HMP Haverigg

From RAF station to open prison

In shortHaverigg is Cumbria’s only prison, opened in 1967 on a former RAF station and re-categorised as a category D open prison in December 2019.

The IMB notes the site sits within a 4.5-mile perimeter, exposed to strong sea winds. It says Haverigg is now a national resource used mainly, though not exclusively, for people convicted of sexual offences.

Who is held and how the site works

In shortAbout 490 men, almost all convicted of sexual offences, in house blocks and billets, with capacity now 544.

• Held, March-April 2025490Operational capacity 499
• Convicted of sexual offences95%
• On IPP / life sentences47 / 3710% and 8% of the population
• Operational capacity, August 2026544HMPPS figures; reflects newer accommodation

Around half of the men were approved for release on temporary licence (ROTL). The August 2026 capacity reflects the newer accommodation described below.

• A mix of purpose-built house blocks and billets of 16 to 18 cells, some with kitchen and dining areas.
• Specialised disability accommodation and a developing unit for the Offender Personality Disorder pathway.
• HMIP noted that, unlike many prisons, there was an expectation that all the men keep the place clean rather than employing wing cleaners.
• The Hive (a coffee shop, health clinic, tailor’s shop and listener suite) and the Village Hall offer free drop-in activity.

What inspectors found in 2025

In shortGood in all four healthy-prison tests, with no priority concerns, and praise from the Chief Inspector.

• SafetyGood
• RespectGood
• Purposeful activityGood
• Preparation for releaseGood

HMIP’s unannounced inspection ran from 31 March to 10 April 2025 and the report was published on 15 July 2025. The Chief Inspector called it ‘one of the most impressive jails in the country’ under an experienced governor and a ‘highly capable’ deputy, and asked other prisons’ leaders to visit and learn from it.

Violence was very low (three recorded incidents in 12 months and no assaults on staff), and only 6% of prisoners released in the past year had been recalled. Of the previous report’s recommendations, 19 of 20 about key concerns had been achieved.

Staff, relationships and working culture

In shortRelationships were rated good, with strong line management and staff well-being support.

• Said staff treated them with respect94%Better than at other open prisons
• Staff they could turn to91%
• Can talk to managers or governor74%Against 50% in other open prisons
• Personal officer meetingsEvery 6 weeksDesignated officer known locally as ‘LINK’

Residential officers showed good knowledge of the men on their units. Inspectors said middle managers gave very good line management and well-being support, and leaders prioritised staff development, including ‘bite-size’ training.

Officers had received some training in understanding the risks posed by the men in their care and knew where to take concerns.

Jobs, farms and the local community

In shortA curriculum built around employability, with farm work and a more accepting local community.

Because people convicted of sexual offences face limited job options on release, Haverigg built its curriculum around employability. HMIP reported some of the highest numbers of men in employment six months after release, with a small but growing network of local employers for ROTL work.

• Prisoners work in extensive farms and gardens that supply a good proportion of the prison’s food.
• A smokery, and shops selling coffee and farm produce outside the gate.
• Leaders had worked to address local concerns: the Inspectorate said the local population had become much more accepting.
• Regular litter picks, and prisoners helping with gardening and maintenance jobs in nearby villages.

Expansion and recent developments

In shortSixty new Rapid Deployment Cells allowed a 12% rise in the population, while budget cuts removed some courses.

• Rapid Deployment Cells60Modular units built off site; under construction as R4 at inspection
• Population increase12%Allowed by the new accommodation (IMB)
• Roll, January 2026521

The IMB’s 2024-25 report, covering the year to January 2026, says new accommodation and support facilities incorporating the 60 cells were introduced, and that a long-awaited fire safety improvement programme had begun.

• National education budget cuts removed some courses and staff posts; the loss of equine therapy was particularly felt.
• More prisoners arriving with over seven years left to serve who are not ready for ROTL.
• A rise in finds of illicit items, particularly mobile phones.
• The IMB judged health care good for an ageing cohort with complex needs.

Working at Haverigg

In shortOn the national Band 3 pay scale with no market supplement listed as at 3 October 2026, in a remote location.

Haverigg is on the national Band 3 pay scale with no market supplement listed on the HMPPS pay page as at 3 October 2026; see our pay hub and prison officer pay bands guide for the 2026/27 figures.

• GOV.UK gives Millom, about three miles away, as the nearest railway station, and the IMB describes the prison as some distance from mainline rail and major roads.
• We found no establishment-specific recruitment page for Haverigg on the Prison and Probation Jobs site.
• Becoming a prison officer covers how to apply.