Jersey Independent Prison Monitoring Board: Annual Report for 2022.

Jersey Independent Prison Monitoring Board (IPMB) Annual Report 2022

Contents

1. Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Prisoner Applications to the IPMB ................................................................................................................. 3
3. Transfers ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
4. Monitoring Visits by the IPMB ....................................................................................................................... 5
5. Young Offenders ............................................................................................................................................ 7
6. Mental Health ................................................................................................................................................ 8
7. Education, Training and Employment ............................................................................................................ 9
8. Safety, Security and CCU .............................................................................................................................. 10
9. Infrastructure ............................................................................................................................................... 11
10. Additional Activities ................................................................................................................................. 13
11. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................. 13

1. Executive Summary

1. This is the sixth Annual Report to the  States of Jersey of the Independent Prison Monitoring Board (IPMB or the Board) since its establishment in 2017. Our enabling Regulations and previous Annual Reports provide context to the IPMB's function at La Moye prison, and they are available at:

https://www.jerseylaw.je/laws/current/Pages/23.775.15.aspx /assemblyreports/2018/r.72-2018.pdf /assemblyreports/2019/r.40-2019.pdf /assemblyreports/2020/r.82-2020.pdf /assemblyreports/2021/r.46-2021.pdf /assemblyreports/2022/r.42-2022.pdf

2. Since 2017, when we familiarised ourselves with the prison and developed our methods of operation, we have navigated several changes including in 2022 the appointment of a new Minister of Home Affairs Helen Miles . We have continued to work with Governor Susie Richardson in her first full year at La Moye, and welcome the permanent appointment of Artur Soliwoda as Deputy Governor. Kate Briden has also been confirmed as permanent in the role of Chief Officer of Home Affairs.
3. The IPMB's composition changed materially during 2022: one member resigned early in the year due to feeling conflicted and three of our 2021 intake left in the summer for reasons of relocation and work demands. Three more-established members left late in the year, one who had completed a full term, and two who had changes of work situations as a result of the pandemic. Four new recruits took up the reins: one in July and three in November. At the end of 2022 we consisted of eight members. Only two of us are retired; we value highly the range of skills and experience that people in the active workplace contribute, but it does mean that members tend to have additional work pressures.
4. COVID-19 continued to feature in the life of La Moye, but it did not hamper our effectiveness, as it had in the previous two years. We carried out 32 Monitoring Visits and dealt with 38 prisoner applications, some of which included multiple submissions from the applicant.
5. While physical conditions at La Moye remain clean, functional and well-maintained, we were concerned throughout the year (as in 2020 and 2021) with the reduction in the daily regimes resulting in prisoners having less meaningful out-of-cell activity. This situation has been perpetuated not so much by COVID-19, but by staff shortages. The prison management and staff have risen to the challenge as best they can, and we have seen two batches of new prison officers in 2022. An increase in out of cell activity was apparent, but it remains an area to watch; it is not yet at the level targeted by prison management.
6. The security situation at La Moye has again been strong with few serious or dangerous incidents. However mental health is constantly at the fore, as in any prison, with the general statistics showing that mental health issues affect at least half of all prisoners.

7. We performed our first thematic review in 2022 which focused on young offenders. This was already underway when by coincidence, a child was placed in custody at La Moye. Conclusions of our review, and also our monitoring in respect of the child are noted in Section 5 below. It is our intention to continue with thematic reviews; in 2023 we will focus on Education.
8. La Moye prison is generally well managed. Both uniformed and civilian staff are to be admired for their continuous efforts in trying circumstances. In addition to the pressures of any workplace, and staff shortages, many of the people they are dealing with are experiencing mental health issues ranging from anxiety about legal cases, families and money to serious conditions requiring specialised treatment, while also adjusting to their loss of liberty.

