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The Prison Inspectors

The Prison Inspectors

By: HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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About this listen

Welcome to ‘The Prison Inspectors’, a podcast from HM Inspectorate of Prisons.

In this series we’re exploring what goes on inside men and women's prisons, children's custody, immigration detention and more, and shining a light on some of things we find on inspection – good and bad. We’re focusing on what goes on in these different types of establishment, discussing some of our inspections and thematic reviews, and delving into some of the big issues across the sector.

Crown copyright 2026, Open Government Licence v3.0
Episodes
  • The power of reading in prisons

    The power of reading in prisons
    Jan 26 2026

    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.
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    25 mins
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