HMP Hewell has received positive feedback from a recent inspection.

THE Independent Monitoring Board at HMP Hewell, which is appointed by the Department of Justice to satisfy itself that the prisoners receive humane and just treatment and that they are adequately prepared for release, has produced its annual report for the Secretary of State.

HMP Hewell is a men’s prison for 1,431 prisoners and it contains three sections: Category B, local; Category C, training, and Category D, open.

A statement said: “The board considers that the governor has an open approach and her style of management not only identifies problems but ensures they are dealt with.

“The path of progression throughout the prison is encouraging, as is the continued consolidation of policies and protocols that have developed since the prison’s formation in June 2008. Issues raised by the board are always addressed.

“Progress is demonstrated by the increase in the variety of opportunities for prisoners involved within the Learning and Skills pathway - and the men’s achievements. These include the gaining of skill qualifications, educational awards and creative skills successes. In the latter, prisoners achieved a total of 13 Koestler awards.”

At the end of the reporting year, a two-week inspection of the prison was undertaken by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. The report from this will be published shortly, but verbal feedback was mainly very positive.