Report on HM Prison Noranside

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland 1998

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 A formal inspection of HM Prison Noranside was carried out during the period 29 September - 1 October 1998, the previous one having taken place in Spring 1994.

1.2 That report had concluded with a number of recommendations including the need for a review of local staff training and the introduction of a formal procedure which regularly reviewed the regime provision at all open prison establishments. These issues had since been addressed.

1.3 On this latest occasion, we were impressed by the way the regime had continued to progress. A clear sense of purpose was evident and all prisoners were being fully occupied with meaningful work either in the prison estate or at outplacements in the community. The way in which Management had developed a commercially enterprising approach to the prison’s activities was particularly admirable.

1.4 We were satisfied that the establishment continued to provide a range of opportunities which were vital to the progress of prisoners towards release. Nevertheless, the flow of prisoners from closed establishments had been irregular, leading to some under capacity whereas in our opinion, far more prisoners should be able to benefit from its excellent facilities.

1.5 A number of recommendations to assist future development of this excellent facility are made throughout the report. These include:-

(a) The need for some modest upgrading to the estate;

(b) Additional nursing hours; and

(c) A more focused drug misuse strategy.