Welcome to the PPO

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) carries out independent investigations into complaints and deaths in custody. The detailed roles and responsibilities of the PPO are set out in our office’s Terms of Reference. The PPO has three main duties:

  • to investigate complaints made by offenders under probation supervision and individuals detained under immigration powers (detained individuals)
  • to investigate deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and detained individuals due to any cause
  • to investigate deaths of recently released prisoners that occur within 14 days of release from prison (except homicide)

The PPO formally launched Independent Prisoner Complaint Investigations (IPCI) in November 2023, a sub brand of the PPO. IPCI has one main duty:

  • to investigate complaints made by prisoners and young people in detention (prisons and secure training centres)

 

The purpose of these investigations is to understand what happenedto correct injustices and to identify learning for the organisations whose actions we oversee so that the PPO and IPCI make a significant contribution to safer, fairer custody and offender supervision.

Click here for information on Operation Deerness

Latest news

  • An urgent, public plea from Ombudsman Adrian Usher

    “Over the last few days, we confirmed that 6 deaths have occurred at HMP Parc in just under one month. I am saddened by this high number, and I offer my deepest condolences to those affected. Yesterday, we said that… Read More

  • PPO launches 2023/24 General Stakeholder Survey

    Today the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has released their General Stakeholder Survey for 2023/24!    The feedback provided via this survey is invaluable for the PPO, as it enables us to take a closer look at each area of our… Read More

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