There are a number of ways in which prisons are regulated, making sure that prisons are run securely and safely, with the welfare of both prisoners and staff a prime concern.
Independent Monitoring Board
Every establishment in England and Wales has its own Independent Monitoring Board. These are independent watchdogs drawn from the local community who are appointed by the Minister to satisfy itself as to the humane and just treatment of those held in custody within its prison, and the range and adequacy of the programmes preparing them for release.
Members have unrestricted access to all parts of the establishment, with the only exceptions being on grounds of security or personal safety.
Board members will raise prisoner concerns with management, the Governor, Area Manager, Headquarters, or even Ministers. In the event of a serious incident at an establishment, a Board member must be invited to observe the way it is being handled.
Making a Complaint
If they cannot help and the prisoner is still unhappy about it, they can make a governor's application. A senior member of the prison's staff will then speak to the prisoner. They may also ask to speak to the medical officer, chaplain or a member of the Independent Monitoring Board. If, after all of this, the outcome is still not satisfactory, prisoners will be advised on how they can take the matter further
Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO)
The Prison and Probation Ombudsman is an independent point of appeal for prisoners and those supervised by the Probation Service.
For the purpose of investigations, the Ombudsman has full access to Prison Service information, documents, establishments and individuals, including classified material and information provided to the Prison Service by other organisations, such as the police. For medical records, the prisoner's consent is required for disclosure.
You can find out more about the Ombudsman on the PPO website - a link to which is available on the right of this page.
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) for England and Wales
HM Chief Inspector of Prisons is independent of the Prison Service and reports directly to the government on the treatment of prisoners, the conditions of prisons in England and Wales and such other matters.
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