2. Prisoner Applications to the IPMB

1. Responding to individual applications from prisoners is a core function of the IPMB. Information on our role and means of access are advertised on wing noticeboards, the computer system that prisoners access in their cells and at Reception (on screen). The relevant information is provided in several languages.
2. The collection and scanning of application forms is undertaken on a weekly basis by our administrator. Applications are then assessed by the IPMB and, in the majority of cases, a visit will be undertaken to see the prisoner who has made the application. Normally two Board members will meet the prisoner and the meeting is undertaken without staff being present.
3. At the meeting with the prisoner the Board members will attempt to ascertain the background to the application, what the applicant's expectations might be and what our proposed course of action is likely to be. There are areas where we cannot get involved (such as matters that are part of the judicial process) but we will investigate most other matters raised. Quite often the outcome will be centred on communication between the prison and the applicant, and whether there has been proper process and procedure.
4. We received a total of 38 applications in 2022, compared to 51 in 2021 and 39 in 2020. This year all the applications were from male prisoners which is reflective of the prison population being overwhelmingly male. Some prisoners have applied to the Board on multiple occasions.
5. The tables below show the broad categories of reasons for applications in 2022 and the spread throughout the year. From a total of 38 applications, five prisoners submitted more than one. The total number of prisoners submitting applications to the IPMB in 2022 was 26. The highest number of applications made by one prisoner was six (in this case each application' was a batch of several submissions). Two others put in three applications each.

6. Alleged  unfair  treatment  by staff  was  the  most  common  reason  for  applications submitted in 2022. These include generalised complaints such as lack of progress with routine internal prison applications. Where such complaints made allegations against named  personnel  the  Board  followed-up  to  ensure  that  we  were  satisfied  that appropriate processes were followed and that there is no underlying issue. Complaints of this nature are to be expected in what can be a confrontational working environment, but staff shortages, new and less experienced staff and staff under pressure, will have contributed to this.
7. The second most common reason, with five applications, was health. This does not necessarily mean that the health care system is failing, but is largely a reflection of multiple applications by the same prisoners.
8. The next most common reason for submitting applications involved dissatisfaction with Conditional Early Release (CER) and Multi Agency Risk Assessment and Management Meeting (MARAMM) applications. While these processes are outside of the IPMB's brief, we do seek to ensure that satisfactory communication and explanation has been provided. The outcome may be a visit to the prisoner from the Deputy Governor to ensure that the process and the background is clearly explained and understood.
9. We continue to see disputes with the Incentive Earned Privileges (IEP) process which governs whether a prisoner has basic, standard or enhanced status, so affecting their privileges. Prisoners also occasionally disagreed with decisions made in the adjudication process following incidents involving misbehaviour. Having investigated each complaint

we have no concerns that this process is being anything other than correctly and fairly implemented.

10. Three applications concerned access to work or education.
11. Issues with transfers were the reason for only one application in 2022. The level of applications regarding transfers has diminished from prior years which suggests that information flow between applicants and the prison has improved. However, we are aware that restrictions in the UK accepting transferred prisoners have caused some delays and resulting in angst for prisoners. See Section 3 below.
12. We are not always able to obtain the result the prisoner would like. However, we endeavour to make sure prisoners are aware that every application is investigated and considered by the IPMB and that, even if a prisoner is unhappy with an outcome, they can at least understand the rationale for it.
13. Within a prison there are many constraints that have to be considered and things that may seem perfectly reasonable outside of the prison environment would cause or have the potential to cause major problems within it.

3. Transfers

1. In our 2021 Annual Report we set out the circumstances in which prisoners were moved from Jersey to other jurisdictions, or occasionally from the UK to Jersey. We explained the complexities and limitations of such movements, for example in connection with security as Jersey officers do not have a legal right to use force in other jurisdictions.
2. The post-COVID-19 arrangement with His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), is that prisoners are taken directly to their final prison, rather than going through a triage system via HMP Winchester continued in 2022. It should be remembered that prisoners are not entitled to go to another prison, and HMPPS rations the number to one per month. The management at La Moye tries to transfer people in order of their application being made. However, HMPPS has some flexibility to allow for the prioritisation of particular prisoners where a suitable place arises, for example for a young offender.
3. During 2022 there were eleven normal transfers to prisons in England, one to Northern Ireland, four to mental health institutions and one to a hospital in England for specialised medical treatment. There were no deportations or other movements outside the United Kingdom.
4. At the end of 2022 there were 18 people on the waiting list for transfers. Their applications having been made from June 2022 onwards.

