HM Inspectorate of Prisons has published two inspection reports, covering HMP Bedford and HMYOI Werrington, with sharply different pictures of daily life inside the two establishments. The reports were published on Monday 26 October 2026, and both set out progress in some areas alongside problems that inspectors say still need urgent attention.

Bedford: better leadership, but violence still very high

Bedford received a full inspection between 27 July and 6 August 2026. Inspectors found the prison had made good progress and was performing much better than in recent years, supported by stronger leadership and a more experienced group of prison officers. Time out of cell had improved considerably, with prisoners in full-time work unlocked for up to 10 hours a day.

Health care was also better, particularly mental health support. But too few prisoners were engaged in education or work, and violence remained very high, living conditions were poor and drugs were widely available.

Many prisoners lived in overcrowded cells, and there were persistent problems with rats, cockroaches and pigeons. Too many prisoners continued to leave homeless or to unstable accommodation, and only 25 had been released with a job in the previous 12 months.

Werrington: relationships better, regime still weak

Werrington, a young offender institution, received an independent review of progress covering 24 August to 8 September 2026. Inspectors found relationships between staff and boys had improved, assaults had reduced, and those involved in violence were being managed effectively, while incentives had been designed to encourage positive behaviour.

But boys still spent far too long locked in their cells and education remained poor, with frequent cancellations, weak teaching and a curriculum that did not meet their needs. The regime remained inconsistent, and most boys left without education, training or employment in place, inspectors found.