Oakwood Prison

MANAGERS The Senior Management Team (SMT) remarked that the relations between staff and prisoners at the facility were ‘good’, with notable low staff sickness levels. The representation and consultation from prisoners, deemed ‘exceptional’, play a pivotal role in many of the prison’s operations and managerial decisions, involving SMT and departmental meetings. The managers valued the existence of the Prisoner Council and various representatives and mentors, such as Listeners, ‘Lift’ mentors for Vulnerable Prisoners (VPs), and representatives focusing on violence reduction, veterans, diversity, older prisoners, mental health, induction & reception, and legal advice & support, aiding in Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) and Home Detention Curfew (HDC), amongst others. They noted the high engagement in activities and employment, highlighting a unit with supported living, where prisoner carers are trained to NVQ 3. The SMT reported low violence levels, attributing this to their gang strategy, minimal Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) cases, and comprehensive scanning and photocopying procedures to combat contraband like Spice. They appreciated the cost-effective management of kit by prisoners and placed value on the availability of Kiosks and in-cell phones.

OFFICERS Officers expressed that the Director was ‘excellent’—visible, approachable, and a good listener who communicates, consults, and encourages innovation. They commended the support and mentoring available for all staff and spoke highly of the prisoner engagement and interventions, which they believe are beneficial for staff. According to them, the prison maintains good staff-prisoner relations, and the facility is ‘safe’, with self-harm incidents being low. Like the managers, officers also valued the scanning and photocopying measures as well as the Kiosks and in-cell phones. They had additional praises for prisoner-supported specialist units for Basic and non-engaging prisoners and the drug recovery unit. The support for families, including ‘excellent’ visit facilities, Kids’ and Homework Clubs, a Scout troop, family days, and extended visits, were also highlighted.

PRISONERS Prisoners described the prison as ‘safe’, with excellent staff-prisoner relationships, praising the Director as ‘extraordinary’. They appreciated the extensive prisoner engagement and consultation and the support and mentoring from peers and staff. They acknowledged the effective gang strategy, the legal advice & support representatives, and the specialist units catering to specific groups, including lifers, long termers, prisoners on Basic, and non-engagers.

History and Structure:

Originally designed as one of the government's controversial ‘titan’ establishments, Oakwood Prison underwent structural modifications before becoming operational in 2012. The institution, despite its reduction in size, continues to play a pivotal role in the UK's correctional system.

Experience for Prisoners:

For inmates, Oakwood Prison offers a structured environment with the aim of rehabilitation and well-being. Initiatives like those provided by Prison Phone have been helping the inmates at Oakwood to maintain vital contact with friends and family, thereby aiding their wellbeing and rehabilitation process.

Visiting Oakwood Prison:

To visit an inmate at Oakwood Prison, all visits must be booked in advance. Details on booking a prison visit can be found on the official prison website or by contacting the prison directly. Remember to check the visiting times and any restrictions in place due to ongoing situations like pandemics.

Visiting Times: Please contact the prison directly or refer to the official website for the most up-to-date visiting times and regulations.

Getting There:

To get to Oakwood Prison, various transport links are available, including public transport options like buses and trains. Detailed directions can be obtained using online map services or GPS devices by inputting the prison’s address: Featherstone, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire WV10 7QD.

Parking at Oakwood Prison:

Parking facilities are available at Oakwood Prison for visitors. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot and undergo the necessary security checks before the visit.

Summary:

Oakwood Prison is a significant Category C correctional facility in the UK. Offering a comprehensive and structured environment for the inmates, it focuses on their rehabilitation and well-being. For those wishing to visit, it is essential to book in advance and adhere to the visiting times and protocols.