A critical inspection has warned that the future of a Midlands prison hinges on 'robust actions' after finding drugs were 'readily available' and it had one of the highest rates of self-inflicted deaths in the country.
Damning Findings at Category C Prison
The unannounced inspection of HMP Featherstone, a publicly-run category C facility near Wolverhampton, took place between 23 September and 9 October last year. The report, published on Monday 12 January 2026, concluded that progress had been 'limited' since the previous inspection in 2022.
Inspectors found the prison, which held 658 adult men at the time, had only fully addressed three of 11 concerns raised previously. Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, stated the overall trajectory for prisoners had 'stagnated or declined'.
Key Concerns: Safety, Conditions, and Rehabilitation
The report identified 13 key concerns, with six requiring 'immediate attention'. Chief among them was the availability of illicit drugs, evidenced by a very high random mandatory testing rate.
Furthermore, HMP Featherstone had the tenth highest rate of self-inflicted deaths of all adult male prisons. There have been four such deaths since May 2022, including two last year. Leaders were criticised for being 'too slow in identifying and implementing learning' from these and other serious self-harm incidents.
Conditions in many residential units, mainly built in the 1970s, were described as 'poor' and in need of long-term investment. The report also highlighted a 'drabness' undermining wellbeing, despite the prison being reasonably clean.
Rehabilitation efforts were found severely lacking. The range of vocational training was 'too narrow' and failed to equip prisoners with employment skills. Support to prevent reoffending was 'not good enough', and opportunities for prisoners to demonstrate risk reduction were 'insufficient'.
Pockets of Good Practice Amid Systemic Failings
Despite the significant challenges, the inspection noted some positive initiatives. These included a dedicated recovery wing to support prisoners ending drug misuse and individualised support for prolific users. The drug strategy itself was described as 'well-coordinated'.
Leadership was acknowledged as 'committed and visible', with the governor providing an 'honest' self-assessment. Relationships between staff and prisoners were 'very mixed', being reasonably supportive on wings with a specific function but more 'transactional' elsewhere.
However, systemic issues persisted. Mr Taylor stated: "Featherstone faces significant challenges in delivering safe, respectful, and purposeful custody, as well as effective preparation for release." He emphasised that the prison's future depends on urgent action to improve outcomes, underpinned by investment and a renewed focus on rehabilitation.
The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment.
