26 March 2004
Managers have been praised for their role in turning around one of London's most notorious prisons and helping to overcome falling standards.
Two years ago, the prison inspectorate concluded that improvement at Wormwood Scrubs in west London 'had stalled or was sliding backwards on all key indicators'. But the latest inspection report, published on March 23, found that the prison had improved markedly, particularly the relationship between staff and prisoners.
The report noted that fundamental changes, such as the creation of a dedicated detoxification unit, were beginning to be implemented and senior managers were singled out for the active approach they had brought to the management of staff and wings.
Chief prisons inspector Anne Owers said these management efforts needed to continue in order to address overcrowding pressures.
'There is still much to do, in a difficult and stressful environment. Nevertheless, what has been achieved and is now bedded in, is a tribute to the efforts of managers and staff,' she said.
But the report also highlighted areas of significant weakness at the prison, chiefly the lack of purposeful activity available to prisoners.
Inspectors found rates of exercise and time out of cells were less than in 2001 and below the national average. Only 36% of inmates were engaged in education or work off the wings and vocational training was poorly managed.
PFmar2004
