United Kingdom · North-West · Millom
Data is aggregated from public sources and may be incomplete or out of date. Always verify with primary sources before acting on any figure. See data sources.
For families
Step-by-step guidance using the United Kingdom system — addresses, money services, visit booking, what to bring on your first visit.
UK Open (Cat D) prison operated by HM Prison & Probation Service. Listed in the GOV.UK Find a prison directory.
Capacity
—
Current population
—
Occupancy
—
Year opened
—
Operational
Figures from official sources · verified 7 Jul 2026 · methodology
Operator
HM Prison & Probation ServicePopulation held
male
Opened
—
Region
North-West
Security level
Minimum
Death-row facility
No
Strong leadership by an experienced governor and his highly capable deputy as a category D jail in 2019. Supported by leaders, staff had adapted well to this new population and there was a real sense of purpose about the prison. Most impressively the leaders and the education provider had worked together Leaders at the prison had also worked hard to address the concerns of the local population which had become much more accepting and used to prisoners out There were some frustratingly long delays for some prisoners in being assessed At Haverigg staff were aware that men convicted of sexual offences can often Staff at Haverigg worked hard to reduce the risk of those men in their care. At were aware of where to take any concerns. — UK IMB Annual Report (2024) — Safety: 4.1 Reception and induction The number of prisoners remained above 90% of operational capacity, with 380 receptions and 295 discharges during the reporting year. Interviews held with new arrivals identify risks, including self-harm and significant dates when prisoners may be especially vulnerable. Observation by the Board of the work of the reception and induction orderlies (trusted prisoners who [...] Respect: 5.1 Accommodation, clothing, food From our observations, efforts continued to improve facilities and the overall environment, often with prisoners leading or actively involved in much of the work. Work on a new accommodation facility was completed, made up of 60 single- occupancy RDCs, many of which are designed for less able prisoners. Board members now routinely visit the new facility and [...] Purposeful activity: National education budget cuts affected Haverigg, like many other prisons, with some courses lost and staffing levels reduced. However, the Board commends the pragmatic approach taken by the prison in reshaping the delivery model to minimise the effect of the cuts and still retain a broad and balanced curriculum to support prisoners’ development and rehabilitation. At the time of writing, in [...] Preparation for release: Over 95% of the population at Haverigg are PCoSO prisoners. A total of 49 prisoners are serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences (these have no fixed end date, with release decided by the Parole Board), and the Board understands that they have all been in custody for longer than the minimum tariff given at the time of sentencing. An ‘IPP in focus’ week was held, during which [...]
It was an absolute pleasure to visit this safe, decent and effective prison and I to visit and learn from the many achievements we describe in this report.
telephones. Unlike in other jails where many prisoners are underemployed as responsible for keeping the place clean.
Most impressively the leaders and the education provider had worked together help them get work on release. This was critically important because of the growing network of local employers who were prepared to provide work for men released on temporary licence (ROTL). Leaders at the prison had also worked hard to address the concerns of the local Inside the jail prisoners worked in the extensive farms and gardens providing a good proportion of the prison’s food, while others worked in the smokery and fencing, but prisoner work parties were gradually taking this down. In the billets Staff at Haverigg worked hard to reduce the risk of those men in their care.
HM Inspectorate of Prisons completed a full inspection of HMP Haverigg in July 2025 and a full inspection in May 2021; reports are available on the HMIP website.
Derived signal — not a judgement. How it's calculated
What the score is responding to:
This facility scores 23. The national average across 584 scored United Kingdom facilities is 4 — 19 points above national average.
Same country, matched on type + security level where possible.
