Stocken Prison in Rutland needs more resources to prepare prisoners for release

An inspection has found that more resources are needed to prepare prisoners for release.

Independent inspectors visited Stocken Prison at Stretton to check whether prisoners are being treated in a fair and humane way.

The board recognised that Stocken is a safe environment with effective initiatives to reduce violence and self-harm.

Prisoners are given adequate time for exercise and meaningful activities but concerns were raised about them being released directly into the community.

Although Stocken is not a resettlement prison, the number of prisoners being released directly into the community is rising and while staff try to offer support, they do not have te resources to do so effectively.

Chairperson of the Independent Monitoring Board, Ruth Bray, said: “The board is pleased to see that much of the good work that was done before lockdown has started to resume.

"Last year we reported there was a pressing need for increased capacity in open prisons. More places should be made available for speedier transfer of category D prisoners out of category C establishments."