4. Monitoring Visits by the IPMB

1. The IPMB undertakes regular Monitoring Visits, which are made jointly by at least two members. The purpose is to form a view on the treatment and welfare of prisoners and to assess the conditions of the buildings and grounds. We consider La Moye to have a satisfactory state of repair, cleanliness and general tidiness, contributing to making the prison a safe and secure environment for the prisoners as well as for the staff.

2. Monitoring Visits provide the opportunity (often engineered by ourselves) for us to interact with prisoners and staff to solicit their opinions and gauge the general atmosphere prevailing within the prison at any given time.
3. Visits are shared amongst IPMB members and we try to spread the visits as uniformly over the year as possible by utilising a rota. This allows us to select times and locations for the visits that will be most productive.
4. During 2022 we undertook 32 visits (often to multiple locations). The following areas were visited or topics explored, with the number of times indicated:

• J Wing (vulnerable male prisoners) [10]

• L Wing (enhanced male prisoners) [7]

• H Wing (female prisoners) [5]

• K Wing (male prisoners) [5]

• Kitchens [4]

• Administration Buildings including the New Reception [2]

• Control Room [2]

• E Wing (J Wing shielding) [2]

• Horticultural Compound [2]

• Market Place (outside agencies visit to prepare prisoners for release) [2]

• Medical Centre [2]

• Art Room [1]

• Care and Control Unit (CCU) [1][1]

• Chapel [1]

• Gym [1]

• H1 (overspill from J Wing) [1]

• Reception areas [1]

• Visitor Centre [1]

5. In addition to the above, IPMB members attended a Joint Wing Council meeting on two occasions in 2022. The Joint Wing Council is a forum where elected representatives of all wings can discuss topical common issues with prison management.
6. During and after a visit we discuss with our escort, or other staff, any issues that we have noted and sometimes contact the Governor for explanations or clarifications.
7. IPMB members who made the visit write up a short report recording the area(s) seen, prisoners spoken to, and any issues arising as well as noting actions that need to be followed up. All our visit reports and associated documentation are saved on the secure Egress system in a section where only our Board members have access.
8. Monitoring Visits remain one of our prime tools for engaging with staff and prisoners and allow us to assess confidently the morale of staff and the satisfaction of the prisoners as to how they are being treated and managed. This is important as it enables us to have a 'feel' for how the prison is performing through this interaction which is more important in many respects than statistics and collated numbers.
9. We find in general that prisoners are more than willing to engage in open and honest conversation with us, which is extremely valuable to our overall assessments of how La Moye is performing, but making that contact occur between ourselves and the prisoners and staff requires effort on our behalf.  

5. Young Offenders

1. In 2022 the IPMB decided to complement its monitoring activities with the introduction of thematic monitoring. As a Board, we agreed that our first thematic monitoring would focus on young offenders (YOs) at the prison. There are typically five to ten YOs at La Moye.
2. Recognising that YOs can be considered a special and/or vulnerable group due to their age, the IPMB wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the approach and arrangements in place for YOs and provide assurance in relation to their treatment and welfare.
3. YOs are defined in the Criminal Justice (Young Offenders) (Jersey) Law 2014 as people aged between 18 and 20 years (up to 21st birthday). YOs serve a term of youth detention' rather than a term of imprisonment. As the number of YOs is typically low, there is no separate YO wing. YOs are accommodated and mix with the adult population. This is different to the UK where YOs are placed in designated Young Offenders Institutes (YOIs).
4. The review found that there are certain safeguarding arrangements in place at the prison:

• YOs are not subject to a full body search on entering or leaving the prison.

• Their cells are designated as YOIs' with signage to that effect. This means that adult prisoners cannot enter the cell. However, a YO can enter the cell of an adult prisoner.

• Time limitations are in place for certain punishments.

5. Other than these safeguarding arrangements, YOs are treated in the same way as adult prisoners. This includes being subject to the same IEP scheme and timeline as adult prisoners i.e. starting on K wing (for at least 12 weeks) and progressing to L wing based on behaviour.
6. As YOs typically receive shorter sentences than adult prisoners, time is limited to realistically achieve much in terms of reducing reoffending and reintegration strategies.
7. The IPMB did not note any matters of concern regarding the treatment or welfare of YOs. However, we made several recommendations following the review, including:

• To consider including a specific age-appropriate YO section in the Induction Booklet to help them settle in the prison.

