We share our thoughts on the Independent Monitoring Board releasing a new thematic report looking at the impact of the crumbling prison estate on prisoners.
Responding to the IMB report on the crumbling prison estate
"We are concerned that such abhorrent conditions undermine the delivery of vital rehabilitation work to reduce reoffending and drive down crime."Nacro CEO Campbell Robb
Responding to the findings Campbell Robb, CEO of Nacro said:
“The thematic report from the IMB into the impact that our crumbling prison estate has on people in prison reveals abhorrent conditions that should have no place in a modern prison system. Findings from the report lay bare the reality of an environment unfit for human habitation – with flooding, vermin infestations and widespread uncleanliness across the prison estate. Critically, we are concerned that such environments undermine the delivery of vital rehabilitation work to reduce reoffending and drive down crime.
As we move forward, it’s imperative that Government recognises the interconnection between the environment in prison and the success of measures designed to reduce crime. We must focus on creating an environment in which rehabilitation is central, and where meaningful work, training, and education are accessible to everyone in prison. It is evident that any initiatives designed to improve rehabilitation are impeded by unsanitary, unsafe and, in some cases, dangerous conditions. Only with a focus on rehabilitation will it be possible to see the positive change so desperately needed within our prisons. The time for action is now.”
Speaking about the report, Matthew, 36, who was released from prison in summer 2024 said:
“I’m not surprised to hear the conditions are so bad. It’s almost to be expected when you think about the ailing buildings, poor infrastructure and cramming more and more people in without investing any more money into prisons.”
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We operate in more than 40 prisons and provide services across England and Wales. We help 28,000 people across our services each year and run the CAS-2 service for the Government housing people coming out of prison on bail or licence. We work with people at every stage of the criminal justice system, from liaison and diversion services in police custody and courts, to resettlement into the community after prison. We use the insights from our services and the experiences of the people we support to campaign together for a criminal justice system which better serves us all. We’ve been working in this field for more than 50 years.