HMP The Verne

Portland, Dorset

Contact: Jackie Thomas
Phone: 07785 280627

The Verne is a category C training prison for adult males. The original buildings date from 1873 when it was built as a citadel fortress. In 1949 it was taken over as a prison using the casemates in the citadel defences for accommodation and workshops. In the early 1970’s accommodation blocks were built on the central parade ground.

There are 584 prisoners at The Verne including approximately 300 foreign prisoners and 50 life sentence prisoners. The Verne accepts prisoners considered suitable for its open regime especially those serving longer sentences. The prison acts as a national resource for holding foreign national prisoners and currently holds inmates from more than 50 countries. The average length of stay (excluding lifers) is 8 months.

As a training prison there are extensive vocational training and industrial workshops, some offering NVQs. The education department is a well resourced unit and the programme includes all core curriculum subjects. In addition there is a business start up course and a range of English as a Foreign Language classes. Up to 10 inmates are pursuing Open University degree courses and some are studying subjects through accredited correspondence courses. Attendance on education is offered as full-time, part-time release from workshops and evening classes. Much of the basic skills teaching is embedded throughout prison work parties. A range of new courses will be introduced from August 2005 including wider key skills, customer service, painting and decorating, food hygiene, 3D design and technology and Access to HE. 50% of prisoners require drug rehabilitation treatment, 20% ESOL and 64% basic skills training.