Book a visit to prison

You will need to book a visit if you want to see someone in prison. You can book online to arrange an in person visit or a virtual visit with a prisoner or you can telephone the prison Visits Booking Office.

If you haven't visited a prison before you will need to phone to book your visit. You will be provided with your unique visitor identification number. Once  you have this you can start to book online.

Booking online

To book online for an in person visit or a virtual visit you will need:  

  • to have previously booked a visit
  • the visit reference number for the prisoner
  • the prisoner's number
  • your unique visitor identification number
  • your date of birth
  • your e-mail address and contact number
  • the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors (not needed for a virtual visit)

If you do not have these details, you should phone the relevant booking office.

Booking by telephone

To book a visit by telephone you will need:

  • the visit reference number for the prisoner 
  • the unique visitor identification number and dates of birth for all additional visitors

If you don't have a unique visitor identification number, you can get one from the booking office which you can use for future visits.

If the person you are visiting has just arrived in prison you will need to ring the booking office and they can arrange a visit.

Virtual visits

A virtual visit can last up to 20 minutes. The visitor can use a personal computer, mobile device or smartphone to have this meeting with the prisoner.

All virtual visits are supervised, if NIPS become aware of any behaviour, language or actions which are considered inappropriate, this will result in the visit ending early and possible removal of the facility in the future.

  • Guide to arranging an online visit
  • Privacy notice  explaining your rights to privacy when you arrange an online visit

Registering for visits

All visitors need to be registered in the prison they are visiting. When you arrive at Visits Reception you need to be photographed, have a scan taken of your finger and you should bring identification.

  • more information about registering for visits

Bringing proof of identification to prison

When you first visit someone in prison, you will need to be registered on the prison system as a visitor. You will need to bring proof of identification with you when you are being registered.

  • more information about the types of identification needed

Useful links

  • Visiting someone in prison

Translation help

Help improve this page - send your feedback.

You will not receive a reply. We will consider your feedback to help improve the site. Don't include any personal or financial information, for example National Insurance, credit card numbers, or phone numbers.

What to do next

Comments or queries about angling can be emailed to [email protected] 

If you have a comment or query about benefits, you will need to contact the government department or agency which handles that benefit.  Contacts for common benefits are listed below.

Carer's Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912 Email  [email protected]

Discretionary support / Short-term benefit advance

Call 0800 587 2750  Email  [email protected]

Disability Living Allowance

Call 0800 587 0912  Email [email protected]

Employment and Support Allowance

Call 0800 587 1377

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Contact your local Jobs & Benefits office

Personal Independence Payment

Call 0800 587 0932

If your query is about another benefit, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

Comments or queries about the Blue Badge scheme can be emailed to [email protected] or you can also call 0300 200 7818.

For queries or advice about careers, contact the Careers Service .

For queries or advice about Child Maintenance, contact the Child Maintenance Service .

For queries or advice about claiming compensation due to a road problem, contact DFI Roads claim unit .

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for in the  Coronavirus (COVID-19) section , then for queries about:

  • Restrictions or regulations —  contact the Department of Health
  • Travel advice (including self-isolation) —  contact the Department of Health
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations — contact the  Department of Health  or  Public Health Agency

If your query is about another topic, select ‘Other’ from the drop-down menu above.

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] and for queries about your certificate, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about criminal record checks, email [email protected]

Application and payment queries can be emailed to  [email protected]

For queries or advice about employment rights, contact the Labour Relations Agency .

For queries or advice about birth, death, marriage and civil partnership certificates and research, contact the General Register Office Northern Ireland (GRONI) by email  [email protected]

For queries about the High Street Spend Local Scheme,  email  [email protected] .

For queries about:

  • Car tax, vehicle registration and SORN contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Swansea  
  • Driver licensing and tests, MOT and vehicle testing contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA), Northern Ireland

For queries about your identity check, email [email protected] .

For queries or advice about passports, contact  HM Passport Office .

For queries or advice about Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), including parking tickets and bus lane PCNs, email  [email protected]

For queries or advice about pensions, contact the  Northern Ireland Pension Centre .

If you wish to report a problem with a road or street you can do so online in this section .

If you wish to check on a problem or fault you have already reported, contact DfI Roads .

For queries or advice about historical, social or cultural records relating to Northern Ireland, use the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) enquiry service .

For queries or advice about rates, email [email protected]

For queries or advice about  60+ and Senior Citizen SmartPasses (which can be used to get concessionary travel on public transport), contact  Smartpass - Translink .

If you have a question about a government service or policy, you should contact the relevant government organisation directly .  We don't have access to information about you.

Blog Government Digital Service

https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2014/09/15/you-can-now-book-a-prison-visit-online/

You can now book a prison visit online

You can now book a prison visit online

Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again.

Now you can book a visit online . It takes about 5 minutes. Before, picking an available date was pot luck. Now there's a date-picker that lets you select 3 possible slots instead of 1. It’s a straight-forward service with user-needs at its heart but, if you get stuck, you can call the prison's visits booking line and someone will help you with the booking.

Here's a very short film we've made about it:

By making it easier to book visits, prisoners will see more of their friends and family. Evidence suggests this will help their rehabilitation. Transformation isn't just about websites.

The service was built by the Ministry of Justice, with a combined team from the National Offender Management Service, HM Prison Service and MoJ Digital Services.

For more of the story behind this service, read Mike Bracken's account of his trip to HMP Rochester or check out the service’s transformation page .

