PFD report

Ryan Harding · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 4 Feb 2026•South Wales Central

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
3

Raised in this report

Recipients
1

Named on the report

Responses found
1

Of 1 recipient

Stated actions
12

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised3

  1. Failure to maintain the gate house at a security level that restricts entry of illicit materials
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate control of illicit substance use and supply in secure institutionsPart of recurring concern: Inadequate controls on contraband mobile phones in prisonsPart of recurring concern: Inadequate prison physical security controls preventing transfer of drugs and contraband
  2. Failure to maintain prison-block windows at a security level that restricts entry of illicit materials
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate control of illicit substance use and supply in secure institutionsPart of recurring concern: Inadequate controls on contraband mobile phones in prisonsPart of recurring concern: Inadequate prison physical security controls preventing transfer of drugs and contraband
  3. Delays and non-occurrence of scheduled morning welfare checks due to lack of staff
    Part of recurring concern: Failure to conduct required welfare checks on people in distressPart of recurring concern: Unreliable welfare-check processes for people whose health is of concern
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.12

  1. Action

    Plan expansion works for a new Gate House and refurbishment of the existing Gate House to accommodate Enhanced Gate Security.

    Stated by Clyde & Co Claims LLPStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 February 2026.
  2. Action

    Use specialist screening equipment routinely to screen staff, professional visitors and social visitors entering the prison.

    Stated by Clyde & Co Claims LLPStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 February 2026.
  3. Action

    Operate enhanced daily compliance checks using CCTV review, rotational unit sampling, issue escalation and management follow-up.

    Stated by Clyde & Co Claims LLPStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 February 2026.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.4

  1. Position

    A temporary gatehouse extension was not pursued because existing interim searching measures were considered a better use of finances, though less comprehensive.

    Stated by Clyde & Co Claims LLPExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to maintain the gate house at a security level that restricts entry of illicit materials

Wider context from the report

“(3) The gate house continues to require upgrading to enable enhanced security to be afforded to reduce the ability of illicit materials including drugs and mobile phones to enter the prison. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate control of illicit substance use and supply in secure institutions; Inadequate controls on contraband mobile phones in prisons; Inadequate prison physical security controls preventing transfer of drugs and contraband.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to maintain prison-block windows at a security level that restricts entry of illicit materials

Wider context from the report

“(3) The inquest heard evidence that the windows of Alpha and Bravo blocks did in 2023 and continue to require upgrading in order to reduce the ability of illicit materials including drugs and mobile phones to enter the prison. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate control of illicit substance use and supply in secure institutions; Inadequate controls on contraband mobile phones in prisons; Inadequate prison physical security controls preventing transfer of drugs and contraband.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Delays and non-occurrence of scheduled morning welfare checks due to lack of staff

Wider context from the report

“(3) On the morning of 8th January 2023, the scheduled morning welfare check did not take place. The evidence of officers was that this was delayed for lack of a staff member and had been delayed on other occasions. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Failure to conduct required welfare checks on people in distress; Unreliable welfare-check processes for people whose health is of concern.

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

Plan expansion works for a new Gate House and refurbishment of the existing Gate House to accommodate Enhanced Gate Security.

Verbatim wording from the response

“HMP & YOI Parc is designated a Category C prison, and as such, was not originally funded or risk assessed to provide full Enhanced Gate Security. Increased and changing security challenges, including those enabled by technological advancements and changes to the make-up and nature of contraband items, have led to agreement by HMPPS that the prison should now be funded and risk assessed for Enhanced Gate Security, and the Director has, since June 2024, prioritised addressing identified requirements in Enhanced Gate Security provision.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 2 · response
Published 4 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

Use specialist screening equipment routinely to screen staff, professional visitors and social visitors entering the prison.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The conventional scanning equipment which is part of the traditional Enhanced Gate Security model will be installed within the new Gate House building once it is constructed. Pending construction of the new Gate House building, G4S identified a solution to the current logistical restriction by purchasing specialist technological equipment, similar to the latest equipment used in some airports. This equipment is now routinely used to screen staff, professional visitors and social visitors coming into the prison. HMP & YOI Parc was the first prison in the UK to deploy this technology, following a review of best practice across other sectors.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 3 · response
Published 4 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

Operate enhanced daily compliance checks using CCTV review, rotational unit sampling, issue escalation and management follow-up.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following Mr Harding’s death, written instructions on correct unlock procedures and reminders of the correct process to follow when conducting welfare checks were re-issued to staff. Reminders on the correct process were also given at safety meetings. In addition, enhanced managerial checks were introduced to ensure compliance with the instructions, including daily checks being done by the prison’s Senior Managers via CCTV footage.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 4 · response
Published 4 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

Update initial and refresher training to instruct officers on positive-response welfare checks during unlock.