Strong leadership by an experienced governor and his highly capable deputy meant that Haverigg, a Cumbrian open prison holding 490 prisoners convicted of sexual offences, was one of the most impressive jails in the country. Out on a peninsular on the edge of the Irish Sea, Haverigg had a troubled history as a category C trainer prison and it was a sensible decision to re-role it as a category D jail in 2019. Supported by leaders, staff had adapted well to this new population and there was a real sense of purpose about the prison. Most impressively the leaders and the education provider had worked together to create a curriculum that was aimed at giving prisoners the skills that would help them get work on release. This was critically important because of the limited employment opportunities for men convicted of sexual offences. As a result, the prison had some of the highest numbers of men in employment six months after leaving the jail. The prison was also building up a small but growing network of local employers who were prepared to provide work for men released on temporary licence (ROTL). Leaders at the prison had also worked hard to address the concerns of the local population which had become much more accepting and used to prisoners out in the community. The jail organised regular litter picks and prisoners helped with gardening and maintenance jobs in nearby villages. Shops selling coffee and farm produce provided more jobs for prisoners outside the gate. There were some frustratingly long delays for some prisoners in being assessed as suitable for ROTL due to probation services or the police not completing checks– particularly for those prisoners who were due to go on home leave. Inside the jail prisoners worked in the extensive farms and gardens providing a good proportion of the prison’s food, while others worked in the smokery and maintaining the extensive grounds and buildings. The prison still had lots of high fencing, but prisoner work parties were gradually taking this down. In the billets and wings where prisoners were housed, there had been some good improvements to the accommodation with better maintenance and more private telephones. Unlike in other jails where many prisoners are underemployed as wing cleaners, at Haverigg there was an expectation that all the men were responsible for keeping the place clean. At Haverigg staff were aware that men convicted of sexual offences can often become isolated and withdrawn, adding to the risk that they may be drawn back into offending. There were a very wide range of enrichment activities that keep them occupied during the day and the evenings. In the Hive there was a coffee shop, health clinic, tailor’s shop and listener suite where prisoners could drop in, while at the Village Hall there were quizzes, darts, carpet bowls and music. Those prisoners who were isolated were supported to get involved and there was a specialist unit being developed for prisoners with neurodiverse needs. Staff at Haverigg worked hard to reduce the risk of those men in their care. At the excellent offender management unit (OMU) prisoners were supported in addressing their offending and planning for the future while officers had some training to help them to understand the risk posed by these prisoners and they were aware of where to take any concerns. It was an absolute pleasure to visit this safe, decent and effective prison and I have no doubt that with the current staff and leadership team Haverigg is a jail that will continue to flourish. I hope leaders from other prisons take the trouble to visit and learn from the many achievements we describe in this report. Charlie Taylor HM Chief Inspector of Prisons July 2025 Report on an unannounced inspection of HMP Haverigg
4.1 Reception and induction The number of prisoners remained above 90% of operational capacity, with 380 receptions and 295 discharges during the reporting year. Interviews held with new arrivals identify risks, including self-harm and significant dates when prisoners may be especially vulnerable. Observation by the Board of the work of the reception and induction orderlies (trusted prisoners who take on work to provide services that contribute to the running of the prison), together with the discussions at the weekly safety intervention meeting (SIM), confirmed that prisoners on transfer are well supported. Accommodation in the first night centre (FNC) enables close observation during a time when, the Board is aware, that prisoners are at their most vulnerable during transfer between prisons. The FNC residence (R1) most closely resembles a closed prison and was selected to ease the transfer of prisoners from the closed estate. The Deputy Governor meets all new arrivals, both to welcome them and to set expectations about their behaviour and progress at Haverigg. The needs of those with physical and mental health issues are usually identified during reception to the prison. Prisoners with neurodiversity diagnoses or traits are typically seen by the neurodiversity support manager soon after arrival. 4.2 Suicide and self-harm, deaths in custody A total of 23 assessment, care in custody and teamwork (ACCT) plans (used to support prisoners who are at risk of self-harm and [...]
5.1 Accommodation, clothing, food From our observations, efforts continued to improve facilities and the overall environment, often with prisoners leading or actively involved in much of the work. Work on a new accommodation facility was completed, made up of 60 single- occupancy RDCs, many of which are designed for less able prisoners. Board members now routinely visit the new facility and feedback from prisoners occupying the residences has been universally positive. Work has started on the long-awaited fire safety improvement plan which, at the time of writing, in January 2026, is in its inspection and assessment survey phase, with an expected completion date of March 2026. The survey will lead to a report for Ministry of Justice, setting out what is needed to bring the prison up to an acceptable level of fire safety. Pending funding approval, substantive work is expected to continue for about three years. In the meantime, false fire alarms and system faults continue to be reported and responded to daily. At the time of writing, a temporary kitchen is in place, having been installed in September. This allows for improvements and upgrades to the main kitchen facility and equipment. It is expected that work will be completed over the coming months. In the meantime, our observations have found no evidence of a deterioration in service or food quality. The Board received no applications concerning food or the kitchens. Prisoners occasionally tell Board members of their [...]
National education budget cuts affected Haverigg, like many other prisons, with some courses lost and staffing levels reduced. However, the Board commends the pragmatic approach taken by the prison in reshaping the delivery model to minimise the effect of the cuts and still retain a broad and balanced curriculum to support prisoners’ development and rehabilitation. At the time of writing, in January 2026, staff recruitment and vetting for some prison employed instructor positions was ongoing. The loss of equine therapy courses was particularly felt, as they not only offered a recognised qualification but also provided many prisoners with therapeutic benefits through their involvement with the horses. Horses are still kept on the prison grounds and looked after by the farm team, and the Board would support reintroduction of the equine therapy course as soon as possible. From our observations, the library continued to provide a comprehensive service to prisoners. A practice driving theory simulator was used by over 230 prisoners, with the main theory tests being taken by prisoners when on ROTL. A bi-monthly quiz appeared to be well supported by an average of 50 prisoners each time. ‘Celebrating success’ events, held every three months in the prison, involved, on the last occasion,158 prisoners who had achieved a formal education qualification. An employment fair was attended by over 200 prisoners and six businesses that had expressed an interest in working with the prison. [...]
