Read recent blogs and posts from Charlie Taylor and our staff.
Food allergies in prisons: a hidden health risk
For some prisoners, food in prison is fraught with difficulty, with allergies and other medical requirements a daily concern. Researcher Emma King explores the challenges prisoners can have in accessing appropriate food, and the impact it can have on their physical and mental health.
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.
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.
Other blogs and articles
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.
How high standards and visible leadership have created a rehabilitative culture at Rye Hill
26 November 2024
In contrast to many prisons, Rye Hill was providing good outcomes for prisoners in three of our four healthy prison tests. In this blog, Angus Jones discusses how the prison was achieving such impressive results.
Support, care and targeted interventions can make all the difference for women in prison
28 October 2024
Inspector Jonathan Tickner reveals how our recent inspection of Drake Hall in Staffordshire was a reminder of the good work that can still be achieved with women in prison, despite the current challenges in the system.