Recurring concern

Unreliable prison bullying management processes

First to latest report 30 Jun 2014 — 28 Jan 2026

Reports that mention this concern
4
Times this concern has been raised
11
Stated actions linked to this concern
4

What this concern includes

Includes failures in prison processes specifically dedicated to managing bullying, including staffing and supervision for bullying prevention, recognition of bullying risk, reporting and recording allegations, investigation, protective separation, support for affected prisoners and follow-up action.

What is not included
  • Excludes general prison staffing shortages, poor communication or inadequate training unless they directly impair the prison bullying-management process.
  • Excludes violence, self-harm, safeguarding or prisoner-supervision concerns where bullying is not the identified unsafe condition.
  • Excludes failures to investigate other prison incidents or allegations unless they specifically concern bullying.
  • Excludes isolated bullying incidents or outcomes where no continuing deficiency in bullying-management arrangements is identified.

Reports and published responses 4 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Leicester City and South Leicestershire

    AI-generated summary

    Nigel Anthony FECKEY · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Nigel Anthony Feckey was found suspended by a ligature in his prison cell at HMP Fosse Way on 23 September 2024 and was declared deceased at the scene. The inquest concluded suicide, with concerns including bullying and abuse of prisoners convicted of sexual offences, offence-neutral prison arrangements, staffing pressures, weaknesses in information-sharing and ACCT processes, and failures to respond adequately to reported concerns and risks.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to protect prisoners convicted of sexual offences from bullying, verbal abuse and threats

    Wider context from the report

    “Mr Feckey was a Prisoner Convicted of a sexual offence (PCOSO). Offence Neutrality is when there is no special block to keep sex offenders in, and the population is mingled regardless of the offence they are in prison for. It was discussed at the inquest and concluded in evidence that it is not possible to keep offences secret for the most part because although the prisoners have access to the wide internet themselves in their cells, they only have to ask someone on the phone or at a visit to find out what someone is in for and it can be that easy. Also heard at the inquest was that many mainstream prisoners held strong views that they did not wish to share their living space with men convicted of sex offences. They were both vocal and physical in their resistance to integrated living. The data at Fosse Way suggested that a change was required as figures for self-harm and self-isolation were beginning to emerge. Although steps were taken to encourage integration a reassessment of this position took place in early 2025 and decision was made to separate the residential houseblocks and In March 2025 700 prisoners from the prison were transferred to a non-integrated unit. Since then, there had been a reduction in the number of ACCT documents and self-isolation. Evidence in the inquest indicated that sex offender prisoners were scared, they felt they couldn’t leave their cells and that they were vulnerable to direct bullying or verbal abuse. Shouting and threats were constantly heard directly connected to the PCOSO offences. Whilst Fosse Way have taken their own risk reductions regarding offence neutrality, I understand that the policy remains and is still implemented in other prisons and it is a matter of concern to me that a future death may occur. ”

    Source location

    Nigel Anthony FECKEY · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Allocate every prisoner a key worker who conducts regular sessions to identify wellbeing, safety and risk concerns.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “HMPPS is committed to supporting PCOSOs to progress through the prison system, working on rehabilitation, and feeling supported to be ready to leave prison. Whilst it will not always be appropriate or operationally feasible to maintain complete separation from the wider prison population there are a number of ways that staff provide support to prisoners who feel vulnerable or at risk from others either due to their offence or for any other reason. For example, the Offender Management in Custody (OMiC) model sets out that all prisoners are allocated a key worker. Key workers aim to build constructive, supportive and motivational relationships with prisoners through regular and consistent key work sessions. These sessions provide an opportunity for prisoners to discuss wellbeing and to raise any issues, including any risk related concerns.”

    Source location

    2026-0047 - Response from HMPPS & MOJ
    Page 2 · response
    Published 2 February 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Escalate and document safety, bullying and intimidation concerns through established channels so prisoners can be monitored and supported.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Key workers will escalate and document any concerns raised, particularly in relation to safety, bullying and/or intimidation through established channels so that individual prisoners can be monitored and supported appropriately whilst also challenging the behaviour of perpetrators. It is imperative that governors and directors give thorough consideration to, and maintain oversight of, concerns relating to safety,”

    Source location

    2026-0047 - Response from HMPPS & MOJ
    Page 2 · response
    Published 2 February 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Maintain oversight of safety, intimidation, violence and threats to assess whether accommodation integration decisions remain appropriate.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Key workers will escalate and document any concerns raised, particularly in relation to safety, bullying and/or intimidation through established channels so that individual prisoners can be monitored and supported appropriately whilst also challenging the behaviour of perpetrators. It is imperative that governors and directors give thorough consideration to, and maintain oversight of, concerns relating to safety,”

    Source location

    2026-0047 - Response from HMPPS & MOJ
    Page 2 · response
    Published 2 February 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue reviewing accommodation arrangements and make changes where required to support prisoner safety and wellbeing.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Thank you again for bringing your concern to my attention. I hope that this response provides assurance that whilst some prisons do operate an integrated, ‘offence neutral’ regime, this is to encourage and support all prisoners towards resettlement and release, with access to the rehabilitative opportunities required to successfully transition back into the community. I hope that you are assured that governors and directors continue to review and make changes where required, and that there are a range of established risk management processes and safeguards in place to support the safety and wellbeing of PCOSOs throughout their sentence.”