Over 95% of the population at Haverigg are PCoSO prisoners. A total of 49 prisoners are serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences (these have no fixed end date, with release decided by the Parole Board), and the Board understands that they have all been in custody for longer than the minimum tariff given at the time of sentencing. An ‘IPP in focus’ week was held, during which staff were able to access online training sessions to better understand the needs of this cohort of prisoners, especially in relation to progression, support and transition into the community. There was an increase in the number of prisoners with more than seven years left to serve, which led to more ROTL applications being refused. The Governor has stated that ROTL must be for ‘purposeful’ activity and not necessarily for long periods, except for reasons of employment and family ties. POMs structured prisoners’ expectations and although ROTL is not the main priority for those with long sentences still to serve, the Board continued to hear concerns from prisoners about the ROTL assessment process. More than 80% of prisoners were assessed as posing high or very high risk and were kept under close review by POMs and COMS (community offender managers). 15 Risk management and release-planning meetings, which the Board occasionally observed, assessed any change in behaviour or circumstances that may trigger a temporary or permanent change in risk level. This could include, for example, a [...]
Situated near Millom in Cumbria, and one of the more remote establishments in the English prison system, HMP Haverigg is a sprawling former RAF station that had been a category C training prison since 1967. A prison with a troubled history and one that has been the subject of much criticism from the Inspectorate in recent years, particularly in relation to safety and control, significant change was introduced in late 2019 when HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), greatly influenced by a respected former governor, re- designated Haverigg as an open prison. This, however, unfortunately coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The prison’s response to the pandemic, while maintaining the momentum behind the transition, has therefore been the main strategic challenge for the establishment over the last 16 months. It is greatly to the credit of the acting governor, her management team and the staff and prisoners of Haverigg, that they have progressed so well. Capable of holding about 480 prisoners, there were just 310 in residence during our inspection. Representing a reasonably mature age profile, most prisoners had been convicted of a sexual offence, and meeting the needs of this type of prisoner had been quickly established as the new purpose and specialism of the prison. Haverigg had made a very impressive start and at this inspection we found that outcomes for prisoners were at least reasonably good against all our tests of a healthy prison, and in safety we judged them to be ‘good’. Much of this success was predicated on good staff-prisoner relationships, a traditional strength at Haverigg, with prisoners in our survey being very positive about their experiences in the prison. Staff in turn seemed to us to be greatly relieved that the prison had gained for itself a new lease of life, one that they were embracing, although some expressed anxiety about the need to gain the new skills required for working with the particular type of prisoner now held at Haverigg. Data and outcomes confirmed to us that the prison was very safe and we noted a general sense of well-being. We inspected as the prison was emerging from inevitable restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but found prisoners had very good access to the prison grounds and that nearly everyone was involved in some kind of purposeful work or education. We were similarly encouraged by the way the prison was sustaining its approach to sentence management, critical risk of harm reduction work and rehabilitative services. As the prison settles into its new role, these services will take on even greater significance. Another striking observation of ours was the prison’s sense of confidence and self-reliance. Solutions were being sought to problems as they emerged, with this perhaps best exemplified by the way the prison, using prisoner labour, had organised the removal of the now superfluous security fencing, as well as other restrictions. This was not an insignificant task. A workshop had even been created to make use of the reclaimed steel. Similarly, the prison’s extensive grounds were being developed and opened for prisoner access rather than being cordoned off. More, of course, remained to be done. Some governance arrangements needed to be tightened up and while prisoners mitigated the worst impact, many accommodation facilities required investment and renewal. The challenge of ensuring a safe but accessible offer of temporary release also needed to be met. These issues, which are supported by our recommendations, do not, however, detract from our encouraging findings. Haverigg is fast becoming a very capable establishment and is progressing to a point where it soon may well be one of the better open prisons in the estate. Charlie Taylor HM Chief Inspector of Prisons June 2021
How many of our profile fields are populated. We surface this so families and researchers know the limits.
Under CC-BY-4.0. Include the URL and access date; the site is a living reference and entries can change.
World Prisons. (2026). HMP Haverigg. Retrieved July 21, 2026, from https://worldprisons.com/prisons/hmp-haverigg
"HMP Haverigg." World Prisons. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://worldprisons.com/prisons/hmp-haverigg.
@misc{worldprisons-hmp-haverigg,
author = {{World Prisons}},
title = {HMP Haverigg},
year = {2026},
url = {https://worldprisons.com/prisons/hmp-haverigg},
urldate = {2026-07-21}
}