An inspection report has revealed troubling conditions inside HMP Featherstone, a Midlands prison described as ‘dreary’ with substandard living environments. While the prison benefits from committed leadership, the HM Inspectorate of Prisons has emphasized the urgent need for robust actions to address ongoing issues.
The report highlights several worrying findings, including the easy availability of drugs within the prison and a distressingly high rate of self-inflicted deaths—ranked tenth highest among male adult prisons in the UK. Training and rehabilitation opportunities remain too limited, raising concerns about prisoner prospects post-release.
Living conditions vary across the facility, but many residential units were described as ‘poor.’ Photographs taken during the inspection highlight worn surroundings and outdated facilities behind the prison walls.
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Upon arrival, around 75 new inmates enter HMP Featherstone each month. Reception staff were noted as friendly and welcoming, and the overall environment was described as clean and functional. However, some information materials were outdated, and broken televisions in holding rooms created a less positive environment for new prisoners.
First night accommodations were found wanting. Inspectors reported cells were not always properly prepared, with only 32% of prisoners confirming their first night cell was clean, compared to 44% at similar prisons. Access to basic items like clean clothes, toiletries, and pillows was reportedly inadequate, contributing to negative early custody experiences.
Most prisoners live in single cells, which are generally well-equipped, clean, and tidy. Longer-term inmates often personalize their living spaces. Yet, conditions in the induction unit deteriorate this picture, as many prisoners share cramped cells with poorly screened toilets.
While some improvements have been made since the previous inspection in May 2022—such as new flooring, refurbished showers, and closing of damp and mold-infested cells—the prison’s overall infrastructure remains dilapidated. Older units, in particular, are described as shabby and grim, highlighting the urgent need for long-term investment.
Maintenance lapses were a recurrent concern. Staff shortages within the maintenance contractor team, combined with delayed reporting by wing staff, resulted in unresolved problems like broken toilets, showers, and inadequate lighting—posing safety and security risks.
Despite these challenges, prisoners generally keep their cells and communal areas clean and free from graffiti. Exercise yards are reasonably maintained, often featuring seating, some greenery, and limited equipment. However, gardens have seen neglect, missing opportunities to enhance inmates’ wellbeing through a better environment.
Specialist and smaller units show comparatively better living conditions. For example, house 7, designated as the drug recovery unit, offers in-cell showers, while house 6 boasts a well-equipped association room and access to a pleasant garden.
Since the last inspection, communal rooms featuring cooking facilities and refrigerators were introduced across most units. Unfortunately, the state of these facilities varies significantly, with some units struggling with poorly maintained and insufficient equipment.
The segregation unit painted a bleak picture. With an average stay of nine days, cells lacked electricity sockets and were described as run-down. Its single exercise yard was considered bleak despite the unit remaining clean. Prisoners on segregation spoke positively about staff, noting access to basic cell items.
In summary, while leadership at HMP Featherstone is committed, the prison faces critical challenges—from poor living conditions and maintenance issues to limited rehabilitation resources—that require immediate and sustained intervention to ensure a safer, healthier environment for inmates.