    Source location

    2026-0047 - Response from HMPPS & MOJ
    Page 3 · response
    Published 2 February 2026

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Existing guidance, local accommodation discretion, risk oversight and established safeguards are considered sufficient to manage PCOSO safety without universal separation.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “directors to support them to make safe and appropriate decisions on accommodation arrangements. The guidance sets out that governors and directors have discretion over whether PCOSOs should be integrated or separated, and that consideration should be given to the specifics and facilities of each establishment. For example, the size of the prison, cohort mix, availability of activities and courses, and the regional support available should be factors in decision making as well as prisoner concerns around risk and safety. This ensures that decisions are tailored to local risks and resources with the flexibility to make changes when required rather than relying on a ‘one size fits all’ model. You heard evidence at the inquest that HMP Fosse Way have now created two separate houseblocks and that PCOSOs are given the option of locating there which most, but not all, choose to do.”

    Source location

    2026-0047 - Response from HMPPS & MOJ
    Page 2 · response
    Published 2 February 2026

    Open published response

  2. Inner West London

    AI-generated summary

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Robert John Richards died by suicide after being found hanging by a sheet in his cell at HMP Wandsworth on 29 July 2014. The report identified concerns about bullying, extortion, inadequate risk management and communication, unsuitable cell allocation, staffing and training, and failings in resuscitation equipment and procedures.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate staff training for managing bullying

    Wider context from the report

    “1. That bullying within HMP Wandsworth is not appropriately managed due to inadequate systems being in place, too few staff on duty, poor communication between teams, inadequate staff training, poor recognition of risk and the mixing of vulnerable prisoners with potential bullies. ”

    Source location

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate systems for managing bullying

    Wider context from the report

    “1. That bullying within HMP Wandsworth is not appropriately managed due to inadequate systems being in place, too few staff on duty, poor communication between teams, inadequate staff training, poor recognition of risk and the mixing of vulnerable prisoners with potential bullies. ”

    Source location

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Poor recognition of bullying risk

    Wider context from the report

    “1. That bullying within HMP Wandsworth is not appropriately managed due to inadequate systems being in place, too few staff on duty, poor communication between teams, inadequate staff training, poor recognition of risk and the mixing of vulnerable prisoners with potential bullies. ”

    Source location

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate security and intelligence systems for identifying and containing bullying and crime risks

    Wider context from the report

    “9. That security and intelligence systems are upgraded and overhauled such that risks of bullying and crime within the prison that feed into self-harm and suicide by prisoners are reduced and contained appropriately. ”

    Source location

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Insufficient staffing for managing bullying

    Wider context from the report

    “1. That bullying within HMP Wandsworth is not appropriately managed due to inadequate systems being in place, too few staff on duty, poor communication between teams, inadequate staff training, poor recognition of risk and the mixing of vulnerable prisoners with potential bullies. ”

    Source location

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Poor communication between teams about bullying risks

    Wider context from the report

    “1. That bullying within HMP Wandsworth is not appropriately managed due to inadequate systems being in place, too few staff on duty, poor communication between teams, inadequate staff training, poor recognition of risk and the mixing of vulnerable prisoners with potential bullies. ”

    Source location

    Robert John Richards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

  3. Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

    AI-generated summary

    Derrick Edward ROSE-FOWLER · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Derrick Edward ROSE-FOWLER was found hanging by his neck from his prison cell window on 5 June 2015 and was pronounced dead after being transferred to hospital. The concerns included the first attending prison officer not being first-aid trained, the handling of alleged bullying, and the failure to raise concerns about the deceased at a MASH meeting despite several relevant factors.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to provide or record support for prisoners reporting bullying without naming alleged perpetrators

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) The TBB did not explicitly allow for or record that a prisoner, such as the deceased, who was not prepared to name names could nevertheless still be offered support. It is a concern that the reasons given by the various witnesses were not demonstrated to have been considered. ”

    Source location

    Derrick Edward ROSE-FOWLER · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to investigate allegations of bullying

    Wider context from the report

    “(3) At paragraph 19 of the final PPO report it states ‘there has been one other self-inflicted death at Stoke Heath, in the last 4 years – in March 2013. In the investigation into that death we found that the prison did not investigate allegations of bullying’. For completeness the central issue at that inquest was in relation to the deceased’s mental health. ”

    Source location

    Derrick Edward ROSE-FOWLER · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Ineffective implementation of the Tackling Bullying Behaviour policy in response to bullying complaints

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) There was evidence that bullying was ‘rife’. Whilst the majority of the evidence at the inquest indicated that the deceased was not himself being bullied there was some evidence that he was. The prison has a Tackling Bullying Behaviour (TBB) policy but there is concern as to how effective it was implemented on the complaints raised by the deceased himself that he was, in terms, being bullied. ”

    Source location

    Derrick Edward ROSE-FOWLER · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  4. Manchester West

    AI-generated summary

    Jake Reginald Hardy · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jake Reginald Hardy, a 17-year-old detained at HM YOI Hindley, died on 20 January 2012 after being found partially suspended by a ligature in his cell. The report describes failures to identify, record and respond to his vulnerabilities, self-harm risk and reports of verbal bullying, including failures in safeguarding, ACCT care planning, supervision and overnight risk assessment. Concerns also included ligature points in cells, inadequate personal officer support, staff training and communication systems, and limited access to family telephone support.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of an effective system to routinely monitor and tackle night-time verbal bullying

    Wider context from the report

    “4. Verbal bullying by means of detainees “shouting out” at night is a common problem in HM YOI Hindley and can increase the risk of self-harm and suicide by those targeted, especially overnight. The fabric, lay-out and design of the cells in HM YOI Hindley does not remedy this problem. Further, it is difficult for the night orderly officer on duty on a wing, who is there alone, to tackle the problem effectively. There is no effective system in place to ensure that the problem is routinely monitored and tackled effectively, whether by means of additional staff or otherwise. This concern may be of relevance to other Young Offender Institutes also. ”

    Source location

    Jake Reginald Hardy · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 4 · concerns

    Open source report

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026