• To consider creating a peer group forum for YOs as currently they are accommodated across different wings and do not mix (acknowledging that this is subject to potential sensitivities/conflicts).

• To increase educational provision for YOs, and to ensure that they are assessed properly and receive targeted educational provision, particularly in functional skills such as English and Maths.

• To consider a tailored reducing reoffending and reintegration plan for YOs taking into account the length of their sentence to allow meaningful progress to be made.

8. At the time of the review, the Educational Manager role was vacant. The role was filled in September 2022 and the expectation is that provision will improve for prisoners.
9. The IPMB's report was shared with the Prison Governor who welcomed the concept of thematic monitoring. She advised that she would consider the recommendations carefully (although is not duty bound to accept them) as part of a commitment to continuous improvement in the prison. Subsequently, the Governor informed IPMB that four managers would attend a conference in the UK in November 2022 regarding the research and evidence about meeting the needs of young adults in custody.
10. During 2023, the IPMB will continue to check in with YOs in the prison during Monitoring Visits. In particular, the IPMB will closely follow developments to improve educational opportunities for YOs and other targeted initiatives.

Child placed at La Moye

11. In March 2022, IPMB members were informed by the Governor that the Placement Panel had made a decision to move a child from Greenfields to La Moye. The Board followed this case closely by attendance at meetings concerning the child, meeting with the child and Prison Officers involved in their care, meeting with the Children's Commissioner and seeking regular updates from prison management.
12. The IPMB noted that there were several outside agencies/professionals responsible for different aspects relating to the welfare of the child. The prison's role was to provide secure and safe custody in a Young Offenders Institute setting. Unlike YOs aged 18 to 20 years, the child was not accommodated on an adult wing. Instead being held in a wing on their own. We observed that prison management and staff were motivated to give structure, boundaries and opportunities and build rapport and trust with the child. They demonstrated flexibility by providing dedicated resources and accommodation, a bespoke regime and purposeful activities considering the age and abilities of the child.
13. Prison management were open and transparent with the IPMB throughout the relevant period in 2022, sharing information and updates and providing access to the child and relevant staff as requested. Noting that this was the first instance of the prison holding a child in custody, it is the IPMB's opinion that the prison responded in a caring and professional manner to a difficult and sensitive situation, operating from the outset with the safety and welfare of the child in mind.

6. Mental Health

1. We are aware that the instance of mental health issues affecting prisoners in general is high and significantly higher than in the community. There are varying general statistics available, one being that at least half of prisoners experience levels of anxiety and/or mild to moderate depression and up to 10% live with more severe conditions, such as severe depression and schizophrenia. Also, if prisoners living with personality disorders or mental health issues related to drug dependence are included, then 70-80% of prisoners suffer from some kind of mental health problem. We are also aware that in general a high proportion of prisoners have a dual diagnosis where there is a mental health condition plus drug/alcohol dependency which makes rehabilitation more complex.

2. During our monitoring activities at La Moye in 2022 we interacted with prisoners with a wide range of conditions adversely affecting their mental wellbeing. These included anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD and autism. In addition, prison management brought to our attention several self-harm incidents, including an attempted suicide.
3. Feedback from prisoners at La Moye suggests that there are not sufficient specialist resources to treat prisoners on a timely basis or the skillset amongst officers and civilian staff to understand the various conditions and the resulting behaviours and difficulties faced by the prisoner. We have met with prisoners who have experienced delays in accessing treatment following a referral or who have not been offered treatment, other than medication (e.g. for depression). Conversely, anecdotal feedback to IPMB from healthcare professionals involved with the prison suggests that the provision and resources at Le Moye is better than at other prisons. That is not to say that it is sufficient. We are told that a significant proportion of the Healthcare team's time is focused on mental health issues.
4. The IPMB is concerned that significant staff attrition in the Healthcare team in early 2023 may adversely affect prisoners' welfare due to loss of knowledge of individual cases. On a positive note, in 2022 several prisoners with severe conditions were transferred to specialist mental health facilities in the UK for treatment and we acknowledge the efforts of prison management to achieve this.
5. In our 2021 report, we noted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of prisoners. In 2022, COVID-19 restrictions were significantly less at La Moye than the previous two years. However, the regime was nonetheless negatively impacted by staff shortages (both officer and civilian roles), meaning increased time in cells and less time engaged in association, education and purposeful activities. This inevitably has an impact on all prisoners' well-being and especially those with mental health conditions.
6. The IPMB has received consistently positive feedback on the Listener' peer-to-peer scheme at La Moye. Under this scheme certain prisoners trained by the Samaritans listen to prisoners in need of someone to talk to. This is a 24/7 service delivered by a small number of Listeners (currently six). The IPMB commend the Listeners for performing an invaluable, sensitive service in difficult circumstances in support of prisoners' wellbeing.
7. The IPMB is encouraged by the progressive approach of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and senior management to modernise the culture and practices at the prison to improve the lived experience and rehabilitation of the prisoners during their time at La Moye and to improve their prospects when released back into the community. As part of this evolution, we hope that in 2023 La Moye will have increased access to adequate and appropriate mental health resources and staff training to improve help for prisoners during their sentence and to increase the likelihood of prisoners leaving prison with better mental wellbeing to cope with life after release.

