficiencies made good. (8.15) Achieved.

Health and Safety 2.178 The Health and Safety Policy/Statement of Arrangements should be updated. (8.17) Not inspected.

2.179 Safety audits should commence. (8.18) Not inspected.

2.180 The quality of Risk Assessments should be assessed and any outstanding be completed. (8.19) Not inspected.

2.181 Radiation protection measures should be completed. (8.20) Not inspected.

2.182 The Prison Service training record system should be used. (8.21) Not inspected.

Fire Precautions 2.183 All staff should receive fire precautions training. (8.22) Not inspected.

2.184 There should be a fire evacuation exercise every year. (8.23) Not inspected.

2.185 The decision about not requiring SDBA should be reviewed. (8.24) Not inspected.

2.186 A combined exercise with the fire brigade should be held annually. (8.25) Not inspected.

2.187 Smoke vents should be fitted to all wing roofs. (8.26) Not inspected.

Management 2.188 The management of the centralised detail should be reviewed. (9.09) Achieved. A review had taken place and management of the staff detail substantially changed.

2.189 An alternative staff attendance system should be examined. (9.09) Achieved. The staff attendance system had been revised.

CHAPTER THREE

TESTS OF A HEALTHY PRISON AND CONCLUSION

3.01 Our inspection reports include an appraisal of an establishment's performance, against the model of the healthy prison described in the Annual Report of HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales 1999-2000. In a short unannounced inspection such as this, opportunities for checking outcomes with prisoners are somewhat limited. However, from our discussions with staff, prisoners and the Board of Visitors, and from our own observations, we are confident of the following conclusions:

Test 1 – All prisoners are safe 3.02 Although there were many potential ligature points around the prison, including some in places where they would be least expected, we were pleased to note good initiatives arising from the Suicide Awareness group. Additionally we found a positive involvement with the Prison Service Safe Custody group.

3.03 We saw a good, ongoing anti-bullying initiative partly based on examples of best practice found elsewhere in the Prison Service.

3.04 The Race Relations officer and his deputy were well trained although there was room for improvement in raising awareness of race issues amongst other staff and prisoners. We were particularly impressed by the confidential access boxes on each wing in which prisoners could lodge complaints about racism.

3.05 A new cell call bell system had been installed on A wing and would later be extended to other wings. This seemed a much better system than the old one but nevertheless we saw lights and buzzers which remained unanswered for some time. We understood that the new system allowed for response time to be checked and therefore urge that such records are monitored by managers.

3.06 Vulnerable prisoners had moved to B wing since the last inspection. B wing was light, airy and has been recently redecorated. It provided a safe environment for vulnerable prisoners who enjoyed a reasonably full regime.

3.07 Most staff had a good knowledge of prisoners in their care and this underpinned the generally positive relationships which we observed between staff and prisoners. We discovered that 75-80% of prisoners were from the South West of England and therefore the term, "local" prison was still appropriate. This dispelled the myth that Exeter was taking a lot of prisoners from distant parts of the country.

3.08 We were also pleased to note a high level of knowledge about Schedule One offenders amongst staff on D wing, the young offender/remand wing.

Test 2 – All prisoners should be treated with respect as individuals 3.09 The physical environment of D wing meant that, despite the best efforts of staff, ‘slopping out’ was still common practice. There was no integral sanitation in cells which usually held two young prisoners and meals had to be eaten in these conditions. Showers were only available twice a week. We recommended that the wing should be closed and either demolished or refurbished with decent, respectful sanitary arrangements.

3.10 There were significant problems in the Health Care Centre resulting in poor outcomes for prisoners. These are discussed in greater detail in the body of the report. We were told, and it appeared to us, that Exeter had to accept a high proportion of people with mental illness. Although staff coped well with many of these disordered people, it was evident that a significant number should have been in non-Prison Service establishments where staff are better trained and equipped to deal with them.

3.11 We were impressed by the excellent relationships between most staff and prisoners, including the segregation unit.

3.12 Prisoners were aware of their personal officers as staff names and epaulette numbers were displayed on landing notice boards.

3.13 Food for prisoners was of high quality and served at sensible times. Unusually, in our recent experiences, we found food being served by catering officers at wing hotplates and we commend this practice.

Test 3 – Prisoners are fully and purposefully occupied and are expected to improve themselves 3.14 Work opportunities had increased significantly since the last inspection when the regime had been heavily criticised. In particular, approximately 98% of vulnerable prisoners were engaged in purposeful activity. This is most unusual in wings of local prisons and was a credit to many staff at Exeter.

3.15 Education opportunities seemed to be better linked to the needs of prisoners. Outreach and other initiatives were very positive.

3.16 There was potential but missed opportunities for prisoners to gain qualifications in work areas to help improve employment options on release.

3.17 The Physical Education Department continued to provide an excellent service, including opportunities for qualifications, despite limited facilities.

3.18 We were pleased to note the involvement of external organisations such as YMCA, C-FAR, the New Bridge Trust and others.

Test 4 – Prisoners can strengthen links with their families and prepare themselves for release 3.19 The prison had been criticised in the previous inspection report for inadequate Bail information provision. Following this, a seconded probation officer was funded to set up a Bail Information unit. This had been very successful and we recommended continuation of funding from 2002 when the current commitment expires.

3.20 Programmes and initiatives to help prisoners prepare for release were in evidence. Examples included an Enhanced Thinking Skills course, CARATS work (including family links), sentence planning and community links.

3.21 The education department facilitated visits by the local careers service, job centre and Action for Employment.

3.22 A Probation Service Officer had been appointed, although not yet in post, to address housing issues which should be extremely beneficial to prisoners preparing for release.

Conclusion 3.23 When we arrived at Exeter prison to carry out this unannounced inspection, the Governor told us that we would see improvements in all areas – to varying degrees. He added that the prison was far from perfect and that there was still much to be done. He went on to tell us that we would meet staff as we moved around the prison who were proud of what they had achieved, were positive and who wanted Exeter to be a successful prison.

3.24 Our experience during the inspection confirmed that this was an accurate assessment of what was happening in the prison.

3.25 Most of the recommendations from the 1999 inspection had been achieved and, in most cases, in a thoughtful and planned fashion which would ensure continued progress. This was traceable through action plans, was evident from discussions with staff and prisoners and apparent from our own observations.

3.26 The Governor, his management team and the vast majority of staff must take credit for giving impetus to these changes. There was little doubt that morale and confidence had been raised by a recent Prison Service Standards Audit report which had recognised progress in many areas.

3.27 We spoke with the Governor and the Chairman of the local branch of the Prison Officers Association. Industrial relations had gone through a rough patch and were at an all time low during the previous inspection. This time we were assured that industrial relations had "never been better" and that there were “no major issues between the Governor and the POA”. Certainly there were no outstanding failures to agree at local or national level. All of this gave us reason to believe that the work required to further improve outcomes for prisoners at Exeter could progress in a positive and healthy climate.

3.28 There are two main areas where attention should now be focused. These are in the Health Care Centre and in D wing. The details of our concern about these areas are made clear in the body of this report. These came as no surprise to local management or the Area Manager at the debriefing given to them before we left the establishment. Given the increased confidence of staff and the track record of the management team, we left with confidence that these two issues would be addressed as a matter of urgency.

CHAPTER FOUR

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE

Recommendations

To the Director General

Health Care 4.01 We repeat that the Health Care Directorate should give instructions that a form F1981 should be issued whenever a prisoner is placed in restricted circumstances. (2.04)

Residential Units 4.02 D wing should be demolished unless appropriate installation of integral sanitation is carried out. (2.70)

To the Area Manager

Health Care 4.03 There should be an urgent review of the Devon Prisons Cluster and Exeter prison should have a full-time MO. (2.127)

OCA 4.04 Longer term funding for the bail unit should be provided. (2.32)

Throughcare (Resettlement) 4.05 Appropriate additional funding should be made available to address the specific offending behaviour needs of sex offenders. (2.82)

Physical Education 4.06 A new sports hall and outdoor PE facility should be provided. (2.106)

To the Governor

Reception 4.07 The shower should be relocated and showers should be offered to all new receptions. (2.17)

4.08 The design of the cubicle for holding vulnerable prisoners should be improved with particular reference to the identification of ligature points. (2.18)

Self harm 4.09 There should be a particularly well-defined procedure for collection of, and signing for, heavy-duty scissors by all residential staff on night duty, including those on D wing and the Health Care Centre. (2.23)

4.10 The work on the safer observation ward should be completed. (2.25)

Requests, Complaints and access to BOV 4.11 Information about grievance procedures should be displayed in relevant languages. (2.28)

4.12 A Board of Visitors applications box should be provided on each wing. (2.30)

OCA 4.13 A more suitable environment should be provided in the OCA for interviews. (2.36)

Residential Units 4.14 Prisoners should have frequent and consistent daily association. (2.37)

