The Northern Ireland Prison Service today welcomed the publication of the latest report on Northern Ireland’s women’s prison (Ash House) at Hydebank Wood by Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) and the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJINI) and is particularly pleased by the recognition given to the significant progress made since their last inspection in November 2004.

In responding to the report Robin Masefield, Director of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said he was encouraged by the progress being made in developing and improving the regime for women prisoners, but acknowledged that there was still work to do, and that co-location with the Young Offenders Centre on a single site remained an impediment to progress.

Mr Masefield said:

“I am pleased that the Inspectorate has recognised the improvements since the last inspection in relation to issues such as staff-prisoner relationships and the approach to the care of those prisoners at risk of self harm. This is most encouraging.

“Improving the experience of custody for women is a high priority for the Service, but I do recognise the impact that sharing a site can have on our ability to provide a gender-specific approach to dealing with the complex needs and vulnerabilities of this particular group of prisoners. We are pushing ahead with a comprehensive options appraisal in respect of a new purpose-built women’s prison, and will report on progress later in the year.

“Of course, the Minister, Paul Goggins, has already highlighted his personal commitment to finding more appropriate ways of tackling the issue of women’s offending in a more holistic away. He has commissioned the development of a strategy to address the need for appropriate services and interventions for women offenders, and those at risk of offending, both within the community and in custody. This wider work, in which the Prison Service is involved with colleagues across the Criminal Justice Sector, has highlighted the importance of diverting away from custody those women for whom there should be alternatives, many of whom have significant mental health issues, or problems with addiction or debt.

“A very successful consultation event was held recently at Hillsborough Castle to allow key stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the shaping of the strategy, and work is continuing apace in developing the way forward, informed by that event.

“As part of the wider strategy, the Prison Service is implementing an ambitious programme of work to improve conditions for women prisoners, including the development of gender specific guidance and policy right across the regime, from committal and induction, through to pre-release and resettlement.

“I sincerely thank the Inspectorate team for the diligence with which they carried out their work. Their observations and recommendations will prove invaluable as we continue to develop the way forward for Ash House and its regime.”

Austin Treacy, the Governor of Hydebank Wood, said:

“The Inspectorate has identified areas which need further development, especially in relation to learning and skills opportunities, healthcare provision, resettlement and first night arrangements. These issues are being addressed as part of a comprehensive programme of work to deliver a gender specific approach to the management of women in Ash House. Much progress has been made already, both before the inspection and in the seven months since it took place.”



Note to Editors

1. Hydebank Wood Prison (Ash House) accommodates all female prisoners in Northern Ireland. It is located on the site of the Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre..

2. The announced inspection of Ash House by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland was carried out between 29 October and 2 November 2007 inclusive.

3. There are 50 prisoners in Ash House today. It has an operational capacity of 71 prisoners.

4. The Inspectorate Report is published on the Prison Service website at www.niprisonservice.gov.uk/Publications/CJINI-HMCIP Inspection Reports

Related Publication - ASH HOUSE front cover Tables final 11June08.pdf

Contact Details