IAPDC responds to “troubling” increase in self-harm in the prison estate

We are deeply concerned by the troubling increase in self-harm across the prison estate. Statistics published today by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) show a 20% increase in the rate of self-harm incidents in 2023, comprising of a 24% increase in male prisons and 11% increase in female prisons. Self-inflicted deaths have remained at very high levels, with 85 prisoners sadly taking their own lives in the 12 months to March 2024 – the same number as the previous 12-month period.

The prison estate has reached a critical point in safety as it continues to grapple with ongoing capacity and staffing challenges. This has undoubtedly impacted on the delivery of key interventions which we know help to keep prisoners safe – namely, prisoner and staff relationships, the ACCT process, access to regime, time out of cell, and key work.

While the 10% decrease in the number of overall deaths in the 12 months to March 2024 is to be welcomed with caution, the numbers remain devastatingly high. It is possible that many of the 291 deaths that occurred during this period could have been avoided with the provision of timely and robust physical and mental health care and support. Due to regime constraints and capacity issues, it is crucial that access to quality physical and mental health care is available.

Earlier this year, we published our workplan which sets out our priorities for 2024/25. A key part of our work is to respond to the prison capacity crisis and its impact on safety. We will continue to provide advice and recommendations to Ministers and operational leaders on the steps they need to take to safeguard the lives of people under their care. We remain clear that policy and operational decision making must be underpinned by its impact on safety and the ability of – and resources available to – services to safely manage offenders in custody and the community.