Governors of Wales’ five prisons to appear before MPs

The wide-ranging session will explore the Governors’ thoughts on what the main challenges facing prisons in Wales are, so as to identify whether the challenges have developed further or improved since the predecessor Committee’s 2019 inquiry into prisons. 

In an earlier evidence session, MPs heard how measures adopted in prisons during the covid-19 pandemic – such as the increased ratio of officers to prisoners – helped lead to improvements particularly in reduced cases of self-harm and assaults. The Committee is likely to wish to hear whether the governors agree with this assessment, and if so, whether any of these measures are being continued in the prisons estate.

Members are also likely to discuss the condition of prisons, and whether they are meeting the needs of inmates, particularly in light of estimates that the prison population is likely to increase.

Witnesses

From 10.00:

• Amanda Corrigan, Governor, HMP Cardiff
• Rob Denman, Governor, HMP Usk & Prescoed
• Rebecca Hayward, Governor, HMP Berwyn
• Chris Simpson, Governor HMP Swansea
• Heather Whitehead, Director, HMP Parc 

Further information

• Welsh Affairs Committee
• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image credit: HMPPS