Report on an unannounced Inspection of Hydebank Wood Secure College – November 2024
Published: 20 Nov 2024
Introduction
An Inspection of Hydebank Secure College has been carried out by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons in England and Wales (HMI Prisons), the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) and the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI).
The condition of Hydebank Wood Secure College and the treatment of young men in custody were assessed by Inspectors against the four healthy prison tests of Safety, Respect, Purposeful Activity and Preparation for release.
The outcomes in each of the four healthy prison tests were assessed as good, showing that the prison had maintained or improved its performance from the previous inspection published in 2020. This is the first time this level of performance has been achieved in Hydebank Wood. Inspectors acknowledge the success is due to the leadership of its Governor, his senior team, the leaders from the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Belfast Met as well as staff, partner organisations and the young men living in Hydebank Wood.
Positive findings
The Inspection Team found examples of notable practice at Hydebank Wood Secure College, which included the work of the Prison Safety and Support Team, the one-to-one help given to young men on practical living skills, the work done with White Ribbon aimed at reducing violence against women and girls and the use of animal husbandry and pet therapy to support the wellbeing of young men.
Commonalities at Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women’s Prison
Inspectors highlighted that the strong relationships between prisoners and staff were key to the prison’s success. Officers showed a thorough understanding of those in their care, while effective collaboration with healthcare, education and training providers ensured individualised support for women and young men.
Hydebank Wood prioritised mental health awareness and neurodiversity, offering lunchtime learning sessions for staff. To counteract the risk of isolation among foreign nationals, the prison provided tablets equipped with translation software.
Both women and young men had opportunities to progress to residential units with increased freedom, thanks to the good standards of behaviour. Prisoners also had access to substantial breakfasts and meals, with bread, cereal, and milk available all day on residential wings.
The Inspection Team also commended Hydebank Wood for its dedicated Chaplaincy team and strong partnerships with voluntary and community organisations.
What needs to improve?
While the Inspection Report highlighted numerous strengths, Inspectors identified six key concerns requiring attention from leaders. These included the need to fully address adult safeguarding concerns and improve the prison’s handling of serious complaints. Other areas for improvement involved access to external hospital appointments and social care support, enhanced oversight of the use of force, better use of available data and more effective co-ordination of education, skills and work with other interventions.
Conclusion
Hydebank Wood has shown a commitment to learning from the inspection and by addressing the Inspection findings Inspectors are encouraged it will continue to improve in the future. We hope that the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and the Belfast Met see to build on their success and continue to improve the quality services and support delivered to young men and women in custody at Hydebank Wood.
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