HM Inspectorate of Prisons for England and Wales (HMI Prisons)

HMI Prisons is an independent inspectorate led by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons. We scrutinise the conditions and treatment of prisoners and other detainees and reports on our findings.

We help to make sure that detention is humane, safe, respectful and helps to prepare people for release ahead of their return to the community. We do that by carrying out independent inspections of prisons, young offender institutions, secure training centres and courts in England and Wales and places of immigration detention across the UK.

The Chief Inspector of Prisons reports directly to the Justice Secretary on conditions in prisons and the treatment of prisoners in England and Wales and other matters as directed by the Justice Secretary. The Inspectorate also reports to the Home Secretary on conditions and treatment in all places of immigration detention in the United Kingdom. In addition, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons is invited routinely to inspect the Military Corrective Training Centre, Colchester and prisons in Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The Inspectorate’s work constitutes an important part of the United Kingdom’s obligations under the Optional Protocol to the United Nations Convention against Torture and Inhuman and Degrading Treatment: to have in place regular independent inspection of places of custody.

The work of HM Inspectorate of Prisons is informed by five value statements, that:

independence, impartiality and integrity are the foundations of our work
the experience of the detainee is at the heart of our inspections
respect for human rights underpins our expectations
we embrace diversity and are committed to pursuing equality of outcomes for all
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.

Our inspections

Prisons are inspected at least once every five years, although we expect to inspect most every two to three years. Some high-risk establishments may be inspected more frequently, including those holding children and young people. Other types of custodial sectors, such as immigration detention and court custody, have different inspection cycles. The inspection of facilities is predicated on a dynamic risk assessment, taking into account issues such as time since the last inspection, type and size of the establishment, significant changes to the establishment or changes in leadership, and intelligence received.

The majority of inspections are full and unannounced, assessing progress made since previous inspections and undertaking in-depth analysis.

In exceptional circumstances, and on the basis of risk, some inspections will be announced and the prison will be informed in advance of the visit. On our unannounced inspections, the inspection team visits without notifying the establishment in advance. Inspectors have the right to carry out inspections and cannot be refused entry by the establishment.

Prison inspections normally span two weeks, with two days of preparation and research during the first week. The Inspectorate collects information from many sources, including the people who work there, those who are imprisoned or detained there, and visitors or others with an interest in the establishment. Inspection findings are reported back to the establishment’s managers. Reports are published within 14 weeks of inspection. The establishment is then expected to produce an action plan, based on the report’s recommendations, within a short period following publication.

You can find out more about our inspections on our website.