HMI Prisons

HMI Prisons identify examples of notable practice during their inspections, and publish occasional thematic reviews on their findings. For more information visit the HMI Prisons website.

Improving behaviour in prisons

[HMI Prisons (2024)]

Inspectorate guide to best practice in behaviour management, drawing on 8 high performing prisons.

Keywords: behaviour management

Restricted status children and prisoners held in women’s establishments

[HMI Prisons (2023)]

HMI Prisons thematic review on the treatment and outcomes of restricted status children held in female prisons.

Keywords: young people, female offenders

Weekends in prison

[HMI Prisons (2023)]

A thematic review of weekends in prison by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Keywords: activities

A thematic review of outcomes for girls in custody

[HMI Prisons (2022)]

Report on a thematic review of outcomes for girls in custody by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Keywords: young people, female offenders

The experience of immigration detainees in prisons

[HMI Prisons (2022)]

Short thematic review of the experience of immigration detainees in prisons by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons.

Keywords: immigration

The experiences of adult black male prisoners and black prison staff

[HMI Prisons (2022)]

This thematic review explores the experiences of prisoners who identify as black men and what can be done to create opportunities for respectful communication and mutual understanding between black prisoners and staff.

Keywords: diversity

Prison education: a review of reading education in prisons

[HMI Prisons (2022)]

This research was conducted as part of Ofsted and HMI Prisons’ commitment to carry out a year-long review of prison education. Six prisons were visited and the findings are based on interviews with senior prison leaders, education leaders, teachers, librarians, prison officers and prisoners.

Keywords: education, reading

Outcomes for young adults in custody

[HMI Prisons (2021)]

HMI Prisons thematic review on outcomes for young adults.

Keywords: young adults

Minority ethnic prisoners’ experiences of rehabilitation and release planning

[HMI Prisons (2020)]

This review provides insights into black and minority ethnic (BME) and Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) prisoners’ experiences of rehabilitation and release planning.

Keywords: diversity

Incentivising and promoting good behaviour: a review

[HMI Prisons (2018)]

Thematic review published by HMI Prisons on incentivising and promoting good behaviour.

Keywords: incentives