Join the conversation on Twitter , and don't forget to sign up for email alerts .

You may also be interested in:

  • Prison visit booking: using digital analytics to inform alpha development
  • Making prison visits easier to book
  • Meet the Transformation team

Sharing and comments

Share this page, 20 comments.

Comment by Pauline posted on 23 August 2015

How do you find out the prisoners number??? so you can go ahead with online booking of a visit?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 24 August 2015

You can find a prisoner using this service: https://www.gov.uk/find-prisoner However it will be the prisoner's responsibility to get in touch with you to let you know their prison number etc.

Comment by linda posted on 15 August 2015

This service does not appear to work this is day 2 trying to use it

Comment by Olivia posted on 30 July 2015

Hi, If a visit is booked and someone cant make it, is it possible to change the name of one of the people to someone else?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 30 July 2015

It's best to contact the prison directly if this happens. You can find contact details here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Thanks, Louise

Comment by Paige posted on 28 July 2015

Hi my partner was sent to nottingham today, I was on his previous list 4 months ago for a visit. Will that still be on the system all will it have to he put through again if so how long does it take to be approved for a visit? Thanks Paige.

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 29 July 2015

You might want to get in touch with the prison first before booking a visit. You can find the contact details of the prison here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/contacts/prison-finder

Comment by Debs posted on 27 July 2015

Hello Is there a list of prisons where online booking can't be used?

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 28 July 2015

According to the information on this page: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits , you can arrange a visit to any prison in England and Wales through this service. If you're visiting someone in Northern Ireland or Scotland you'll need to contact the prison directly.

This link also lists the type of visits that are not covered by the online service: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits so you need to get in touch with the prison directly.

Hope that's helpful.

Comment by c.steer posted on 26 July 2015

So how do I find the booking form to fill in I am new to computers

Comment by Louise Duffy posted on 27 July 2015

Here's the link to the booking form: https://www.gov.uk/prison-visits

You'll need this information to complete the form:

prisoner number prisoner’s date of birth dates of birth for all visitors coming with you make sure the person you’re visiting has added you to their visitor list

Hope that's useful.

Comment by Shawnaa posted on 09 May 2015

i have a visit booked which i did online but i do not have a visiting order woll the prison let me in?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 11 May 2015

Your identity will be checked on arrival to make sure you’re on the visitor list.

Comment by jessicca posted on 27 January 2015

What happens after you book the visit and its confirmed by email do you need the visiting order ?

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 29 January 2015

The Visiting Order (VO) number is generated by the booking system, it is included in your confirmation email and you will need this to change or cancel a booking.

However, if you're visiting a prison the guidance is that you only need your ID, not the VO number. If when you visit the prison you are asked for the VO number you should report this via the Contact Us link on the Prison Visits Booking form.

I hope that helps.

Comment by Ilysa Mcnally posted on 18 November 2014

How late in advance can I book e.g. book a visit today (Tuesday) for the Sunday coming???

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 19 November 2014

Hi Ilysa. Thanks for your question. A visit needs to be booked 3 working days in advance. So in this case, the visit request would have to be no later than Tuesday to allow for a visit on Sunday.

Comment by carole posted on 23 October 2014

How far in advance can you book visits

Comment by Carrie Barclay posted on 23 October 2014

Hi Carole. You can book up to 28 days in advance. Thanks for your question.

Comment by kimberly posted on 16 August 2015

does anyone know how to cancel a visit online?

Related content and links

Government digital service.

GDS is here to make digital government simpler, clearer and faster for everyone. Good digital services are better for users, and cheaper for the taxpayer.

Find out more .

Sign up and manage updates

Be part of the transformation.

The unit of delivery is the team

If you’re interested in joining us, check out all open opportunities on the GDS careers site.

  • GDS Podcasts

Recent Posts

  • How we’re using Webinars to demonstrate how quick and easy it is to use GOV.UK Forms 28 February 2024
  • How we are improving GOV.UK Pay with user satisfaction feedback 29 January 2024
  • How we migrated our PostgreSQL database with 11 seconds downtime 17 January 2024

Comments and moderation

Social media house rules.

Read our guidelines

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

dovegate prison book a visit

  • Crime, justice and the law
  • Prisons and probation

Visit someone in prison

Use this service to request a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales. There’s a different way to book a prison visit in Northern Ireland or a prison visit in Scotland .

To use this service you need the:

  • prisoner number
  • prisoner’s date of birth
  • dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

If you do not have the prisoner’s location or prisoner number, use the ‘Find a prisoner’ service .

You can choose up to 3 dates and times you prefer. The prison will email you to confirm when you can visit.

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can request a visit. This can take up to 2 weeks.

Request a prison visit

Visits you cannot book through this service.

Contact the prison directly if you need to arrange any of the following:

  • legal visits, for example legal professionals discussing the prisoner’s case
  • reception visits, for example the first visit to the prisoner within 72 hours of being admitted
  • double visits, for example visiting for 2 hours instead of 1
  • family day visits - special family events that the prison organises

Help with the costs of prison visits

You may be able to get help with the cost of prison visits if you’re getting certain benefits or have a health certificate.

Related content

Is this page useful.

  • Yes this page is useful
  • No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

  • The weekly online and monthly printed national newspaper for prisoners and detainees

Search articles and comments

Hmp dovegate.

