Independent Review of the Prison System in England and Wales – Call for Evidence

Why the review is happening
The review recognises that prisons are under significant pressure due to:

• Rising prison population and capacity constraints.
• An ageing prison estate.
• Violence, self-harm, and safety concerns.
• Security threats such as drugs, drones, organised crime, and cyber risks.
• Recruitment, retention, and wellbeing challenges among staff.
• Increasingly complex prisoner needs and changing patterns of offending.

What the review will deliver
The review aims to identify what changes are needed over the next 5-15 years. The review will provide:

• A long-term assessment of risks and opportunities facing prisons.
• Recommendations for future prison-building strategy and investment.
• Advice on improving efficiency and value for money.
• Learning from international best practice.

Questions being asked
Respondents are asked to provide views on:

• The three most important outcomes prisons should deliver (e.g., protecting the public, rehabilitation, punishment, justice for victims).
• The biggest risks facing prisons over the next 5-15 years.
• The greatest opportunities to improve the system.
• Issues relating to prison capacity, estate management, staffing, rehabilitation, security, technology, and the women’s prison estate.