Thematic reviews and research

Improving behaviour in prisons: A thematic review

To reduce reoffending rates and create fewer victims of crime it is vital that prison leaders find ways to support prisoners to behave well. In this thematic report, we identify the features of eight prisons that have created cultures which are encouraging men and women to engage constructively with staff and make better use of their time in custody.

We hope that it inspires prison leaders to look for what is achievable within their own establishment.

The long wait: A thematic review of delays in the transfer of mentally unwell prisoners

Against a backdrop of rising prison populations and frailties in staffing, HM Inspectorate of Prisons, in partnership with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), undertook this thematic to scrutinise the delays in seriously mentally unwell people accessing care.

We hope that our concerning findings will prompt immediate action.

Children in custody 2022-23

Since 2001 HM Inspectorate of Prisons has carried out a survey of all children living in young offender institutions (YOIs) and secure training centres (STCs)
across England and Wales. In 2022–23 83% of children responded.

This report focuses on the children held and their experiences in custody; their perceptions of care and the links to behaviour management in custody; and how the youth estate is recovering from the pandemic.

Making prisons purposeful

• Improving behaviour in prisons
• The quality of reading education in prisons: one year on
• What happens to prisoners in a pandemic?

Life in detention

• Weekends in prison
• The experiences of adult black male prisoners and black prison staff
• The experience of immigration detainees in prisons

Meeting complex needs

• Restricted status children and prisoners held in women’s establishments
• A thematic review of outcomes for girls in custody
• Neurodiversity in the criminal justice system

Preparing for release

• Minority ethnic prisoners’ experiences of rehabilitation and release planning
• Youth resettlement – final report into work in the community
• Youth resettlement work. Interim report into work in custody, October 2018 – April 2019