  • Inside Time Reports
  • 13th December 2014
  • Male Cat. B , Prison Visit , West Midlands

Prison information

Address: HMP DOVEGATE Moreton Lane, Marchington Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8XR Switchboard: 01283 829400 Managed by: HMPPS Region: Staffordshire Category: Link to: https://www.serco.com/uk/sector-expertise/justice/hmp-dovegate

Description

HMP Dovegate is a Category B adult male facility near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Serco cares for up to 1060 male adult prisoners over the age of 21 serving a range of sentences including trial, remand, those awaiting sentence and convicted men serving long and short term sentences.

Visit Booking: Online

Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the:

  • prisoner number
  • prisoner’s date of birth
  • dates of birth for all visitors coming with you

The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit.

You’ll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days.

ID: Every visit

Children’s Visits:

Acceptable forms of ID

Search reports

IMB Reports

Prison Inspectorates Reports

Probation Service Reports

Prisons and Probations Ombudsman

Search the InsideTime library

Related posts

Hmp dovegate – therapeutic community (tc), rewarding dungeon, prisons: the good, the bad and the ugly, 89 staff dismissed for relationships, prisons stop photocopying mail, question in the house, un-christian cards, something missing or outdated.

If you have any information that you would like to be included or see anything that needs updating, contact Gary Bultitude at  [email protected]

Share this on:

dovegate prison book a visit

You might also enjoy...

  • Prison Visit
  • South Central

HMP WINCHESTER

3 thoughts on “ hmp dovegate ”.

please help us fight this injustice ipp is very wrong to take away a man or womans right to know when they are to be free most have done their time but still dont know when or if they can go home some day this surely is against their human rights give us as mothers and parteners some hope [pp was abolished yet our loved ones are forgotton we need to know when they are freed please help us fight this injustice in the law

I have been calling and been trying to email, the email is not going through.I want to know where is postal belonging to my brother, this is my right, there are not giving the answere. If the money is still there I need confirmation on email. So alternatively we can prossse the money to him in HIS current prison in Oakwood.

I am feeling frustrated as I have been trying to confirm a visit my son, the prisoner, booked having tried the website three times I have had no response despite asking for confirmation or otherwise of the visit. I have also ‘phoned thru out the day to be told the office is close, the queue is full and to try later and still had no response. My son will be disappointed not to have a visit and I cannot inform him. Is this common at Dovegate

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Conditions of acceptance of website comments

No products in the basket.

Dovegate Prison Information

  • Accommodation: The prison consists of multiple residential units with individual cells or shared accommodation for inmates. The cells are equipped with basic amenities, including beds, personal storage, and sanitation facilities.
  • Education and Vocational Training: Dovegate Prison offers educational programs to help inmates improve their literacy, numeracy, and other skills. Vocational training opportunities are provided to enhance employment prospects upon release.
  • Workshops and Employment: Inmates have access to workshops where they can engage in various activities such as woodworking, metalwork, and other vocational programs. These activities aim to develop skills and potential employment options within the prison.
  • Healthcare: Dovegate Prison has an on-site healthcare unit staffed with medical professionals who offer primary healthcare services to prisoners. Mental health support and substance abuse programs are also available.
  • Sports and Physical Activities: The prison promotes physical fitness and well-being by providing access to sports facilities and organized activities. These activities aim to develop teamwork, discipline, and positive lifestyle choices.
  • Family Contact: The prison recognizes the importance of maintaining family relationships and offers opportunities for visits and contact with family members, subject to specific guidelines and regulations.
  • Chaplaincy Services: Dovegate Prison has chaplains representing different faiths who offer religious support and guidance to prisoners.

Contact Information

Booking a visit to dovegate prison.

Prison Phone Calls

Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

  • Mon: 13:45 – 16:45
  • Wed: 09:00 – 12:00 (VP unit) & 13:45 – 16:45
  • Thu: 13:45 – 16:45 (VP unit)
  • Fri: 13:45 – 16:45
  • Sat: 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:00
  • Sun: 09:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:00
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Good Book of Prisons

What's good in prisons across England & Wales

The Butler Trust

The prisoners described a ‘good jail’ and the ‘safest’ any of them had been to. They praised peers & mentors including peer-led induction, a ‘first timers’ support network, ‘very effective’ VR reps (who formally mediate), the PAL advice line, ‘excellent’ healthcare champions, and Listeners for those with self-harm & mental health issues. Phones and Kiosks were highly valued, food was ‘good’ and visits were ‘brilliant’ (including availability of hot food, family visits, and chance to play with their children in the open air). They also rated prisoner consultation, including regular meetings with wing and senior managers.

The Officers said prisoner relations were ‘good’ and ‘informal’ (with first names used). They praised communications & consultation, inc the ‘highly visible’ Director’s ‘open door policy’, consultation breakfasts with staff (in their birthday month) and regular full staff briefings. They valued a strong culture of giving credit where due, which ‘shows you’re appreciated’, including managers regularly thanking staff, ‘thank yous’ in the weekly newsletter, and more formal staff recognition (Employee/Team of the month, and certificates of achievement). They also rated twice-yearly staff parties, and annual family day when friends and family can tour the jail and see where they work.

