We conduct rigorous inspections of prisons to ensure compliance with safety, health, and human dignity standards. Our assessments promote accountability and drive improvements in the correctional system
Our independent prison monitors ensure transparency and human rights within correctional facilities through regular, unbiased visits. Want to make a difference? APPLY NOW to become an Independent Prison Monitor
HMIPS is one of twenty-one organisations that comprise the UK National Preventive Mechanism
His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland is required to inspect the 17 prisons across Scotland in order to establish the treatment of, and the conditions for prisoners and to report publicly on the findings. The Public Services Reform (Inspection and Monitoring of Prisons) (Scotland) Order 2015 came into force on 31 August 2015 and from this date HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland assumed overall responsibility for the monitoring of prisons, which is carried out on a day to day basis by independent prison monitors.
The United Kingdom is a signatory of the United Nations Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhumane and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). HMIPS is one of 21 bodies that comprise the UKs National Preventative Mechanism (NPM), which has a duty to regularly monitor the treatment of detainees and the conditions in which they are held.
The Chief Inspector also has responsibility for:
