Close management is needed

Anne Owers' comments follow an unannounced inspection at HMP Manchester in July.

She said the prison offered some of the best activities and resettlement work opportunities.

But she warns close management is needed to maintain that in the face of a growing population.

Address weaknesses

"Manchester offered more, and better quality, purposeful activity and resettlement work than almost any other local prison we have inspected, indeed, better than many training prisons," she said.

"Resettlement was delivered through admirable partnership arrangements, with a number of agencies offering housing, employment and advice services within the prison, and strong links with statutory agencies to support prisoners on release."

But she said some "weaknesses" still needed to be looked at.

She highlighted safer custody procedures, particularly anti-bullying, which were not being tackled systematically and staff needed to engage more positively with prisoners who were out of their cells.

'Improved establishment'

Healthcare had reportedly deteriorated to unacceptable levels and mental health support was a concern.

Other concerns included black and minority ethnic prisoners reporting lower levels of safety and higher levels of victimisation by fellow prisoners than white prisoners.

Phil Wheatley, director general of the Prison Service, said: "I am pleased the chief inspector recognises both the achievements of Manchester Prison and the very real pressures that local prisons work under.

"I agree it is a much improved establishment that continues to progress.

"The particular praise for education and resettlement are testament to the good work which can be done even in a local prison.

"The areas where improvement is needed will be a key focus for the governor and his staff."