Latest HMP Five Wells report reveals drugs 'routinely available' to prisoners with use 'stubbornly high' - but says new boss has positive impact

The 2023-24 report from the IMB showed serious and growing concerns relating to the number and range of ‘illicit items’ found in the Wellingborough super prison. During the review period last year, it showed that more than one quarter of prisoners randomly tested had drugs in their systems.

In the 2024-25 report covering April 2024 to March 2025, published today (October 3), inspectors found that illicit substances are ‘still prevalent’ in the prison, and a high rate of positive random drug tests continue.

A passage from the report reads: “As mentioned in the previous annual report, the IMB continues to be concerned about the number and range of illicit items found in the prison.

"Drugs continue to be routinely available and the positive random drug test rate remains stubbornly high, at around 25 per cent.

“Efforts to reduce demand, such as the establishment of the drug rehabilitation unit (DRU), appear to have had little impact.”

It goes on to say: “This disappointing situation persists, despite a variety of measures to address the ingress of illicit items and prevent their circulation. These include better control of prisoner movements, extended prisoner searching and successful prosecutions of staff for inappropriate activity.”

Five Wells was contracted to house 1,680 prisoners when it opened in early 2022. By March 2024, the capacity had increased to 1,715, and further, to 1,735, by March 2025.

A HMP Five Wells spokesperson said: "We are pleased the IMB recognises the very positive progress made in key areas, including increased staff support and a full regime of work and education.

“Since the end of the IMB’s reporting period in March 2025, we have continued to achieve significant reductions in violence, use of force, self-harm incidents and the rates of positive drug tests.”

The IMB notes that Five Wells’ education department has ‘continued to struggle’ this year, with the issues largely stemming from staffing, however the report acknowledges noticeable improvements since Novus replaced Weston College as the provider in July 2024.

However, the appointment of a new director, Will Styles, has had an ‘extremely positive impact’ on the prison overall.

The report reads: “Although some improvements were made under the leadership of the director appointed in 2023, in June 2024 a new director was appointed and the changes being made are having an extremely positive effect on the prison.

"From the Board’s observations, there has been increased staff support, improved communication at all levels and inter-departmental cooperation.

“The imposition of a ‘red-amber regime’ signified a reduced but sustainable delivery of activities and services.

"However, the return to a ‘green regime’, which refers to the full operational delivery of all activities and services for prisoners, in October 2024, has had a positive impact on purposeful activities.

Accommodation provision has caused some issues after 56 cells that were designed as singles have been converted to doubles, following a Ministry of Justice (MoJ) request to house additional prisoners. Inspectors say this has caused issues for some older prisoners now stationed in an upper bunk bed, as well as meaning there is a shortage of space for in-cell property storage.

The report notes that men are often frustrated with the lack of communication with regards to health, and that appointments are often missed.

It says urgent mental health referrals are seen within 24 hours, and routine cases are usually seen within three days.

Finally, the report says: “Although positive steps have been made to improve staffing, education/vocational work and staff recruitment and retention, there are still outstanding issues to be addressed, in the board’s view.

"A new education provider, Novus, appointed in July 2024, and a new head of learning and skills, appointed in September, appear to be having a positive impact.”