In this episode of The Prison Inspectors Podcast, Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, is joined by former Chief Inspector Nick Hardwick to reflect on how prisons and other places of detention have changed over the last 16 years.

Drawing on Nick's experience leading HM Inspectorate of Prisons from 2010 to 2016, they discuss the persistent challenges facing the system, including violence, drugs, overcrowding, staffing problems and resettlement outcomes, as well as areas where progress has been made. Together, they consider what is needed to make prisons safe, decent places of purpose, the strengths and weaknesses of the prison service, and their hopes for positive change.

In this special episode of The Prison Inspectors Podcast, we bring you audio from the launch of HM Inspectorate of Prisons’ 2025–26 Annual Report - Charlie Taylor’s final Annual Report as Chief Inspector of Prisons. At an event held on 7 July, host Russell Webster sat down with Charlie to discuss the key themes emerging from inspections carried out across the prison, youth custody and immigration detention estate over the past year.

Together, they explore the challenges facing prisons in England and Wales, including rising drug use, violence and self-harm, poor living conditions, and the continued impact of restricted regimes that leave many prisoners locked in their cells for long periods with little purposeful activity.

Russell Webster has worked as an independent consultant, researcher, writer and trainer specialising in substance misuse for more than 30 years and runs a criminal justice blog.

*Please note, the above text was updated on 25 August to remove unsubstantiated detail about Russell Webster's blog.

In this episode of The Prison Inspectors Podcast, we explore the rise of drugs and disorder in the long-term high secure estate.

Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, is joined by Deputy Chief Inspector of Prisons, Martin Lomas, to unpack what’s going wrong inside some of the most secure prisons in England and Wales - and why rising drug use, violence and frustration are becoming harder to contain.

They delve into how drugs are getting in, who is driving the trade, and why the consequences are especially serious in high security settings. Drawing on recent inspections, they discuss the impact on prisoners and staff - from debt and violence to self-harm - and consider what will it take to turn things around.

Trigger warning: this episode contains references to self-harm and suicide, which some individuals may find distressing.

In this episode of The Prison Inspectors Podcast, we explore the growing crisis of mental illness in prisons.

Guest host Elizabeth Barker is joined by Kellie Reeve, Inspector, and Shaun Thomson, Health and Social Care Inspector, to discuss the findings from The Long Wait report and recently published blog. They reflect on what inspectors are seeing in court custody and prisons, and why increasing numbers of people with serious mental illness are waiting too long for appropriate care.

Together, they unpack the impact this has, not only on individuals who are mentally unwell, but also on other prisoners and staff, sharing powerful insights and examples from inspections.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.