Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to help prisons and young offender institutions implement the recommendations of inspection reports.

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has given a commitment to improve the implementation of action plans that address the agreed recommendations in HMI Prisons inspection reports.

The Operational and System Assurance Group (OSAG) established last year, works with prisons to agree, submit and publish their action plan following an HMI Prisons inspection report. OSAG assesses progress against the agreed action plans in establishments of concern, such as those subject to the Urgent Notification process.

HMPPS have introduced new management structures including Prison Group Directors and Executive Directors. They will be responsible for ensuring that assessments are made on progress against implementation of HMI Prisons recommendations for those establishments not assessed by OSAG.

Prison Group Directors provide oversight and additional support, as required, to prisons. Depending on the recommendation, specialist support will be provided from the Safety Team and wider Prison Improvement programme. The Youth Custody Service has its own arrangements in place to support establishments in meeting recommendations from HMIP inspection reports.

We recognise the important role played by Inspectors and we are grateful for their recommendations. The Prisons Minister has agreed funding for HMIP to carry out follow-up inspections in the most serious cases. The Chief Inspector has welcomed this in his report.