The managers highlighted a safe prison and ‘a culture of respect’ towards prisoners. Induction, VR reps, healthcare champions, family support (including family reps on wings & Storybook Dads), and phones & kiosks, were all positives , as was the ‘excellent’ resettlement work by the CRC, the ‘fantastic’ Recycling Lives charity, and the highly praised TC. Managers also valued an ‘open’, visible and supportive No. 1, and the ‘can do attitude’, and strong camaraderie & teamwork, among staff. They also rated staff communications and consultation, staff recognition, family days and social events for staff, and ‘family friendly’ shift patterns.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

dovegate prison book a visit

Butler Trust

The Butler Trust

www.butlertrust.org.uk

[email protected]

020 8688 6062

DoingTime,  a guide to prison and probation

HMP Dovegate, General Information

Dovegate opened in 2001. In September 2009, new accommodation was opened to increase capacity, with half the 260 spaces dedicated to local prisoner places. It is run by Serco. It is split into 2 units, the main prison housing 960 and the Therapeutic Community having a capacity of 200. The #1 governor is Andy Johnson, who has been in charge since December 2022.

A therapeutic community (TC) is where people choose to live together, support each other, challenge others and be challenged on all aspects of their offending. It aims to alter people’s way of thinking, enabling them to change their lives for the better. The TCs were run democratically, which meant that where possible all members of the community are involved in making decisions that affected the community. Prisoners were encouraged to playan active role in the community and a variety of roles and representative jobs were available. Communities were learning experiences and everything was designed to have therapeutic value and provide men with an opportunity to develop within a safe environment.

The prison is part of the West Midlands Region.

The accommodation in the main prison is:

  • A wing General wing
  • B wing General wing
  • C wing General wing
  • D wing General wing
  • E wing General wing
  • F wing General wing
  • G wing General wing
  • H wing General wing
  • J wing General wing
  • K wing Cellular confinement and accommodation for prisoners aged 50+
  • L wing General wing
  • M wing Integrated drug treatment system (IDTS) wing
  • N wing Remand prisoners
  • P wing Vulnerable prisoner unit

The Therapeutic Community is houses in 6 two-storey residential units: four hold 40 men and two hold 20. All cells are single occupancy with en-suite facilities.

Return to HMP Dovegate

Share this:

29 thoughts on “hmp dovegate, general information”.

How much money can I send to a prisoner a week, that’s on remand?

There are 2 answers to the question! You can send as much as you like ( common sense prevailing of course!) but the money will not all be made availabe for the prisoner to spend immediately. Money will be “transferrred” from the priosner’s holding account to the “private account” at various rates, depending on which prison your friend is in; so if for example you send £50, this could be made available for 5 weeks at £10 a week. If the prisoner is “working” in the prison their wages get added to the private account each week, ie if they are “paid” £20, they would get £20+£10=£30 added to their private account each week which they can spend.

My son has 19months left at dovegate he was a class c prisoner at previous 2 establishment but got dumped here when coming from court just as 1st lockdown came , hes done everything by book here yet they still seem to be victimising him ,.just had call he was down block last night as they saying he incited a fight ,he is admitting he didn’t know a thing ,then today gets told he got to be moved 5 of them to C wing or spend 14days block he went back to get his stuff to find tv,stereo n a box he made me smashed by officers, and told by officer to stop getting me calling priest but he appears the one that actually listens to us n prisoners without judging . Im angry

Hi, It would be worthwhile contacting the IMB at Dovegate, they are independent of the prison and will be able to investigate on your behalf if appropriate.

Be happy your son is in such an excellent prison. Try try Stoke heath in 1996 or hmp moorland in 2000. You lad is happy as Larry. Trust me, if he is moaning about dovegate then I reckon he might have learned his lesson. Imagine starting on basic and not being able to get off. Jail used to be like the police station with a gladiator school but now its a cakewalk.

MY partners been remanded in custody until Nov 22nd wen his plea hearing takes place. Iv not been told where/ how he is nor his prisoner number. Iv contacted the pc in charge of his case but she says its out of her jurisdiction and with the courts now, how can I find out?

Hi, Your first port of call should be his lawyers who will know where he was sent. If they can’t help contact the courts and they will be able to tell. If the courts won’t help you may be able to work it out, i.e. Nottingham Courts send remand prisoners (usually) to Nottingham Prison. If that fails try [email protected] , and that will find him, but its not nearly as quick a solution. Once you know where he is ring the prison reception and they may tell you his prison #, but its a bit pot luck as they may defer to data protection, ‘elf and safety, privacy etc etc! Remember that as a remand prisoner he is entitle to almost limitless visits, he will have been told this during his interview in reception at the prison, but stress make people forget things

Hi a friend of mine went into prison this Thursday I’m just wondering how long it takes to get your prison number

The issuing of prison number will have occurred almost immediately as part of his induction process> Your friend would have been photographed by the reception officers for his identity card and the number will be shown on that. If he has been to prison before, he will retain his “old” number.

My son will most likely start his sentence with you on P wing. He has never been to prison before. Please can you tell me what he can bring in with him ie electric shaver, radio headphones clothes etc Regards

Hi, Firstly please note that we have no connection with HMPS, we are an independent organisation just trying to give people unbiased and factual information.

The stark reality is that as a new prisoner your son will probably be instructed to wear prison issue clothing, and any clothing/items he brings in with him will be placed in stored property and he will ony be allowed access to these as he progresses thru the IEP ( incentive earned privelige) system. Any cash he has with him will be paid into his “private account” and drip fed weekly into his “spends account” so he can buy luxuries like phone credit,stamp or a decent toothbrush. The most important thing is to ensure he has written down the phone #’s and addresses of family/friends so that he can stay in contact. Nowadays all this information is stored on our phones so we don’t need to remember them, that doesn’t work in prison. There are various organisiations which allow you to email your son while he is in prison, and you can set up a phone link so he can call you without burning up his limited ( and expensive) phone credit. Details are available on the web site.

