Hydebank Wood Prison Achieves Top Ratings After Decade of Improvement

Independent inspections have awarded top ratings to the Hydebank Wood prison facility in Belfast, a decade after it was previously deemed to be failing. This institution accommodates approximately 150 women and young men across its two premises. According to inspectors, the facility operates with greater safety and success compared to similar institutions in England and Wales. Justice Minister Naomi Long attributed these improvements to “many years of hard work” undertaken by the Prison Service and its collaborative partners. She stated, “Just over 10 years ago inspectors described Hydebank as a failing prison – today it is a model of excellence and good practice.” Minister Long further added, “There is no doubt the exceptional work being done at Hydebank is transforming lives.” Speaking on the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster programme, Long highlighted a “culture shift” concerning the terminology used for inmates within the prison system. She explained, “We talk about people who have been committed to ‘our care’, because we recognise that many of those people who come into prison have complex needs.” Unannounced visits were conducted to both sections of the prison, involving Criminal Justice Inspection (CJI) Northern Ireland and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons. Jacqui Durkin, representing CJI, conveyed that inspectors were “impressed” by their findings. She stated, “We identified evidence of our expectations being met and 10 examples of notable practice that other prisons may be able to learn from.” Ms Durkin also noted that “quality relationships” between staff and prisoners constituted “at the heart of the success.” Inmates had their cells unlocked for a minimum of eight hours daily, with the majority engaging in training, education, and employment opportunities. Over the last year, only one serious assault was documented, and the majority of violent incidents were characterized as “low level.” A prisoner at Hydebank Wood, identified as Dylan, commented on the “good opportunities” available through various projects for inmates. Dylan mentioned possessing qualifications in barbering, cooking, and painting and decorating, and noted the strong support within the prison, stating, “If you ask for it, you’ll get it, it’s all about asking for it.” He informed BBC News NI that the system at Hydebank Wood is “10 times different” from other institutions and prisons he has experienced. Dylan remarked, “I was always in and out of trouble in the block… but now I am changed. I am doing well… it’s hard to get down here but it was worth the wait.” When asked for advice for new arrivals at Hydebank Wood, he advised: “Keep your head down, do what you’re doing, get out and don’t come back… take the opportunities.” Nevertheless, inspectors identified six “key concerns” indicating areas where Hydebank could enhance its operations. Among these concerns was “a need for greater scrutiny of incidents involving the use of force.” The report indicated that existing arrangements were “not robust and could not assure prison leaders that force was always necessary, proportionate and used as a last resort.” Ms Durkin commented, “Overall, this was a very positive inspection and it is a pleasure to report on a prison that despite an increased population with some complex needs, was operating far more successfully than most similar prisons inspected in England and Wales.” The justice minister confirmed that all improvement recommendations presented in the report “have been responded to or are being responded to.” Long stated that Hydebank’s deputy governor would undertake a review of every incident involving the use of restraint to ascertain “whether or not it was required or what alternative methods could have been used.” She further remarked, “One of the things that they referenced in the report was the willingness of Prison Service to actually listen and learn and I think that’s why they’ve got such a good report on this occasion.” The minister also credited a portion of Hydebank’s success to the dedication and innovative approaches of its staff members. She stated, “If people are working as a prison officer and have good ideas, those ideas will be captured and put into practice.” Long elaborated that she had observed instances where prison officers identify an issue and “come up with a solution,” which received strong backing from management. She added, “I think it’s really positive to see because it means our prison officers aren’t just there to lock people up at night and let them out in the morning.” Long concluded, “They’re actually there working with the prisoners, they know their particular needs and challenges and they’re able to provide both support, encouragement and challenge about their offending behaviour that actually means they’re much more likely to not come back.”