Concerns have been raised regarding safety and staffing at the newly opened HMP Millsike, a £400 million facility. Former workers have described a "chaotic atmosphere" characterized by under-staffing and inadequate training at the prison.
The Prison Reform Trust has reported receiving calls from prisoners concerning their safety. Chief executive Pia Sinha stated that while some calls about safety are not unusual, "some of the calls have been worrying and concerning." The trust has raised these safeguarding concerns with the prison, which they report has been "responsive."
Sinha acknowledged that some of the challenges faced by HMP Millsike are common in other newly established prisons. "We do need to cut them a bit of slack because it takes time," she said, indicating that a period of adjustment is to be expected.
Mitie, the company responsible for operations, emphasized that safety is its "highest priority" and that it maintains "a safe, secure and supportive environment for prisoners, colleagues and visitors." PeoplePlus, which provides rehabilitation programs, stated that its "education and industry services have developed in step with the prison's population."
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) described HMP Millsike as "a vital part of our plans to build 14,000 new prison places." The MoJ confirmed that a "robust procurement process" was conducted before the contract was awarded and that it "would act when standards fall short."
An annual report by the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), expected to be published within the next month, is also set to address safety concerns at the facility.
