Other inspectorates

Several Inspectorates and 'watchdogs' exist to ensure that the Correctional Services are implemented transparently and fairly.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons

HMI Prisons is an independent Body which was established in 1980 to inspect prisons and make recommendations to the Home Secretary. Information on the Inspectorate and its functions, and some Inspectorate reports are available on this site.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Probation

HMI Probation reports independently to ministers concerning probation service performance and contributes to the Home Office aim of achieving the effective execution of the sentences of the court so as to reduce re-offending and protect the public (Aim 4). HMIP also provides ministers and officials with sound advice on probation matters and promotes the development of effective probation management and practice

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

The PPO is appointed by the Home Secretary and investigates complaints from prisoners and those subject to probation supervision, or those upon whom reports have been written. The Ombudsman is completely independent of both the Prison Service and the National Probation Service (NPS). The current Ombudsman is Stephen Shaw.

Independent Monitoring Boards

Boards of Visitors in prisons and Visiting Committees in immigration removal centres changed their name to Independent Monitoring Boards with effect from 8 April 2003.

Independent Monitoring Boards perform a vital 'watchdog' role on behalf of Ministers and the general public in providing lay and independent oversight of prisons and immigration removal centres. The 1900 unpaid volunteers attached to 138 prisons and 9 immigration removal centres have an increasingly valuable and important role to play in ensuring that prisoners and detainees are being cared for decently and with humanity.

Our new web site will be in place shortly. In the meantime, for more information on the work of Boards of Visitors, please contact the IMB Secretariat (imb@bov-secretariat.demon.co.uk or telephone number 0870 267 8149).