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Search Results
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569 results

Where we inspect

Prisons We inspect all prisons at least once every five years, although most are inspected every two to three years, and some high-risk establishments may be inspected more frequently. In...

Updated on 24th April 2024

Our research

Research forms an important part of our inspection evidence. We gather and analyse quantitative and qualitative data about prisons and other places of detention. These findings are triangulated with other...

Updated on 8th May 2024

How we improve outcomes

Our inspections have two main functions: to draw public attention to the treatment of and conditions for prisoners and detainees and, by highlighting both failings and successes, to support leaders...

Updated on 23rd February 2024

Our values, priorities and commitments

Our values We have a set of guiding principles which underpin everything we do. They are: Independence, impartiality and integrity are the foundations of our work. The experience of the...

Updated on 24th April 2024

Our stakeholder survey

Every year we run a survey to find out what our stakeholders think of the work we have carried out in the last 12 months. All the information stakeholders provide...

Updated on 24th April 2024

How we relate to OPCAT and the NPM

Our work forms part of the UK’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture (OPCAT). The UK National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) was designated in 2009...

Updated on 24th April 2024

How to find a prisoner and get help

There is support available if you are a prisoner or immigration detainee, or if you have a friend or family member in prison or immigration detention. If you are concerned...

Updated on 30th April 2024

Complaints, FOIs and publications scheme

Complaints relating to individual prisoners We do not deal with complaints from, or on behalf of, individual prisoners. These should be raised with the Governor or Director at the prison,...

Updated on 24th April 2024

Our mandate

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons’ responsibilities are set out in sections 5A and 43 of the Prison Act 1952 (as amended). They are to inspect (or arrange for the inspection...

Updated on 30th April 2024

Our Welsh language commitment

We inspect places of detention in England and Wales. We are committed to treating the languages of English and Welsh equally in institutions in Wales, and where our reports relate...

Updated on 30th April 2024