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Chief Inspector’s speeches

Speech to the Prison Governors’ Association conference

Speech to the Prison Governor’s Association conference given by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, about HMI Prisons, the role of the inspectorate and three areas of particular concern to governors, HMPPS and ministers – violence and illicit drugs, purposeful activity and risk reduction work, and leadership and staff support.

Photograph of Middle Temple Hall, London.

The importance of good prisons in a criminal justice system

Royal Holloway Magna Carta Lecture given by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, at the Middle Temple Hall in London, 6 June 2022.

In this speech Charlie Taylor talks about prisons, their purpose, their current state and how they can play a part in interrupting the cycle of offending and reoffending.

Photograph showing view of Bristol.

The critical role of leadership in prisons

Speech to the Governing Governors Forum given by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, in Bristol on 17 May 2023.

In this speech Charlie Taylor talks about his concerns about purposeful activity and the critical role of leadership in driving improvement in prisons citing prisons where governors have managed to deliver transformational change against the odds.

© House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris

A tribute to General Lord David Ramsbotham

A speech given by Charlie Taylor in tribute to former Chief Inspector General Lord David Ramsbotham at a service of thanksgiving on 21 September 2023.