PRT comment: Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Annual Report 2024 to 2025

Commenting on the findings of today’s Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Annual Report, Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust said:

“The findings of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman’s Annual Report are deeply troubling and highlight the urgent need for reform in our prison system. The 35% increase in investigations following a death, particularly among older prisoners, is a stark reminder of the human cost of overcrowded prisons and systemic failings. The identification of widespread falsification of records, especially in monitoring prisoners at risk of suicide and self-harm, is shocking and unacceptable. ​It underscores the need to support staff with proper training and resources, but also to hold them accountable when standards are breached.

“Overcrowding and high turnover of inexperienced staff are creating unsafe environments, where mental health issues and risks of self-harm are exacerbated, and people are ill-prepared for their release. We urgently need reform to address these systemic issues. ​This includes reducing the prison population through sentencing reform, investing in staff training, and ensuring prisons have the resources to provide safe and humane conditions.​ The lives of those in custody depend on it.”