Warning: This article contains details and images arround self harm and violence

A prison in Milton Keynes has been found to be "unsafe" with high levels of violence, self-harm and drug misuse.  

HMP Woodhill, a category B training prison, was the subject of a critical inspection by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, which led to the issuing of an urgent notification for the second time in three years.

Despite the appointment of a new governor and some signs of early improvement, long-standing issues remain unaddressed.

The prison, which holds men serving long-term sentences, was rated “poor” in three out of four inspection categories—safety, purposeful activity, and preparation for release—and “not sufficiently good” in the area of respect.

A cell that contained evidence of a previous self harm incident (Image: HM Inspectorate of Prisons)

Levels of violence remain among the highest in the category B estate, with a significant proportion of incidents involving weapons.

The rate of self-harm also remains one of the highest in the adult male prison population.

The HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, said: "HMP Woodhill is a prison that is a cause for deep concern.

"Despite some limited signs of more stability since our last inspection, much of this following the recent appointment of a new and experienced governor, the fundamental issues that have affected Woodhill for many years remained unresolved."

The report highlighted a "troubling increase" in assaults on staff, with serious assaults more frequent than at similar prisons.

Drug misuse continues to undermine safety, with positive drug test rates among the highest in the adult male estate.

An improvised weapon (Image: HM Prisons Inspectorate)

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Living conditions were found to be "poor," with broken and dirty showers, limited access to cleaning materials, and delays in property requests.

Many prisoners spend large parts of the day locked in their cells, partly due to staff shortages.

Attendance at education and work sessions is low, and too many activities are cancelled.

Offender management services are under strain, with high caseloads and limited opportunities for prisoners to address their criminal behaviour.

Although most prisoners are released with accommodation, it is often only short-term, and few have employment or other support in place.

The Inspector said in his report: "Substantial and sustained improvement is required as well as meaningful support from senior leaders in HMPPS if Woodhill is to function at an anywhere near acceptable standard."

Enhanced wing (Image: HM Prisons Inspectorate)

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The new governor, who had been in post for six months at the time of the inspection, was praised for taking more decisive action, but improvements have yet to result in better outcomes for prisoners.

Staff reported that the new leadership team was encouraging, with steps being taken to improve communication, build management capability, and stabilise the regime.

However, the report found that too many members of staff lacked either the confidence or ability to set clear boundaries, challenge poor behaviour or engage prisoners constructively.

too many staff lacked the confidence or competence to set clear boundaries, challenge poor behaviour, or engage prisoners constructively.”

Healthcare provision was identified as a relative strength, with prisoners reporting reasonable treatment on arrival and in the induction unit.