Parc prison in Bridgend (Image: Conor Gogarty)
The inspection found that standards had “declined significantly” since 2022, following the awarding of a 10-year contract to private security behemoth G4S to manage the prison.
Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, highlighted serious shortcomings, including cell windows that could be easily opened from the inside, enabling drugs to be hauled in via drones – an issue previously exposed by WalesOnline. Last year, Parc saw 17 inmate deaths – the highest number in any UK prison – with five linked to drugs, three self-inflicted, eight due to natural causes, and one of unknown origin.
Almost a third of random drug test results came back positive, 57% of prisoners claimed it was easy to obtain illegal drugs, and 34% had developed a drug or alcohol problem since their arrival at the prison, which houses approximately 1,700 inmates.
The report suggests that a spate of five drug-related deaths between February and May last year were “likely” caused by synthetic opioids.
The report states: “With staff morale low, and higher levels of sickness and more staff leaving than could be recruited, the effects of poor supervision and a thriving drug market contributed to high levels of violence.”, reports Wales Online.
The previous inspection in 2022 had given the prison an overall favourable review, with a ‘reasonably good’ rating for safety. Nevertheless, that same year saw G4S bagging a massive £400m contract for ten years, which apparently led to a period of instability for the facility, as suggested by the latest report – pinpointing this deal as “the root” of a host of issues at the penitentiary.
Following the retirement of Janet Wallsgrove in 2023, described as “highly effective”, the prison’s leadership took a hit. Her successor, Heather Whitehead, saw her term marred by multiple deaths, riot rumors, and whistleblower claims about widespread drug use, corruption and bare-bones staffing.
Whitehead departed from her position last June by mutual agreement.
Self-harm episodes have spiked dramatically since the last review, with a 58% increase reflected in the shocking figure of 1,962 incidents in the past year. Mr Taylor highlighted the unusually high self-harm rate compared to similar facilities but recognised a decrease over the recent months.
Progress appears to have been made under the new director, Will Styles, with the latest inspection noting that Parc had “begun to recover”. However, the report also lamented the continued influx of drugs and the failure to assign inmates to work or educational activities, resulting in many being confined to their cells for up to 21 hours a day.
“Food served at mealtimes was not always adequate, and the prison shop did not sell sufficient healthy items, including fresh fruit and vegetables,” penned Mr Taylor.
High levels of violence were attributed to factors such as “Not having enough to eat”, “long periods locked up”, and “boredom”, according to prisoners interviewed by the inspector.
The report highlighted that the “Installation of new windows that would restrict trafficking via drones had started only recently and facilities for enhanced gate security were still not in place,”.
During the previous inspection, inmates had to wait approximately 18 months for routine dental care. The service has since deteriorated further, with treatment now only available for “urgent” cases.
People gather outside Parc Prison to protest over the on going issues and problems at the site (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)
The report criticised: “The lack of progress on increasing dental surgery space was inexcusable, given the timeframe and the poor outcomes for dental health.”
Mr Taylor also expressed concern that insufficient action was being taken to address self-harm, and that mental health and addiction services “did not meet the needs of the population”. He pointed out “gaps in public protection arrangements”, including inadequate supervision of high-risk prisoners prior to release.
The report noted that Parc had faced challenges in filling vacancies due to high staff turnover under the previous director. However, improvements in “recruitment, retention and morale” have been observed under Mr Styles.
Wrapping up his report, Mr Taylor stated: “Inspectors left the jail with some assurance that Parc had begun to recover, morale was better, and pride was beginning to return.”
He went on to advise: “Practically, if G4S and the prison service are able to expedite the replacement of windows which are vulnerable to drone deliveries and to provide enhanced gate security, that will help to reduce supply of drugs.”
Shocking earlier this month, texts from Parc prison officers allegedly show them mocking self-harm incidents and boasting about assaulting inmates. One text message blatantly states: “Let’s push him to go tomorrow so we can drop him.”
In emotional scenes outside Parc, bereaved family members demanded action after losing their loved ones in the facility. Among the protestors was Claire Jones, still grieving for her 29 year old son Ross, who died in the prison in 2023.
She revealed: “Ten days before Ross died another boy passed away and they were warned then to make improvements… There was a spate of a ridiculous amount of deaths and still nothing is changing.”
The review conducted highlighted ‘poor’ outcomes for prisoner safety and found aspects such as respect, purposeful activity, and release preparation were ‘not sufficiently good. ‘.
G4S has announced the completion of the first phase of a window replacement programme and is currently in talks with the Ministry of Justice regarding further work. The company is also negotiating with the Prison and Probation Service for additional resources to enhance security processes.
The firm has initiated drug-testing procedures for its staff and plans to review its catering services. It has pledged to expand the range of products available in the prison shop, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
A spokeswoman for G4S commented: “The first six months of 2024 were extremely difficult and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the men that passed away. Since then, considerable work has been carried out to make significant improvements at the prison.”
She added: “We are encouraged that [the report] recognises that we are making solid progress and noted positive developments in tackling violence, self-harm rates and use of force. We are determined to ensure the men in our care are safe, supported and can feel optimistic about their futures, and we are working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan to once again deliver excellent services at HMP Parc. Our plan includes all of HMIP’s recommendations.”
Healthcare services at the prison, including dental care, fall under the responsibility of Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board, who have been approached for comment.