Expectations: HMI Prisons
HMI Prisons Methodology
'Expectations' is the document which sets down the detailed criteria HMI Prisons uses to appraise and inspect prisons.
These criteria are used to examine every area of prison life, from reception to resettlement, including:
- Safer custody
- Healthcare
- Good order
- Work
- Race relations
- Faith
The concept of a healthy prison is one that was first set out by the World Health Organisation, but it has been developed by this Inspectorate, and is now widely accepted as a definition of what ought to be provided in any custodial environment. It rests upon four key tests:
- Safety: prisoners, even the most vulnerable, are held safely.
- Respect: prisoners are treated with respect for their human dignity.
- Purposeful activity: prisoners are able, and expected, to engage in activity that is likely to benefit them.
- Resettlement: prisoners are prepared for release into the community, and helped to reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
More Information
Find out more about how we judge prisons and immigration detention facilities by reading the full document:
