Magilligan inspection bucked critical appraisal

A RECENT inspection of HMP Magilligan found it a healthy jail by comparison to other UK facilities and bucked an otherwise critical appraisal of the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) by the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.

The findings of an in-depth inspection of corporate governance arrangements within the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) published yesterday (Tuesday, December 14) examined the management arrangements, processes, policies and working practices in place within the NIPS, and the challenges the organisation faces in delivering a modern, efficient and effective prison service.

"Since the Inspectorate was established in 2004, it has carried out a range of inspections across the prison estate and with the notable exception of the 2010 inspection of Magilligan Prison, each report has shown that deep seated problems exist," said Chief Inspector Dr Michael Maguire.

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"This is despite the efforts of management and levels of staffing two and a half times greater than comparable prisons in England and Wales," he said.

The Magilligan inspection in September 2010, however, found the jail was performing reasonably well against the healthy prison tests for safety, respect, purposeful activity and resettlement.

On these grounds Magilligan compared favourably in comparison with other UK prisons.

But Dr Maguire said work was needed to address weak management processes in the rest of the prison estate.

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"This means dealing with weak management processes and the current industrial relations climate. It will involve addressing issues of leadership and accountability.

"It will require the development of a more progressive culture and working practices which will not be easy, but are necessary steps that must be taken to move the service forward," said Dr Maguire.