Date of visit: 6 February 2018
Visit number: 6
Prison type: Category B Local
Capacity: 1036
Opened: 1870
Operator: HMPS
GOVERNOR
The Governor rated staff-prisoner relationships as the best he had seen and drew attention to thank you letters from prisoners displayed in the admin corridor. He described the prison as safe and noted that Hull had not experienced the increase in violence seen in many other establishments. The Governor also highlighted support for prisoners and families, including monthly ‘family days’, links with the local community, and an annual open day for the families of staff.
MANAGERS
Custodial Managers rated staff-prisoner relationships and highlighted safety and control as positives. They highlighted the additional training offered to new recruits after completing their initial training, and ongoing training for existing staff. They also rated support for prisoners’ families, including monthly family days, homework club and breakfast club, as well as the crisis unit for prisoners with complex needs and mental health issues, and the palliative care suite for end of life care.
OFFICERS
Staff rated many of the same things as the CMs. They highlighted safety and positive relationships with prisoners. They described a strong and supportive team ethic and collective pride among the staff, and praised support from management and the introduction of staff well-being days, as well as staff training. They too also noted support for prisoners and families as a positive.
PRISONERS
Prisoners were especially positive about the support offered to prisoners and families, praising the work of a specialist family liaison officer, the regular family days, and the introduction of a breakfast club and homework club. They also rated time out of cell, and singled out the drug recovery wing for praise.