Media releases

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has published its Annual Report for 2025 to 2026. The report summarises the changes and collective achievements made by the PPO in the year 2025 to 2026. It also includes detailed statistics on complaints and fatal incident investigations.

The latest learning lessons bulletin published by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) explores why reception prisons have one of the highest rates of self-inflicted deaths of all prison functions.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has published its learning lessons bulletin on segregation in prisons. The bulletin summarises learning and areas which require further attention.

The Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Lord Timpson has commissioned the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) to carry out an independent investigation into the use of restraints on pregnant women in prison during pregnancy-related hospital escorts.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has published its Learning Lessons Bulletin on epilepsy in prisons. The bulletin summarises learning and areas which require further attention.

In October 2023, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman were commissioned to carry out an independent investigation into abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre between 1961 and 1987. The investigation concluded in June 2025 and the report found systemic failings by authorities.

The PPO focuses on property practice in prisons in the latest complaints investigations Learning Lessons Bulletin.

Medomsley Detention Centre abuse investigation launches new appeal for information from ex-staff.

In a news post published today, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher states why he believes that prisoners having phone contracts could save lives.

Homelessness on release is found to be a considerable issue in the PPO's second Post-release deaths Learning Lessons Bulletin