7. Education, Training and Employment

1. Education, training and employment is often bundled into the concept of "purposeful activity". In December there were three vacancies for Vocational Training Instructors (VTIs) and one for a teacher. A shortage of officers who are not VTIs has also impacted time out of cell activities because the daily regimes, which involve prisoner movements and supervision, have had to be restricted at times. Parental leave, in particular paternity leave which came into effect early in 2022, and further outbreaks of COVID- 19 have also contributed to staff shortages. Purposeful activity and other time out of cell is important and there is a constant need to increase it. During 2022 the average time prisoners spent out of cell was five and a half hours per day (this includes gym and association). Prison management would like to aim for ten hours, but staff shortages have limited their ability to achieve this.

2. Formal education takes various forms, from basic skills in literacy and numeracy to Open University courses. Such activities continued in 2022 but the post of Education Manager was vacant for most of the year, with an appointment being made in September. The formal education of the under-18 child referred to in Section 5, was undertaken by Greenfields personnel but could only be done on-line which was not entirely satisfactory.
3. In the horticultural compound the VTIs stopped teaching for Scott ish Qualification Authority certificates because in Jersey they were only used by the prison and a holder could potentially be identified as an ex-prisoner. Instead, they are using a Highlands course with City and Guilds certification. Gardening work was made more widely available, with more going on in the women's area and the compound being opened up, on different days, to all wings; previously it had been only used by one wing. Prisoners won prizes in the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural shows.
4. Informal education is taking place constantly enabling prisoners to learn basic skills such as methodology and co-operation. For example a VTI, in conversation with an assiduous prisoner and an IPMB member, said "you can get all the certificates and degrees in the world but if you do not get out of bed they are worthless". A new VTI carpenter was appointed mid-year which meant that more could be done in woodwork with electric machinery. Benches were made or renovated in summer, reindeers for Christmas, and one imaginative person made elaborate Scrabble/Chess boards.
5. Innovations included yoga classes and the women's wing began knitting. Art classes developed, with the return from maternity leave of the pre-2021 teacher, while the person who had filled in stayed on in a slightly different, art-based role. However, the kiln for firing pottery has not been used for two years, which is a matter for concern as there have been some good, enthusiastic potters and for anyone, getting hands into clay is therapeutic.
6. With a new education manager and increased attention being given to rehabilitation, we hope to see further improvements. The IPMB plans to do a specific review on education in 2023.

8. Safety, Security and CCU

1. The population of La Moye peaked in April 2022 at 157 (due to delays in returning prisoners to the UK following COVID-19) but then reduced for the rest of the year with October having only 134 prisoners. This range is similar to previous years, but there were more women than in recent years, averaging 13 during the year. The mixed demographics, with young and old, women and men, and several security categories, inevitably continues to make it a prison which is complex to manage. An example is the difficulty in organising Group Therapy, because it is difficult to have the right number of willing people with the same sort of problem at the same time.

