Report finds serious decline in standards at previously high-performing prison
Seven inmates died at HMP Parc in 2024
Last updated 23rd Apr 2025
HMP Parc, which inspectors had previously judged to be one of the most successful prisons in England and Wales, had suffered a serious decline in standards, according to findings from an inspection in January.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons says "a failure" to tackle an alarming ingress of drugs had led to a spate of tragic deaths at the prison. The report says Parc weathered two years of turbulence and intense public and political scrutiny which were further heightened by allegations about staff conduct, investigations and arrests.
Inspectors found that although overall rates of violence had reduced in the large category C jail over the past year, violence remained high, which prisoners attributed to frustration with a lack of consistency in the daily regime, boredom, long periods locked up, the widespread availability of drugs and not having enough to eat.
57% per cent of prisoners said it was easy to get illicit drugs, with availability far higher on the main A and B wings than in the rest of the jail; there depressingly, 34% of prisoners said they had developed a drug or alcohol problem since they had arrived at the jail. Levels of self-harm remained high and had increased by 58% since the last inspection.
Despite the concerns, the report states that in June 2024 the arrival of a new director had begun to stabilise the leadership team, and improve the recruitment, retention and morale of officers.
At the time of the unannounced inspection, there had been no drug-related or self-inflicted deaths since his arrival, but huge challenges remain.
Those include the fact that too many drugs were still getting into the prison and a failure to allocate prisoners to work, training or education meant many were stuck in their cells for up to 21 hours a day.
Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons said:
"The staff team, which was used to being proud of the place at which they worked, had been through a very difficult time, but there were signs that things were beginning to turn around. Partnership working between prison leaders and the new education provider had begun to improve, as had the regime and practical release planning arrangements.
"Inspectors left the jail with some assurance that Parc had begun to recover, morale was better, and pride was beginning to return. Practically, if G4S and the prison service are able to expedite the replacement of windows which are vulnerable to drone deliveries and to provide enhanced gate security, that will help to reduce supply of drugs.
"If the current director remains in place and he receives the support he needs from the provider and the prison service, then there can be optimism that the early signs of improvement at this important prison can begin to be consolidated and sustained."
A spokesperson for HMP Parc said:
"The first six months of 2024 were extremely difficult and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the men that passed away. Since then, considerable work has been carried out to make significant improvements at the prison.
"We are encouraged that HMIP recognises that we are making solid progress and noted positive developments in tackling violence, self-harm rates and use of force.
"We are determined to ensure the men in our care are safe, supported and can feel optimistic about their futures, and we are working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan to once again deliver excellent services at HMP Parc. Our plan includes all of HMIP’s recommendations."