Verbatim wording from the response

“modification to reflect a change in the timing of the welfare checks. PCOs have also received refresher training, and written and verbal instructions, confirming the correct way to conduct unlock procedures and welfare checks.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 4 · response
Published 4 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

Deliver the phased replacement of vulnerable prison windows to reduce contraband ingress.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In mid-2024, agreement was reached to move forward with a programme of window replacement works to replace the designated windows as quickly as possible, whilst maintaining the integrity of the establishment, allowing HMP & YOI Parc to remain fully operational. The significant cost of the replacement works (each replacement window unit costing in excess of £3,500) is being shared by HMPPS and G4S. A timetable for the replacement programme has been agreed with the Authority.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 2 · response
Published 4 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

Review welfare-check compliance and trends through monthly multidisciplinary Safety Meetings.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Each month a multidisciplinary Safety Meeting takes place at HMP & YOI Parc at which a Safety Team Senior Manager will discuss the welfare checks completed preceding month in relation to completed quality assurance and areas where issues have been raised. This will allow in-depth discussion, understanding of any issues and identification of trends and individuals requiring further support and/or performance management. Senior Managers have been reminded by the Deputy Director of the requirement to conduct daily compliance checks.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 6 · response
Published 4 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

Fund and deploy additional external dog patrols to reduce contraband throwovers and support searching.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Enhanced Gate Security is provided by a range of additional tools and measures which are already being used at HMP & YOI Parc. Bag scanners and handheld metal detectors are routinely used by staff to support improved searching when visitors and staff enter the prison. The Director has expanded the size of the Special Searching Team, significantly increasing the frequency and quality of searches, and there are now an average of approximately 1,700 staff entry and exit searches per month, which represents a significant increase compared with 2022. This compares favourably with the majority of establishments within the prison’s comparative prison group. G4S has funded additional external dog patrols which have worked to significantly reduce the number of throwovers experienced at HMP & YOI Parc.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 3 · response
Published 4 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

Issue updated welfare-check procedures requiring physical checks during morning unlock.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following the introduction of the HMPPS framework, the HMP & YOI Parc Senior Leadership Team carefully considered measures to ensure the correct performance of enhanced roll checks and welfare checks during morning unlock resulting in a decision to align the local policy at HMP & YOI Parc with national policy set out in PSI 75/2011 and the HMPPS Framework.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 4 · response
Published 4 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

Develop a business case seeking funding for staffing and additional dogs to support searching seven days a week during core hours.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The prison is currently in communication with the Authority around submission of a business case seeking funding for additional staffing to support searching seven days a week during core hours (from the time the door opens until it is secured for night state), together with additional searching dogs to support this activity.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 3 · response
Published 4 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

Expand the Special Searching Team to increase the frequency and quality of staff and visitor searches.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Enhanced Gate Security is provided by a range of additional tools and measures which are already being used at HMP & YOI Parc. Bag scanners and handheld metal detectors are routinely used by staff to support improved searching when visitors and staff enter the prison. The Director has expanded the size of the Special Searching Team, significantly increasing the frequency and quality of searches, and there are now an average of approximately 1,700 staff entry and exit searches per month, which represents a significant increase compared with 2022. This compares favourably with the majority of establishments within the prison’s comparative prison group. G4S has funded additional external dog patrols which have worked to significantly reduce the number of throwovers experienced at HMP & YOI Parc.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 3 · response
Published 4 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

Reissue written instructions and reminders on correct unlock procedures and welfare checks, including communication through safety meetings.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following Mr Harding’s death, written instructions on correct unlock procedures and reminders of the correct process to follow when conducting welfare checks were re-issued to staff. Reminders on the correct process were also given at safety meetings. In addition, enhanced managerial checks were introduced to ensure compliance with the instructions, including daily checks being done by the prison’s Senior Managers via CCTV footage.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 4 · response
Published 4 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

Amend residential wing ledgers to require daily recorded welfare checks, including weekends.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Officers are required to record the welfare checks in the unit ledger each day to acknowledge that all prisoners have been checked on and that they are not concerned for the prisoners’ welfare. The Residential Wing Ledger has been amended to include the following wording:”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 5 · response
Published 4 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

A temporary gatehouse extension was not pursued because existing interim searching measures were considered a better use of finances, though less comprehensive.

Verbatim wording from the response

“G4S previously submitted a proposal to HMPPS for a temporary extension (modular building) to accommodate Enhanced Gate Security. Understandably, this was not seen as the best use of finances since the local team had introduced interim measures to support and enhance the searching of staff and visitors, albeit not to the same level of searching achievable with Enhanced Gate Security provision. Any changes to the design of the building must be approved and funded by HMPPS.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 3 · response
Published 4 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

HMPPS must approve and fund building-design changes, while G4S is contracted only to manage and maintain the existing facility.

Verbatim wording from the response

“His Majesty’s Prisons & Probation Service (HMPPS) (“the Authority”) oversaw the construction of HMP & YOI Parc leading to the establishment becoming operational in 1997. Following sign-off and approval of the construction works, operational responsibility for HMP & YOI Parc was handed over by HMPPS to G4S Care & Justice Services (UK) Limited (G4S).”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 1 · response
Published 4 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

Window replacement cannot be completed widescale or faster because approved suppliers, specialist contractors, prisoner relocation and security logistics constrain delivery.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Practical issues dictate the speed at which window replacement works can be achieved. The windows, by their very nature and purpose, require specialist manufacture and there are a very limited number of HMPPS approved suppliers manufacturing the windows to the requisite specification. Such suppliers are in demand, not only in relation to manufacturing replacement windows for existing prisons across the nationwide prison estate, but also manufacturing windows for new establishments currently under construction.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 2 · response
Published 4 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

Welfare checks could safely be conducted by one officer, and there was no requirement for officers to conduct them in pairs.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Welfare checks could, and can, safely be conducted by a single officer and there was and is no requirement for officers to conduct welfare checks in pairs.”

Source location

2026-0054 - Response from HM Prison Parc
Page 3 · response
Published 4 February 2026

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026