2. Drug testing takes place regularly on both random and intelligence-led bases. 2022 saw an increase in positive results, mainly due to the passing of drugs during visits from family and friends. Of 430 tests, 27 were positive, or 4.8% compared to 3% in 2021 and 2.5% in 2020. It is still a low rate compared to prisons in England.
3. 25 assaults were recorded and adjudicated upon in 2022, five assaults were on staff and 19 were prisoner-on-prisoner (with one dismissed on adjudication). An average of four people a month were being monitored by Risk and Concern Assessments (RCAs), which is very similar to in 2020 and 2021. In addition, an average of three people a month were under special Health Care observation. Despite RCAs, self-harm incidents continue to occur, with 67 recorded in 2022 involving 33 different prisoners.
4. The Care and Control Unit (CCU) is used to provide an isolated but carefully managed regime to control prisoners whose behaviour presents risks to themselves or others. This does not necessarily suggest violence, for example someone might make a lot of noise at night disturbing the sleep of others, conversely an occasional prisoner may be unable to tolerate noise themselves. A short period in CCU can help to ameliorate mental health issues in such cases. CCU is used only when essential and proportionate. The  CCU  is  also  used when  a  person  is  suspected  of  having  swallowed  an  illegal substance, as there is a cell with a special toilet so that the substance cannot be flushed away, but rather are safely recovered before re-integrating the individual into the wider prison population.
5. In 2022 268 person-days were spent in the CCU, considerably fewer than the 433 in 2021 but involving a similar number of people. Altogether 22 people spent time in CCU, but the bulk of the time there involved three people with mental health conditions, two of whom were ultimately sent to institutions in England. One had spent 59 days in the CCU before going in September and the other spent 91 days there before going away in November. A third person was in the CCU on nine occasions, spending a total of 67 days there. These figures are similar to those in 2021.
6. There were no deaths, attempted escapes or riots in 2022.

9. Infrastructure

1. 2022 was book-ended by two events concerning infrastructure. In January a major fire rendered the kitchen out of action and in December the new administration building was commissioned.

KITCHEN FIRE

2. Caused by self-combusting' tea towels, a fire broke out in the kitchen on the evening of Friday 21 January 2022. Off-duty officers were called in and they rescued food in refrigerators and freezers by moving it to the chillers/freezers in the store area. Where possible they took out the most valuable items, but amongst other things had to sacrifice hundreds of doughnuts!

3. The damage was extensive, caused by fire, heat and smoke. Consequently no prisoners were allowed in and afterwards staff only went in with special masks and protective kit. There was also damage on the floor above which houses offices, laundry, and classrooms, and it needed complete refurbishment. Kitchen workers were deployed in several ways such as painting a temporary kitchen, cleaning rescued equipment and assembling sandwiches and salads. At the time it was hoped that a newly fitted kitchen would be functional in 6-9 months, but this proved impossible due to insurance delays.
4. A temporary kitchen was set up in an old building, and an oven from the burnt kitchen was installed in order to heat up meals supplied by the hospital caterers at St Peter. A tray which serves seven people in hospital serves three people at La Moye. This expensive solution was eventually made obsolete by the development of the temporary kitchen to the extent that all meals were provided at La Moye. The prisoners were understanding about this, and we did not have increased complaints about food; the compound, having focussed on salads in spring of 2022, later provided vegetables for cooking. At the end of 2022 the new kitchen was still not in sight, and the hope is that it will be functional in mid-2023.

LEN NORMAN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

5. For over two years construction work went on beside the old administration building, with first the inner car park and later the outer one being absorbed by the building site. In December staff moved into the new block which was formally opened on 1 February 2023 and named the Len Norman building, in recognition of the long public service of the late Home Affairs Minister.
6. It is a triangular shape designed to join the Visitor Centre, the Control Room building and the prison itself. The ground floor accommodates entry and exit of vehicles, staff and all visitors. The first floor houses general offices and a gym. The top floor has offices for senior management and a board room. The building it replaces was over 40 years old and the  Len Norman building enhances security and staff efficiency. Notable features include:

• The vehicle entrance is sufficiently large to accommodate the longest vehicle likely to be in Jersey. Previously long vehicles could not fit between the two sets of gates, requiring extra officers to supervise.

• The gates are of folding design, so they can open and shut in 14 seconds, (compared to two minutes).

• Security cameras allowing vehicles to be inspected from above and below.