Above information is somewhat out of date and incorrect now.

G wing was made a General wing in July 2014.

H wing was made a General wing in September 2018.

P wing was made the Vulnerable Prisoners wing since September 2018.

Hi, Firstly please note that we have no connection with HMPS, we are an independent organisation just trying to give people unbiased and factual information. We appreciate the information, and we have updated the we site accordingly

Thanks again, and if you see anything else out of date (or just plain wrong!) please let us know

I believe at present (to the best of my knowledge):

G wing is a Long-term wing.

J wing is a Lifers wing.

L wing is a General wing (2 years and under, unemployed).

M wing is Integrated drug treatment system (IDTS) / Remand / Mental Health prisoners.

N wing is First Night Wing / Inductions / Remand.

Thank you for the information. We have contacted Dovegate for an update on who is housed in each wing

My son serving in hmp dovegate we rang to inform them to tell him his nanna had died ,it took 2days for them to tell him we arranged via them for him to watch her funeral service yesterday they had all info assured us it would happen, hes rang yesterday totally angry bitter as they cocked up FAILED TO get him to see it. I’ve wrote complaint and need who to send to as I will show them.up. like lads not told 10min free daily calls whilst banged up covid19.

Firstly please note that we have no connection with HMPS, we are an independent organisation just trying to give people unbiased and factual information. i am sorry for your loss. You could send your letter of compliant to the #1 governor, John Hewitson, or Sarah Tiffin if your son is in the Therapeutic Community unit. The address is available on our web site

How much money can a prisoner spend a week ?

It depends on how much money they have! Each prisoner has 2 accounts, “Private” and “Spends” Money you send into the prisoner will gp straight into his Private Account, and will be transfered weekly into his Spends Account. The amount transferred will depend on their status, Basic regime prisoners may only get £5 a week transfered, Super Enhanced £25 a week. Any money the prisoner earns from their prison “job” goes into their spends account weekly. When its in the Spends account the prisoner can spend all in 1 go if they like, either on phone credit, canteen or on catalogue shopping. The prison officers do monitor what is spent, so a diminuitave 5ft2″ prisoner ordering size 13 trainers will raise question as to whether the prisoner is buying on behalf of another (not allowed) or is being bullied/threatened etc

Who do I need to contact at hmp dovegate my son rang and left a message today It seems from his voice that he was under the influence of some drug Someone was telling him to put the phone down officer I presume and some other people were laughing As my son is in prison for drug related crime and also has mental health issues I worried as I didn’t expect him to be able to get drugs in prison and the time he spent in there would give him chance to get clean

Maureen, We are an independent web site, with no connection with Dovegate.

Regretably, I fear your concerns may be well founded as it is quite easy to get drugs while in prison. The staff do their utmost to shut off the supply routes but product is still brought in by those newly committed, visitors, drones and “throw-overs” and, on rare occassions, by corrupt prison employees. Dovegate do have “drug free wings” where all the inmates are, or are striving, to be drug free, and considerable help will be made available to your son to assist in breaking the habit, but the willpower to quit has to be his alone.

To allay your concerns call the prison, the main switchboard number is on the web site, and ask to speak to either the Duty Governor/Director or the Orderly Officer. They should be able to tell you what procedures are in place to address the problem.

Hi I had a call 2 weeks ago of a female prison officer and said my boyfriend xxxxx xxxxx would be contacting me shortly but haven’t heard anything of him and I’m really concerned could you please ask him to get in touch with me thanks, my mobile number 07984xxxxxx.

DoingTime has no contact with HMP Dovegate, we are an independent web site.

You could try calling the prison direct (the phone number is on our web site), but I suspect you will be told “we are not his secretarial service, if he wants to ring you he will ring you”. You may get as sympathetic officer, but I wouldn’t be holding my breathe. The quickest way to make contact with him is via email. Go to https://doingtime.co.uk/how-prisons-work/life-behind-the-wall-doingtime/post-and-phone/ and follow the links to the external company which provides this service, or rely on good old fashioned snail mail.

Sorry we can’t be more helpful

I’ve had the same last week and heard nothing back. Just wondering if you did call and they gave you any info or if it was just a waste of time

Is there a wing for young Adults with autism. My son will need a lot of Surport .

Susan, DoingTime is an independent web-site, with no formal connection with the prison service, but as far as we are aware there is no specific wing at Dovegate (or at any other prison) specifically for people on the autistic spectrum. If you are concerned I would suggest you contact HMP Dovegate direct, their number is 01283 829400. Dovegate does have a Therapeutic Community unit, so unlike some old fashioned prisons they are likely to, at worst, at least understand your concerns. Andy

I am worried my son as caught TB from somebody that was in contact with him at a nother prison before dovegate this person has been diagnosed with TB and the public health team from Hmp Hewell had rung the Hereford county hospital to inform them this and asked if my son could have a screening iv told the hospital my son is at Hmp dovegate and she as sent an email to tell them this I have told the health team about this at dovegate my son is showing some of the symptoms that she mentioned I am very concerned about this what is the prisons procedure to deal with this . As I’m worried for my sons health .

Sorry for the delay in replying, we wanted to check out a few things so as to be able to give you some real information.

Firstly, DoingTime has no connection with the prison service, we are an independent web site just trying to help people!

Clearly you have already told HMP Dovegate’s medical team , and I assume you have also told your son so that he is aware of the situation. It would be worthwhile following this up with a letter to them, so the message doesn’t just get lost. There is not a lot more you can do; HMP Dovegate probably wont tell you any details of medical checks they have carried out on your son ( patient confidentiality etc). The only person who can effectively push for treatment/screening is your son; make sure he has all the pertinent facts so he can brief HMP Dovegate’s doctors.

However, its not all negative news! The prison service has faults, but the reality is that it is easier to get a doctors appointment in prison than for most people on the outside, and if there is a potential problem they will react quickly.

Hope its “just a scare” and your son is ok

Could I please arrange a visit to Michael xxxxxx (on remand at P wing (I believe)).He is being held on alleged Arson charge.I used to visit Michael,as a support worker,and have written a letter to him recently.As a consequence I received a phone call,from a female officer Ms xxxx (?),on my answer phone.The message was a week ago.Could I pass on my home telephone number,which gives a much better reception Tell Michael he can contact me on this number in the evening.Many thanks John Rxxxx Tel:01782 xxxxxx Mob: 0783 xxx xxxx

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

dovegate prison book a visit

You don't always get what you are entitled to unless you ask properly!

We can introduce you to  experienced  lawyers can help you with parole,  probation,  immigration, adjudications, visits and any other complaints  and disputes you have with the Prison Service.

The solicitors are all experts on how the Prison Service/Criminal Law  system works and will be able to provide to you the necessary advice and support to ensure you or your loved ones are treated fairly. These lawyers are "small enough to care about you, but big enough to fight for you"

and remember the old saying:

"  A Man Who Is His Own Lawyer Has A Fool for a Client"

Click here to go to the list of lawyers in your area

Prison Phone Logo

Dovegate Prison

Tel: 01283 829400  –  Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8XR

HMP Dovegate first opened in 2001. Since then, it has been privately managed by Serco and currently has the capacity to hold 1060 prisoners. It is a category B establishment , housing adult male prisoners, and holds those serving a sentence of 4 years or more, with at least 18 months remaining. The education department on the prison offers full and part time courses for up to 126 prisoners. If you’re visiting HMP Dovegate, you can get directions using the map on this page.

Tel: 01283 829400

Operational capacity: 1060 as of February 2013

Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8XR

The Prison Phone service has been running since 2013 and since that time has helped many of the inmates at Dovegate prison to stay in touch with their friends and family aiding in their rehabilitation.

To find out how Prison Phone are reducing the cost of calls from the HMP Dovegate pay phones to any UK mobile phone just take a look at the short video we have put together.

Send me Dovegate prison details via FREE SMS

Mobile number:

Here’s some facts about Dovegate Prison

HMP Dovegate is a category B privately managed prison which holds up to 1060 male prisoners. Opened in 2001, the prison has managed by Serco since then. It is located in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.

According to the most recent inspection report , the prison has three living blocks. House block 1 is made up of A – E General wings. House block 2 contains F and J general wings, and G general wing for long-term prisoners , H vulnerable prisoner unit and K cellular confinement and accommodation for prisoners aged 50 and over. House block 3 contains L and P general wings, M integrated drug treatment system (IDTS) wing and N remand prisoners and first night centre.

A prisoner was believed to be describing his stay in prison like a holiday on Facebook

Visiting hours are between 1300-1630 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri) 1330-1645 (Sat),  0930-1230 &    1330-1645 (Sun) for the main prison. For the rest of the prison, visit www.hmpdovegate.co.uk

HMP Dovegate has a therapeutic community for repeat serious offenders. This is the only privately run therapeutic community in the country.

Haroon Ahmed escaped HMP Dovegate after committing violent robbery .

The prison was significantly expanded in 2009.

Prison Phone offers phone tariffs that reduce the costs of calls from this prison by up to 75%! This enables prisoners to get the support and love that they are missing from home, while reducing costs for the inmate. Find out more below.

Recent blogs.

dovegate prison book a visit

Dartmoor Prison to stay open

Nikki 2021-12-22T15:20:04+00:00 December 29th, 2021 | Categories: feature , Justice System , Law and Order , Law Enforcement , Midweek feature , News discussion , News Roundup , politics , Uncategorized | Tags: category a prison , category b prison , category c prison , dartmoor prison , hmp dartmoor , prison news , prison reform , uk prison service , uk prison system |

A new lease to keep HMP Dartmoor open "beyond [...]

dovegate prison book a visit

Gartree Prison Expansion Plans Moving Closer

Nikki 2021-12-22T14:43:06+00:00 December 23rd, 2021 | Categories: feature , Guide to all things Prison related , Midweek feature , prison phone , Prison reform scheme 2016 , Specific Prison posts , Uncategorized | Tags: category b prison , council , family support for inmates , Gartree Prison , HMP Gartree , ministry of justice , moj , new prison , prison reform , uk prison service , uk prison system |

The new Prison Programme has now moved one huge [...]

dovegate prison book a visit

HMP Hull has its own TV show

Nikki 2021-12-06T21:57:16+00:00 December 9th, 2021 | Categories: England and Wales Prisons , feature , Justice System , Law and Order , Midweek feature , prison phone , Specific Prison posts , Uncategorized | Tags: category b prison , education in prison , HMP , hmp hull , hull prison , inmates , prison categories , tv show |

HMP Hull has started their very own TV show, [...]

  • Legal casework
  • Publications

Prisons · Staffordshire

Overcrowding.

dovegate prison book a visit

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA): 1060

Population: 1149

Dovegate is a Serco-run category B private prison near Uttoxeter. The site hosts a separate Therapeutic Community separated from the main prison by an internal fence.

Read Dovegate’s latest inspection report here.

About this information

Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA) is the prison service’s own measure of how many prisoners can be held in decent and safe accommodation. Any occupancy above CNA means that the prison in question is overcrowded.

Prisons in England and Wales fall into four separate security categories. Some prisons can operate under more than one category.

Category A : Category A prisons are high security prisons, holding those individuals considered the most threatening to the public should they escape. Category A prisons should not be overcrowded, given the high levels of security required.

Category B: Category B prisons, or local prisons, are the largest category of prison. They tend to hold un-sentenced prisoners, prisoners on remand awaiting trial, short-sentenced prisoners or those newly sentenced and awaiting transfer to another prison category. Category B prisons tend to be the most overcrowded, with a constantly churning population.

Category C: Category C prisons are sometimes called ‘training prisons’. They are meant to offer education and training to prisoners and the vast majority of prisoners on longer sentences will spend time in Category C accommodation. Historically not overcrowded, we now see more and more Category C prisons running overcrowded regimes.

Category D: Category D prisons offer open conditions and house those who can be reasonably trusted not to try to escape. Prisoners in Category D prisons will be given Release On Temporary Licence (ROTL) to work in the community or go on home leave, usually returning to the prison in the early evening. The majority of Category D prisoners will be towards the end of their sentence, and their period in open conditions is preparing them for their eventual release. Category D prisons tend not to be overcrowded.

Tagged with

  • inspection reports
  • overcrowding
  • prison watch

Media statement

Serco-run dovegate is overcrowded and understaffed, join the howard league.

We are the world's oldest prison charity, bringing people together to advocate for change.

Support our work

We safeguard our independence and do not accept any funding from government.

Woman sentenced to life in prison by Pakistan court for burning pages from Islam’s holy book

Pakistani Muslims prepare to observe Itikaf in Peshawar

A court in Pakistan sentenced a Muslim woman to life in prison after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islam’s holy book , a prosecutor said Friday.

Under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting the religion or religious figures can be sentenced up to death. While authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy, just the accusation can provoke riots.

Government prosecutor Mohazib Awais said the woman, Aasiya Bibi, was arrested in 2021 on blasphemy charges after residents claimed she desecrated the Quran by burning its pages.

Awais said the judge announced the verdict Wednesday in the eastern city of Lahore. He said Bibi, who has the right to appeal, had denied the charge during her trial.

A Christian woman with the same name was acquitted of blasphemy in 2019 after she spent eight years on death row in Pakistan. She moved to Canada to escape death threats from Islamic extremists upon her release. Wednesday’s case involved a different woman.

Domestic and international human rights groups say blasphemy allegations have often been used to intimidate religious minorities and to settle personal scores.

Earlier in March, another court in Gujranwala, Punjab province, sentenced a 22-year-old student to death and gave a teenager a life sentence in two separate cases after finding them guilty of insulting Islam’s Prophet Muhammad .

The Associated Press

VIDEO

  1. Strung Out

  2. Hmp Dovegate Private jail

  3. Prison Book Program Project for Awesome 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Visitor Information

    To book a legal/video link visit. Face to face legal visits are available Monday - Friday 09:00 - 11:30 and 13:30 - 16:00 excluding Tuesday mornings. Legal visits via video link are available Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00. Alternatively, bookings can be made via telephone on 0800 8778951, this phoneline is monitored Monday to Friday 10 ...

  2. Book a visit to prison

    Contact numbers for booking a visit. Prison. Phone number. Maghaberry Prison. Visit Booking 0300 200 7866. Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 12.30 pm / 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm. Visit Booking 02892 614029. Saturday and Sunday 8.30 am - 12.30 pm / 2.00 pm - 4.30 pm. Legal Visits 02892 614062.

  3. Dovegate Prison

    Dovegate prison is now offering visits for family, friends and significant others. You can also contact the Prisoners' Families Helpline on 0808 808 2003. You will not be able to book a visit ...

  4. Dovegate Prison, Telephone Number, Book Visit & Address

    To book a visit to Dovegate Prison, you need to be on the inmate's visitor list. Once listed, you can book your visit online through the official prison visits booking website or contact the prison directly. It's essential to check the official visiting times, which are subject to change, so please verify the current times by calling the ...

  5. Dovegate Prison Information and Advice

    HMP Dovegate Prison Address: Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8XR. Dovegate Prison Contact Details. Dovegate Prison Telephone Number: Tel: 01283 829400. Dovegate prison email address: [email protected].

  6. You can now book a prison visit online

    Booking a prison visit should be simple and straightforward. Until now that was far from the case. Booking a visit required both prisoner and visitor to jump through hoops: paper forms and drawn-out phone calls. And if the visit date turned out to be impossible, they had to start all over again. Now you can book a visit online. It takes about 5 ...

  7. Visit someone in prison

    Visit someone in prison. Use this service to request a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales. There's a different way to book a prison visit in Northern Ireland or a prison visit in ...

  8. HMP Dovegate, Visits and getting there

    Sat: 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 17:00. Sun: 09:00 - 12:00 & 13:00 - 17:00. Visits should be booked at least 24 hours in advance on 0800 877 8951, or by email on [email protected]. They can also be booked whilst you are visiting the prison. There is a staffed visitor's centre which has a children's play area and refreshment ...

  9. HMP DOVEGATE

    Use this online service to book a social visit to a prisoner in England or Wales you need the: prisoner number; prisoner's date of birth; dates of birth for all visitors coming with you; The prisoner must add you to their visitor list before you can book a visit. You'll get an email confirming your visit. It takes 1 to 3 days. ID: Every visit

  10. HMP Dovegate

    This guide includes information that you may find useful for the duration of the time your family or friend is a resident at HMP Dovegate. If you notice anything that is incorrect on this page, please contact us at [email protected] If you need support: For more information, support and advice on all aspects of the justice system, you can contact the Prisoners ...

  11. Dovegate Prison Information

    To be able to book at visit at Dovegate Prison, you will need to have booked your visit at least 24 hours in advance. To be able to book a visit you can either email [email protected] or you can call 0800 877 8951. Sale! Unlimited Prison Phone Calls Package

  12. HMP Dovegate

    HMP Dovegate is a Category B adult male facility near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire. Serco cares for up to 1060 male adult prisoners over the age of 21 serving a range of sentences including trial, remand, those awaiting sentence and convicted men serving long and short term sentences. HMP Dovegate has the UK's only privately run purpose-built ...

  13. How do you contact Dovegate Prison

    If you are concerned about a prisoner's safety, health or wellbeing please contact the prison on 08008 778828 (freephone) at any time. This is a 24/7 voicemail service and manned Monday-Friday working hours. For urgent calls, these should be made to 01283 829400. Please use the below link to access an online Safety Portal run by the Prisoners ...

  14. Dovegate

    The Book; Dovegate. Location: Staffordshire Date of visit: 4 October 2018 Visit number: 52 Prison type: Category B Local Capacity: 1160 Opened: 2001 Operator: Serco. PRISONERS. The prisoners described a 'good jail' and the 'safest' any of them had been to. They praised peers & mentors including peer-led induction, a 'first timers ...

  15. HM Prison Dovegate

    History. Her (now His) Majesty's Prison Dovegate opened in 2001 as a private prison, operated by the Serco Group under a 25-year Design, build and manage, PFI contract. In 2009 with the creation of an additional accommodation block, and the expansion of other facilities, the prison increased its capacity to 860 places in the main prison, with ...

  16. Prison Resources and Information

    To book a visit to Dovegate Prison, you need to be on the inmate's visitor list. Once listed, you can book your visit online through the official prison visits booking website or contact the prison directly. It's essential to check the official visiting times, which are subject to change, so please verify the current times by calling the ...

  17. HMP Dovegate, General Information

    HMP Dovegate, General Information. Dovegate opened in 2001. In September 2009, new accommodation was opened to increase capacity, with half the 260 spaces dedicated to local prisoner places. It is run by Serco. It is split into 2 units, the main prison housing 960 and the Therapeutic Community having a capacity of 200.

  18. Everything you need to know about HMP Dovegate • Prison Phone

    Contact Details for HMP Dovegate. The address is HMP Dovegate, Moreton Lane, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8RX. The phone number is 01283 829 400. The current director is John Hewitson and the current controller is Kate Robinson. For more information visit the HMP Dovegate website. Keeping Prisoners and Families connected. References.

  19. Dovegate Prison

    Dovegate Prison Prison Phone 2018-05-16T11:09:10+01:00. ... Fri) 1330-1645 (Sat), 0930-1230 & 1330-1645 (Sun) for the main prison. For the rest of the prison, visit www.hmpdovegate.co.uk. More Facts. FACT 1. HMP Dovegate has a therapeutic community for repeat serious offenders. This is the only privately run therapeutic community in the country.

  20. The Howard League

    108%. Average: 109%. Certified Normal Accommodation (CNA): 1060. Population: 1145. Dovegate is a Serco-run category B private prison near Uttoxeter. The site hosts a separate Therapeutic Community separated from the main prison by an internal fence. Read Dovegate's latest inspection report here.

  21. HMP Dovegate

    FAO The Director, HMP Dovegate. Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8XR. The prison has 28 days to respond to your letter. If you are unhappy with the outcome, or if you do not receive a response within 28 working days, please call the Prisoners' Families Helpline for further advice on 0808 808 2003.

  22. Directions to Dovegate Prison

    Directions to prison; If you are concerned about a prisoner's safety, health or wellbeing please contact the prison on 08008 778828 (freephone) at any time. This is a 24/7 voicemail service and manned Monday-Friday working hours. For urgent calls, these should be made to 01283 829400.

  23. Dovegate Prison

    Dovegate Prison , Book Visit, Contact Details and Information. Dovegate Prison, formally known as HMP Dovegate, is a Category B men's prison situated in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, England. Opened in 2001, the prison has a capacity to house over 860 inmates and is currently managed by Serco.

  24. Woman sentenced to life in prison by Pakistan court for burning pages

    A court in Pakistan sentenced a Muslim woman to life in prison after finding her guilty of burning pages of Islam's holy book, a prosecutor said Friday.