HMP Woodhill put into special measures for second time
Concerns have been raised about 'unchecked criminal behaviour'
Last updated 19th Mar 2026
HMP Woodhill, near Milton Keynes, has been placed under special measures for the second time in less than three years due to deteriorating conditions and increasing levels of violence.
Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor has issued an urgent notification to the facility, raising concerns about unchecked criminal behaviour and the potential risk to public safety.
The notification is the third issued in 18 months for a long-term high secure estate prison managing some of the most dangerous individuals in England and Wales.
Following an inspection earlier this year, it was found that conditions at Woodhill had worsened with a 23% increase in prisoner-on-prisoner violence and a 45% increase in assaults against staff since 2023.
Approximately one-third of the incidents involved weapons.
According to Mr Taylor, "Men are languishing in their cells and criminal behaviour is going unchecked by often inexperienced officers.
The dealing and use of drugs is rife and there are frightening levels of violence, including some very serious assaults on both prisoners and staff."
He expressed concern about the public risk posed by increasing numbers of men being released directly from prisons like Woodhill and Swaleside into the community without sufficient rehabilitation work.
Woodhill currently has the second highest assault rates of any category B training prison, only exceeded by Swaleside.
The Inspectorate of Prisons found that many prisoners reported feeling unsafe, with conditions worsened by drug access through drones and poor facility upkeep.
Inadequate education and training provisions were also highlighted, with little activity provided at Woodhill and poor attendance at Swaleside.
The Swaleside inspection revealed challenges amplified by staffing difficulties, leaving only three-quarters of its officers able to work.
According to the report, the constant fear of violence had a "corrosive effect" on prison life.
Many prisoners were deterred from accessing the gym or medical appointments due to safety concerns.
Pia Sinha of the Prison Reform Trust stated, "Violence, criminality, and the demand for drugs are symptoms of a system in crisis – where overcrowding, staff inexperience, and a lack of meaningful rehabilitative activities are perpetuating cycles of harm and reoffending."
A new and experienced governor has been appointed to Woodhill with intentions to stabilize the prison, though significant support from the prison service is deemed necessary for successful outcomes, Mr Taylor has suggested.