In our reports, we provide examples of notable positive practice that we have found during our inspections.
What is notable positive practice?
We define it as:
Evidence of our expectations being met to deliver particularly good outcomes for prisoners and/or detainees, and/or particularly original or creative approaches to problem-solving.
We share examples that we have come across ‘on the ground’ and that we think other establishments may be able to learn from or replicate. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are not formally evaluated, are a snapshot in time and may not be suitable for all establishments. They showcase some of the ways our Expectations might be met, but they are by no means the only way.
Why do we collect good practice?
- We believe in the capacity of both individuals and organisations to change and improve, and that we have a part to play in initiating and encouraging change by collecting and sharing positive practice.
- We are collaborative and want to play our part in supporting a culture of continuous improvement across places of detention.
- We want to proactively build understanding among practitioners about some of the ways in which our Expectations – the criteria against which we inspect – might be met.
Where can I find HMIP notable positive practice?
We collate all the notable positive practice we find from all inspections and Independent Reviews of Progress (IRPs) and publish this in a workbook alongside our Annual Reports each year. The workbook is fully searchable – you can search by establishment, function, healthy prison area and main expectation area.
NPP from the 2024-25 Annual Report (see Tab 11)
NPP from the 2023-24 Annual Report (see Tab 10)
Safety, well-being and hope: Positive family provision in prisons
Alongside our thematic about family provision in March 2026, we published a separate list of all the good practice that we found.
