A fifth of the prisoners at La Moye last year were either facing homelessness upon their release or only had access to temporary accommodation, according to a newly released report.
The statistics were documented within the Independent Prison Monitoring Board’s latest annual report, which included an analysis of how Jersey prisoners are prepared and equipped prior to their release into the community.
Areas of focus included employment, education and training, health, finances and accommodation, among others.
All prisoners facing homelessness were supported by the prison’s reintegration team and were referred to the Housing Advisory Service and local homeless accommodation providers
IPMB Annual report for 2025
The board noted that, in 2025, 80% of prisoners had access to settled accommodation upon release.
A total of 6% had transient or temporary accommodation, and 14% were classed as facing homelessness upon release.
The report added: “All prisoners facing homelessness were supported by the prison’s reintegration team and were referred to the Housing Advisory Service and local homeless accommodation providers.”
The board also noted challenges around education, where both prisoners and staff had reported decreased opportunities.
The report highlighted that this was “reflected in education staffing”, where the once five-strong team of teachers had nearly halved to 2.84 full-time-equivalent roles in the last six years.
“This is against the backdrop of an increasing prison population,” the report continued. “Long-term staff absence has also impacted in 2025.”
Additionally, the board cited a separate report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons published in February 2025 following an inspection in 2024.
It noted that “purposeful activity was not effective in preparing prisoners for release.
“Many of the work opportunities were of poor quality, and there was insufficient accredited training.
“Most of the education courses only provided opportunities for low-level achievement.”
I and my team at the States of Jersey Prison Service are committed to considering, and if needed, addressing any issues raised, while continuing to strengthen the positive aspects of our work
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat
But the report also pointed out that: “In 2024, La Moye reintroduced the release on temporary licence scheme, meaning eligible prisoners who had served half their sentence but could not find accommodation could work in the community whilst still residing in the prison.”
The board acknowledged that education was “a key area” of focus in 2025, citing “long-term staff absence” that meant the prison was without a teacher for several months.
It also outlined areas for improvement within health, with the board explaining that all prisoners on medication should be released from La Moye with a prescription for seven days that they can collect at a pharmacy of their choice.
“We understand from a monitoring visit that this does not always happen and in some cases, prisoners can unintentionally leave without their medication, meaning they can go days without a prescription until the issue is resolved,” it added.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said that the report would be carefully considered and that her department was “grateful” to the board for “the ongoing role they play in ensuring the welfare of prisoners in Jersey”.
“I and my team at the States of Jersey Prison Service are committed to considering, and if needed, addressing any issues raised, while continuing to strengthen the positive aspects of our work,” the minister continued.
“By their nature, prisons house a complex and diverse population; colleagues must work with individuals with different needs. Highly skilled, highly trained staff ensure that the needs of prisoners are met.”
Deputy Le Hegarat cited the prison’s “strong focus” on family contact, education and work, stating that it is “committed to holding prisoners securely, with a continued focus on rehabilitation, supporting them to move back into the community, and releasing them safely, on behalf of islanders”.
“This is achieved through a whole-prison approach with strong input from partner agencies and the community,” she added.
“I thank everyone who is part of the prison service and the colleagues they work with for all their continued commitment and service.”