Read recent blogs and posts from Charlie Taylor and our staff.
What do cuts to prison education provision mean?
Charlie Taylor outlines the problems with current work and training provision in adult prisons and his concerns that cuts will make things even worse.
What happens to prisoners on a Friday?
17 October 2025
We routinely find poor regimes on our inspections. But what are Fridays like in prison? Are regimes similar to Monday to Thursday, with some access to purposeful activity, or is it the start of a long weekend of lock up? Sara Pennington led a team of inspectors to find out.
Food allergies in prisons: a hidden health risk
12 September 2025
When we think about food in prison, allergies and other medical requirements probably aren’t the first thing that spring to mind. Researcher Emma King explores the challenges prisoners can have in accessing appropriate food, and the impact this can have.
Compassion and care: how court custody staff can shape detainees’ experience
2 September 2025
Lead inspector Kellie Reeve has seen much improvement since she first began inspecting court custody in 2014. She reflects on what has changed, and how positive relationships and a focus on detainee care can mitigate shortcomings.
Other blogs and articles
Four years on: Neurodiversity in prisons
23 July 2025
In July 2021, ‘Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System’, was published. The findings painted a stark picture of disadvantage for neurodivergent people in prison. Four years on, we ask: how far have prisons come in supporting those with neurodivergent needs?
Unlocking insights: how data can help transform prisons
19 June 2025
At HMI Prisons, data and evidence are central to our work. Sophie Riley, Head of HMI Prisons’ Research, Data and Thematics team, explains how the effective use of data in prisons can bring about improvements for prisoners and staff.
The power of an incentivising culture
10 February 2025
How does a prison get the best out of its prisoners and equip them for life in the community? Inspector Lindsay Jones discusses how HMP Standford Hill used education, training and work to motivate prisoners and give them the skills they needed to turn their lives around.