A newly published inspection report has commended Magilligan Prison for delivering strong rehabilitative outcomes and fostering a positive environment for those in its care.

The report, released on 26 March 2026, follows a joint inspection by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons in England and Wales, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority, and the Education and Training Inspectorate. It highlights significant progress since the prison's last inspection in 2021, noting improved outcomes for prisoners and a culture built on trust and support.

Inspectors found evidence of strong staff-prisoner relationships, with lower levels of violence and use of force compared to similar prisons in England and Wales. Overall performance was rated “good” across key areas including safety, respect, purposeful activity and preparation for release.

"It was a pleasure to inspect this well-run medium to low security prison which is now considered one of the very best prisons in the United Kingdom (UK). Outcomes for the men held at Magilligan Prison had improved since our last inspection in 2021 and were assessed as ‘good’ against each of the four healthy prison tests of safety, respect, purposeful activity and preparation for release," said Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, and Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons in England and Wales.

The report identified 19 examples of notable positive practice that could be adopted elsewhere, while noting that 22 of 30 previous recommendations had been achieved or partially achieved.

Inspectors emphasised the importance of staff engagement with prisoners, describing tailored support as central to the prison's success.

"Staff knew the men in their care and were able to offer bespoke support to individual prisoners. These positive relationships underpinned much of the good work the Inspection Team saw and contributed to the low level of violence and use of force compared to other similar prisons in England and Wales," she said.

Prisoners were also found to spend significant time out of their cells, with most unlocked for between eight and ten hours daily and actively participating in education, work or enrichment programmes.

"Time out-of-cell was also found to be among the best Inspectors had seen in recent years with prisoners unlocked for between eight to 10 hours each day, and only a few prisoners not involved in education, skills, work or the enrichment activities available," added Mr Taylor.

Education provision, delivered by North West Regional College, was described as generally good, with improved attainment levels. Inspectors also highlighted effective literacy support through mentoring programmes. Healthcare services were praised for recent developments, including the introduction of a shared digital healthcare record and specialist support for neurodivergent prisoners. Despite the positive findings, inspectors identified several areas requiring attention, including drug misuse within the prison. Survey results indicated that 23% of prisoners reported developing a drug problem while at Magilligan.

"While we welcome these encouraging findings, Inspectors also identified four priority and seven key concerns that require action by the prison's leadership team and management to ensure future positive outcomes for prisoners," said the Chief Inspectors.

"The misuse of drugs by prisoners including prescription medication, irrespective of who prescribed it or how it has got into the possession of a prisoner who should not be taking it, is a threat to the prison’s stability. Weaknesses in the local drugs strategy need to be addressed to enable a more effective response to achieve equitable health outcomes, with services provided that reflect the concentration of need in this prison population," said Ms Durkin.

"While we acknowledge the steps being taken to prevent drugs entering the prison, inadequate funding and lengthy waiting lists for substance misuse and addiction services is contributing to the likelihood of prisoners resorting to illegitimate drug use to manage their addictions within the prison," she said.

The report also raised concerns about infrastructure, noting that some facilities still rely on outdated buildings.

"Inspectors recognise the work prisoners and staff have undertaken to maintain standards, however Magilligan still relies on Second Word War Nissen huts to accommodate workshops and other old buildings," said Mr Taylor.

Inspectors called for increased access to offending behaviour programmes, improved use of data to monitor progress, and greater collaboration to develop employment pathways for prisoners upon release.

The report highlighted the prison’s focus on rehabilitation and maintaining family connections, with survey responses indicating that 72% of prisoners felt their experience at Magilligan had reduced their likelihood of reoffending.

"There was a strong emphasis on delivering a full consistent regime for the men held at Magilligan and offering progression through the prison that recognised and rewarded positive behaviour. Prisoners were supported to maintain and develop family ties and friendships that would assist their resettlement journey and it was encouraging that 72% of men who responded to our survey said their experiences at Magilligan Prison had made them less likely to offend in the future," said Ms Durkin.

"This is a very positive report and one that the leadership and staff team at Magilligan Prison can be rightly proud of. The NIPS, SEHSCT and NWRC have developed a committed and capable team who worked with partners and prisoners to create a positive culture characterised by trust, collaboration and care.

"We hope they will collectively maintain and continue to build on the inspection findings by addressing the concerns identified to further improve outcomes for the men held there," concluded the Chief Inspectors.