4.15 An association area, more appropriate to the needs of young, energetic prisoners should be provided in D Wing. (2.42)

4.16 We repeat our recommendation that more showers should be available for young prisoners. (2.51)

4.17 We repeat that privacy hoods should be fitted to all telephones. (2.66)

4.18 We repeat the recommendation that the ventilation on D Wing should be urgently improved if this wing is to remain open. (2.74)

Throughcare (Resettlement) 4.19 The further development of sentence planning and the personal officer scheme should be supported by a continuing investment in local training. (2.53)

4.20 When transferring to Exeter from other establishments, young prisoners should be able to take their enhanced status with them, and record should be made of this status by the transferring prison. (2.55)

Education and Training 4.21 We repeat that the curriculum should be expanded and NVQ awards introduced. (2.96)

Physical Education 4.22 An additional PEI should be funded. (2.105)

Visits 4.23 We repeat our recommendation that visitors should be able to book visits personally, in advance while visiting a prisoner at Exeter. (2.107)

Religious Services 4.24 Consideration should be given to upgrading the facilities offered by the existing multi-faith room. (2.109)

4.25 Consideration should be given to enable religious observance by vulnerable prisoners of other faiths. (2.110)

Catering 4.26 The means to achieve NVQ qualification in catering should be in place before the end of the current financial year. (2.111)

4.27 Further consideration should be given to reducing the gap between Saturday tea and Sunday breakfast. (2.113)

Prison Shop 4.28 We repeat our recommendation that prisoners should be able to buy fresh fruit from the prison shop. (2.117)

4.29 We repeat our recommendation that there should be notices in the shop and on the wings to inform prisoners of the arrangements for buying ethnic specific items. (2.118)

4.30 Information about products for minority ethnic prisoners should be included in the induction programme. (2.118)

4.31 There should be more flexibility in dealing with prisoners’ money. (2.119)

4.32 Arrangements for Prison Shop orders should be reviewed for young prisoners on D wing. (2.119)

4.33 We repeat our recommendation that new prisoners should be offered an advance of money on arrival and that its availability be communicated to new prisoners. (2.119)

4.34 Young prisoners on D wing should not have to use the bagging system as a means of choosing and buying products from the prison shop. (2.120)

4.35 More effective effort should be made to enable minority ethnic prisoners to voice their opinions in policies that directly affect them and we therefore repeat the recommendation with renewed vigour. (2.123)

Health Care 4.36 A Pharmacist should be based at Exeter together with specialist detoxification nurses. (1.127)

4.37 The Health Care Centre should be looked at in the context of its use as a safer location for the constant supervision and intermittent supervision of those prisoners at serious risk of self-harm. (2.128)

4.38 We repeat the recommendation that the budget for Health care should be needs based with renewed emphasis on its purpose. (2.135)

4.39 As a matter of urgency, provision should be made for disabled prisoners on normal location. (2.141)

4.40 Provision should be made for the disposal of urine samples in the reception room used for medical checks. (2.149)

Anti-bullying 4.41 We repeat that anti-bullying training should be provided for all staff. (2.162)

4.42 We repeat that all staff should be made aware of and trained in the correct procedures for tackling bullying. (2.163)

4.43 We repeat that staff should be trained in the use of anti-bullying forms. (2.168)

Examples of Good Practice

Induction 4.44 We considered the regular, diverse and rolling Induction programme for young people on D wing was an example of best practice. (2.45)

Personal Officer Scheme 4.45 The identification of Personal Officers by name and number on Prisoner Notice Boards was an example of good communication. (2.52)

Throughcare (Resettlement) 4.46 The co-ordination and leadership of the Throughcare function resulted in visible enthusiasm and commitment to an ongoing programme of improvement. (2.77)

4.47 A successful funding application to the Rowntree Trust led to the completion of a needs analysis by an outside consultant in May 2001. (2.78)

4.48 The level of ETS achievement reflects great credit on all concerned and demonstrates the determination of the establishment to overcome a number of logistical problems en route to this result. (2.80)

4.49 Specific referrals were made of selected prisoners to a voluntary agency which offered counselling to survivors of sexual abuse. This scheme was supported by a successful application for National Lottery funding. (2.83)

4.50 The establishment had an established link with the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation (C-FAR) – a charitable organisation committed to the resettlement of young offenders in the 18 to 24 years age bracket. The staff of this organisation were working in close co-operation and liaison with Prison Service personnel and we saw evidence of the impact of the C-FAR programme on young offenders referred by Exeter prison. (2.84)