Magilligan praised as one of the best UK prisons in inspection report
Magilligan Prison has been described as one of the best prisons in the UK in an inspection report that praised its "excellent" staff-prisoner relationships.
An inspection report on the prison from an unanounced visit between 9-25 September 25 found that all four ‘healthy prison’ tests were asessed as good.
The inspection was carried out by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI), and inspectors from three other organisations.
Their report said: “Overall, the Inspection Team was impressed with the Governor’s leadership and how he had driven improvements across the prison. Inspectors saw evidence of excellent staff-prisoner relationships which underpinned much of the good work being done across the prison.
"Levels of violence and use of force was lower than in similar prisons in England and Wales and the amount of time prisoners could spend out of their cells was among the best Inspectors had seen in recent years.
"A total of 19 examples of notable positive practice were found, which other prisons could learn from. They included communication between dads in prison and their children; programmes, services and spaces developed to support the wellbeing of prisoners; the work and support of the Prisoner Safety and Support Team and the services provided by a Learning Disability Nurse and Speech and Language Therapist; a clear pathway for people to progress through the prison; and a good range of enrichment activities and work being done to help address trauma, get employment on release and programmes to take part in to improve self-esteem and personal responsibility.
The report added that there was room for improvement in some areas.
Inspectors highlighted eleven concerns, four of which needed immediate action.
"These were the supply and misuse of drugs, particularly of medication not prescribed to prisoner who was taking it was the biggest threat to the safety and stability of the prison; many of the buildings were old, worn and in need of replacement; it was taking too long for prisoners to access substance misuse and addiction services with many resorting to illegitimate drug use to manage their addictions; and the need for an overarching employability strategy.”
The Governor and his team at the Northern Ireland Prison Service and their South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and North West Regional College partners at Magilligan were recognised for their work for creating a positive and rehabilitative environment for the people in their care.
East Londonderry DUP MLA Maurice Bradley welcomed the findings of the report saying: “ "I particularly welcome the clear acknowledgement of the positive environment created by the Governor, prison staff and partner organisations.
"The focus on rehabilitation, education and constructive activity is vital in helping individuals turn their lives around.
"The partnerships with health and education providers are especially encouraging. Effective support for addiction issues, skills development and learning opportunities are key to reducing reoffending and ensuring that those leaving custody have a better chance of making a positive contribution to society."
Recogising the important role of the prison to the justice system and the local area as an employer, Mr Bradley said that it was important to address the concerns raised in the inspectors’ report.
"Issues such as drug misuse, estate conditions, and the need for a more robust employability strategy must be taken forward."