Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk.

Reflections of a Chief Inspector

Published:

In this episode of The Prison Inspectors Podcast, Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, is joined by former Chief Inspector Nick Hardwick to reflect on how prisons and other places of detention have changed over the last 16 years. 

Drawing on Nick’s experience leading HM Inspectorate of Prisons from 2010 to 2016, they discuss the persistent challenges facing the system, including violence, drugs, overcrowding, staffing problems and resettlement outcomes, as well as areas where progress has been made. Together, they consider what is needed to make prisons safe, decent places of purpose, the strengths and weaknesses of the prison service, and their hopes for positive change.