HMP Birmingham 'turning a corner' after being taken over by government, inspectors say

HMP Birmingham Credit: PA

  • In August it was announced that Her Majesty's Prison & Probation Service was taking over the running of HMP Birmingham from G4S.

  • Previous inspections had found staff asleep or locked in offices and “appalling” squalor and violence.

  • Now independent inspectors say there are early signs of improvement.

HMP Birmingham, regarded by many as one of the most violent and challenging prisons in the country, is 'turning a corner' according to the prisons' watchdog, the Independent Monitoring Board.

It was taken over by Her Majesty's Prison & Probation Service from G4S in August, after ministers concluded 'drastic action' was needed to address failings at the jail.

The government appointed their own experienced governor to manage the prison.

READ: Government takes over 'appalling' HMP Birmingham

READ: Everything you need to know about the emergency takeover of HMP Birmingham

Previous inspections had found:

  • Staff were found asleep or locked in offices.

  • Levels of violence were the highest for any local jail in the country including serious assaults that left prisoners and staff requiring hospital treatment.

  • Substance use was prevalent - the inspector said he felt “physically affected” by drugs in the atmosphere.

  • The jail was dirty - there were widespread problems with cockroaches and vermin, and blood and vomit was left uncleaned.

  • Relationships with inmates had deteriorated and there was a “general lack of order” on some wings.

Inspectors believe improvements are slowly being made, thanks to the reduction in prison population and additional staff.

The challenge is to maintain the improvements. IMB Chair, said: