Read recent blogs and posts from Charlie Taylor and our staff.
Recall, release, repeat
Highlighting the increasing number of women on fixed-term recalls, this blog calls for a realignment of the range and delivery of services to meet the needs of these vulnerable women.
What do cuts to prison education mean?
15 October 2025
With the publication of the ‘Just passing time’ thematic review, Chief Inspector Charlie Taylor outlines the problems with current work and training provision in adult prisons, and his concerns that cuts will make it even less likely that prisoners will develop skills to help them stop reoffending.
What happens to prisoners on a Friday?
17 October 2025
We routinely find poor regimes on our inspections. But what are Fridays like in prison? Are regimes similar to Monday to Thursday, with some access to purposeful activity, or is it the start of a long weekend of lock up? Sara Pennington led a team of inspectors to find out.
Food allergies in prisons: a hidden health risk
12 September 2025
When we think about food in prison, allergies and other medical requirements probably aren’t the first thing that spring to mind. Researcher Emma King explores the challenges prisoners can have in accessing appropriate food, and the impact this can have.
Other blogs and articles
Compassion and care: how court custody staff can shape detainees’ experience
2 September 2025
Lead inspector Kellie Reeve has seen much improvement since she first began inspecting court custody in 2014. She reflects on what has changed, and how positive relationships and a focus on detainee care can mitigate shortcomings.
Four years on: Neurodiversity in prisons
23 July 2025
In July 2021, ‘Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System’, was published. The findings painted a stark picture of disadvantage for neurodivergent people in prison. Four years on, we ask: how far have prisons come in supporting those with neurodivergent needs?
Unlocking insights: how data can help transform prisons
19 June 2025
At HMI Prisons, data and evidence are central to our work. Sophie Riley, Head of HMI Prisons’ Research, Data and Thematics team, explains how the effective use of data in prisons can bring about improvements for prisoners and staff.