HMP Woodhill

Role and population

In shortWoodhill is a category B training prison in the long-term high-security estate, with a close supervision centre.

• Operational capacity586Ministry of Justice August 2026 bulletin; 566 held on 24 August 2026
• Held (March 2026)527At the inspection; about 90% presenting a high risk of harm to others and most serving long sentences
• BAME prisoners48%About 36 new receptions and 11 releases a month
• Support needs160Receiving substance misuse support; 80 referred each month for mental health assessment

HMIP records that Woodhill opened in the 1990s (the IMB says 1992) and is a category B training prison within the long-term high-security estate in Milton Keynes. It predominantly holds category B men but also has specialised units, including a close supervision centre (CSC).

HMPPS's page describes it as a men's high security prison and young offender institution. The IMB adds that all cells are single occupancy with in-cell phones.

The IMB notes that two house units were closed at the start of its 2024-25 year as part of the 2023 Urgent Notification response, and that all were open by the end of it.

March 2026 inspection and second Urgent Notification

In shortThree of four tests were poor, even worse than in 2023, and the Chief Inspector invoked a second Urgent Notification.

• SafetyPoor
• RespectNot sufficiently good
• Purposeful activityPoor
• Preparation for releasePoor

HMIP's unannounced inspection ran from 2 to 12 March 2026 and the report was published on 9 June 2026. The Chief Inspector invoked the Urgent Notification process on 17 March 2026, the second for Woodhill, and described a prison that was a cause for deep concern.

Inspectors identified 16 key concerns, seven of them priorities, and Ofsted rated education, skills and work 'inadequate'.

Staff experience, supervision and relationships

In shortToo many staff lacked confidence to set boundaries, and many officers were inexperienced, with HMPPS recording 323 FTE against a target of 387.

• Officers in post323 FTEBand 3 to 5 staffing against a target of 387 at 30 June 2026
• Under one year's service45%At the start of the IMB year; 57% under two years'

HMIP found that too many staff lacked the confidence or competence to set boundaries, challenge poor behaviour or engage prisoners constructively; the survey showed 59% of prisoners said most staff treated them with respect, and under 10% of planned key worker sessions were recorded as completed.

Leaders were addressing the shortfall of officers, with new recruits and some transfers from other prisons due, and the governor was acting to reduce the proportion of officers unavailable for operational duties. A consultant was working with leaders on team working, and new supervising officers were being given time to shadow experienced colleagues.

• The IMB's 2024-25 report (1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025, published October 2025) said increased officer numbers and fewer cross-deployed officers had improved the regime, but that many officers were inexperienced.
• It identified a critical shortage of custodial managers and supervising officers.
• A high number of officers left in their first two years, prompting local retention initiatives.

Signs of improvement inspectors recorded

In shortA new governor, falling protest behaviours and strong health care were early signs of stability.

• Malicious fire alarmsOver 900 to around 300Protest behaviours were falling; cell fires had halved
• HMPPS rating50.2%2025/26 performance rating: 'performance of serious concern'

Alongside the concerns, inspectors recorded some early stability. A new governor had been in post since September 2025, supported by a new deputy, and staff spoke positively about the new leadership style.

The one example of notable positive practice was the use of in-cell laptops to give prisoners recorded messages from leaders, videos and podcasts.

The IMB also highlighted the peace promoters (prisoners trained in mediation), a peer scheme HMIP's July 2024 review had called notable good practice, and said chaplaincy services were highly regarded by prisoners and officers.

• A new enhanced wing had been introduced.
• Health care was described as a strength with experienced, visible clinical leaders.
• Prisoners spoke positively about staff on the induction unit, and reception staff were friendly.
• Our category A prisons guide and category explainer explain the high security context.

Working here: vetting, supplement and travel

In shortEnhanced vetting is required and a £3,500 a year market supplement, tied for the highest in this group, is listed as at 3 October 2026.

HMPPS's recruitment page for Woodhill says officers must complete enhanced pre-employment checks and hold Counter Terrorism Check security clearance, for which candidates must have lived in the UK for the last three years.

It describes the prison as a long-term high-security prison near Milton Keynes and Bletchley that accommodates up to 500 men convicted of serious offences.

Woodhill is listed on the HMPPS market supplement tables with £3,500 a year as at 3 October 2026, tied for the highest in this group, non-pensionable and not guaranteed beyond March 2027. See our market supplements guide and pay page.