HMP Wandsworth Remains ‘Unfit for Purpose’ Despite Improvements, Report Says

A recent inspection has found that HMP Wandsworth, a scandal-hit prison in south-west London, has made some progress but still faces serious problems.

The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) reported that while conditions have improved since last year’s “catastrophic” inspection, the Victorian-era Category B men’s prison remains “inhumane and unfit for purpose.” Built in 1851, the facility continues to suffer from severe staff shortages, with fewer than 85 officers often managing nearly 1,500 inmates — many of whom spend up to 22 hours a day locked in cramped cells.

The IMB described staff absence levels as “unacceptable,” adding that inadequate training has left officers ill-equipped to handle the complex demands of the prison. The shortage of personnel has limited prisoners’ access to showers, exercise, education, and healthcare.

The report also criticised the deteriorating infrastructure, with broken windows, poor ventilation, and hot water pipes running through cells, making conditions freezing in winter and unbearably hot in summer. Over 90% of prisoners are still forced to share cells designed for single occupancy, while vermin and mould remain widespread.

Despite these harsh conditions, inspectors acknowledged some progress — including a decline in violence and self-harm. There were four deaths in custody compared to ten the previous year, and both prisoner-on-staff and prisoner-on-prisoner assaults have fallen for the first time since 2017.

The new healthcare facility, the Nightingale Unit, finally opened in May after a three-year delay. Most clinics now operate there, though dental services remain in the old area due to space issues. However, the new unit still lacks patient accommodation, forcing inpatients to remain in “wholly inadequate” mental health wings.

Following a £100 million government investment to overhaul the prison, security measures have also improved significantly since the 2023 escape of Daniel Khalife. A subsequent audit found 81 security failings, which were reduced to just four by May 2025 — all of which were quickly resolved.

The IMB credited “positive new leadership” for the gradual recovery but warned that staffing and morale remain critical obstacles. “One-third of staff are absent on any given day, making it extremely difficult to deliver a safe and consistent regime,” the board said.

A Prison Service spokesperson responded: “We welcome the IMB’s recognition of the progress being made at HMP Wandsworth. However, we recognise that further improvements are needed, which is why staffing has been increased and up to £300 million is being invested to improve conditions and strengthen prison safety.”