The Prison Inspectors

Family contact in prisons: Exploring its untapped potential (Part 2)

In Part 2 of 'Family contact in prisons', we move from policy to practice, as Inspection Team Leader Hindpal Singh Bhui is joined by fellow inspectors Chelsey Pattison and Alice Oddy to discuss the findings of our recent thematic review on the untapped potential of family contact in prisons. Together, they examine how a lack of basic provision affects prisoners and families, highlight the prisons getting it right, and show how strong family connections can lead to better outcomes for prisoners and the people who care for them.

Family contact in prisons: 'The golden thread' with Lord Farmer (Part 1)

In Part 1 of 'Family contact in prisons', HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, explores why family contact matters with Lord Farmer, author of three landmark reviews on family ties. Lord Farmer discusses why the reviews were commissioned, what they found, and what has – and hasn’t – changed, including since Covid.

Our purpose, process and impact

In this episode of The Prison Inspectors, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor and Inspection Team Leader Hindpal Singh Bhui take listeners behind the scenes of how His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons carries out its work. They explore the purpose of independent inspection, how inspections are planned and delivered, and the challenges of offering frank feedback, reaching fair judgements, and responding swiftly when serious concerns arise. Drawing on years of experience on the ground, they discuss how inspection findings lead to action: from real‑time feedback to governors, to published reports that inform ministers, practitioners, the media and families, and help drive scrutiny and improvement across the estate. They also share examples of prisons that have turned corners thanks to the day‑to‑day dedication of staff working to create safer, more decent environments.

Time to care - one year on

In this episode of The Prison Inspectors, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor is joined by inspectors Sandra Fieldhouse and Donna Ward to discuss the findings of our 'Time to care' thematic report a year on from its publication. They explore why so many women struggle to cope in jail, the impact of rising self‑harm, and the daily frustrations that make prison life difficult. Drawing on the experience of women and staff, they highlight the crucial role of skilled, compassionate officers, meaningful family contact, and safe, decent environments. Sandra and Donna share examples of promising practice, from trauma‑informed approaches to better key work and supportive peer networks, and set out the practical steps governors can take to improve care, strengthen staff capability, and create calmer, more supportive prisons for women.

The power of reading in prisons

In the first episode of The Prison Inspectors, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, sits down with education expert and associate inspector Louise Johns-Shepherd to explore a transformative yet often overlooked force in prison life: reading. Drawing on insights from HMI Prisons' new Reading for Rehabilitation thematic review, published 13 January 2026, they unpack how limited reading skills affect daily life behind bars, influence life after release, and contribute to cycles of reoffending. Together, they spotlight inspiring examples of good practice from prisons leading the way with committed leaders, staff, libraries, and voluntary organisations, and talk through the practical checklist that governors can use to drive change.