Positive findings for HMP Greenock in annual report

HM Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland published its findings yesterday following dozens of visits to Gateside by volunteer independent prison monitors (IPMs) between April 2023 and March 2024.

Positive points included ‘generally very healthy’ relationships between staff and prisoners, healthcare of a ‘very good standard’ and an ‘improving picture on progression pathways and timelines for sentence progression’.

A report said: “Monitors commented positively on a culture within HMP Greenock that sought to broaden rather than limit, despite some very obvious and permanent challenges.

HMP Greenock (Image: Archive)

“IPMs impression was of a prison with consistent leadership and a willingness to continuously improve.”

However, key issues were highlighted around the impact of cancelled GEOAmey-facilitated external appointments, such as court hearings, health and special leave visits.

Outgoing chief inspector of prisons for Scotland, Wendy Sinclair-Gieben, said the ‘fluctuating performance’ of the escort service provider remains ‘deeply concerning’, and stated that ‘we are a long way from seeing sustained improvement to an acceptable standard’.

Leaks and water ingress at Greenock jail were said to have been frequent during wet weather, primarily in the health centre and main corridor, presenting ‘significant challenges’.

Meanwhile, the ‘bareness of outside space’ at the jail was also raised as a point of concern by inspectors, who said prisoners have ‘little green space or open space to look at during exercise, far less spend time in’.

Greenock prison (Image: Newsquest)

Instances of misconduct, substance misuse, violence or intimidation were said to have been managed effectively, however, the ‘unsuitable nature’ of the building made planning for serious incidents ‘difficult’.

According to the report, plans are in place for the creation of a wellbeing hub in the jail to improve opportunities for prisoners.

The report said: “Overall IPMs impression remained of a safe, orderly and well-run prison at HMP Greenock.

“There were many individual examples of good practice highlighted by the monitoring team, and the relationships between staff and prisoners were clearly very good, judging by the interactions observed by IPMs on a weekly basis.

“IPMs were made to feel welcome and assisted by staff in dealing with prisoner requests and in making observations IPMs will continue to monitor against the key issues highlighted in the coming year.”

Wendy Sinclair-Gieben (Image: HMIPS)

Assessing the national picture, Ms Sinclair-Gieben, who announced earlier this year that she would be stepping down from her role at the end of August, added: “The concerns highlighted by IPMs during this reporting period were mostly linked to overcrowding in Scotland’s prisons, but also the failings of the prison transport provider GEOAmey, the delivery of healthcare, and prisoner progression, compounded by staff shortages.

“They also generated significant concerns on access to healthcare, in particular mental health, an impoverished daily regime and the cost-of-living crisis for prisoners with rises in the price of goods and no increase in prisoner wages.”

The chief inspector has previously called for Gateside to be ‘bulldozed’ and a new fit-for-purpose building to replace the dilapidated jail.

Last year, she highlighted the ‘appalling’ condition of the 114-year-old prison – however, the Scottish Government has previously confirmed that a replacement project will not commence ‘until after 2025-26 at the very earliest’.