I believe that the independent inspectorate of prisons has played a key role in improving conditions in individual prisons and also in driving systemic change. It also provides an essential public assurance function, as part of the public accountability of the prison system.

… Using definitions adapted from the World Health Organisation, we have developed four tests of what we call a 'healthy prison' (or healthy detention facility): that prisoners or detainees are held in safety; that they are treated with respect for their human dignity; that they are able to engage in purposeful activity; and that they are prepared for return to the community. We assess each custodial facility by reference to those four tests.

…At a practical, and very basic level, we can secure improvements to the living conditions and humane treatment of those in custody. Many times, inspection reports reveal practices which are unknown to those managing the prison, or responsible for prison management. …Equally importantly, we can commend and try to extend good practice in prisons: pointing out to hard-pressed prison staff and managers that things can be done differently and better; and showing the public some of the good work carried out in prisons. Good prisons usually welcome inspections, as a free consultancy that helps them to continually improve.

But there is also an important role in relation to public accountability. We are the eyes and ears of the public: even though the public may not always want to see and hear what goes on in the prisons run in its name. We do not normally think of our prisons as a public service, like our schools, hospitals and police: but they are, and their effective running is key to public protection and community safety in the longer term.

Excerpted from a written statement submitted to the Commission