• The reception office is large with windows on the vehicle and pedestrian sides. It has a loo and a kitchen, a great advance as staff used to need cover to leave the office.

• A card reader records the entry and exit of staff (and other regular visitors such as the IPMB) and a finger print system allows them in and out. A similar system gives officers access to their personal equipment, including radio which is charged in their locker. This cuts out the need for an officer in reception to check staff and keys in and out and charge radios. All keys have a blocking device which will prevent anyone leaving with keys.

7. It is a building worth waiting for and should serve La Moye well for many years.

10. Additional Activities

1. In addition to the core activities of Monitoring Visits and responding to applications, IPMB members also took part in a wider range of activities, all of which contribute to the fulfilment of their statutory responsibilities.
2. As in previous years, when recruiting new IPMB members we held "drop-in" sessions so that people who are interested in the role can have an informal chat before deciding to apply, with IPMB members attending in shifts to talk to potential candidates. We held these at the Library, and thank their management for allowing this. We did this in June, before proceeding to the application and interview stages.
3. One member visited the prison on the Isle of Man, noting the similarity of issues: mental health and provision of education. Visiting other prisons enables us to compare notes on access to information, relationship with management and scope of function.
4. In March and November we met with new prison officer recruits to discuss and explain the role of the IPMB. Some of us saw new recruits doing a fundraising activity in town and attended the passing out parade for new recruits in April.
5. One IPMB member attended the church service to mark the end of Prisons Week in October. We were also able to be present at the workshop on restorative justice, hosted at the prison, with a wide range of stakeholders present.
6. We held a private session with Dr Earley in July, which enabled us to deepen our understanding of medical provision in prisons generally, and in particular the issues often faced in prisons in relation to mental health.
7. The Chair and Deputy Chair of the IPMB met with representatives of the Children's Commissioner regarding the case of a child in custody at La Moye. Further, the Chair and Deputy Chair met throughout the year with Kate Briden, Chief Officer JHA, and also upon appointment, with the new Minister and Assistant Minister.
8. Due to COVID-19 all activities were reduced and we were particularly sorry that no "Inside Out" exhibition was held in 2022. This was due to both COVID-19 and the absence of an art teacher for the first eight months of the year. We are delighted that the exhibition is planned to take place again in 2023.
9. The Board also facilitated tours of the prison to introduce new Board members to the facilities and to give them a broad understanding of the layout and function of the prison.

11. Acknowledgements

1. We  are  grateful  to  all  members  of  the  IPMB  for  their  many  contributions,  their enthusiasm and thoughtful dealings with people sentenced to prison in La Moye. Members of the Board at the end of 2022 were:

Andrea John, Chair  Thomas De Prey Norma O'Sullivan, Deputy Chair  Grant Rogerson Vivien Vibert  Nicky Longmuir Peter Bisson  Niamh McDermott

2. The newest recruits joined late in the year and have quickly found their feet. We were glad of their arrival and appreciate their willingness to take on this role. It has continued to be our practice to ask all members to participate with this Annual Report; more long- standing members have drafted sections and all have agreed to the final version.
3. This is my first year as Chair, and I am grateful for the efforts of all members, most especially the significant contribution made by Norma, the Deputy Chair, who has worked alongside me in leading the IPMB. A number of members left during 2022, either as a result of terms expiring or changes in personal circumstances  - to all departing members, thank you for your contributions to the work of the IPMB.
4. We continue to adapt roles and responsibilities to allow members to give of their best, in the ways that they are able. A number of our members had to step back during the last two years - either temporarily or permanently, or in one case, contributing to the work of the IPMB in a different way, to accommodate personal medical circumstances; I am very grateful for this continued dedication to the IPMB.
5. Our administrative support was maintained and we were pleased to have had Sarah Elvidge  as a  consistent and  reliable  administrator,  a  role  that has  now passed to successors.
6. Last, but far from least, Governor Susie Richardson and Deputy Governor Artur Soliwoda have been helpful and supportive. We continue to work on different ways of interacting with the prison so as to smooth the flow of information and look forward to building on this further. We are grateful to all the staff, especially the uniformed officers who escort us most helpfully.

28 March 2023

Andrea John Chair