Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is a public body, in England and Wales, appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice to investigate complaints from prisoners, those subject to probation supervision, young people in detention (prisons and secure training centres) and immigration detainees. The organisation is also responsible for investigating all deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and immigration detainees due to any cause, including any apparent suicides and natural causes. The PPO also investigates deaths of recently released prisoners or detainees, using their discretionary powers. Originally the PPO had no jurisdiction over the investigation of deaths in prisons or probation hostels.

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Incumbent
Sue McAllister
since October 2018 (2018-10)
AppointerSecretary of State for Justice
Inaugural holderSir Peter Woodhead KCB
FormationApril 1994 (1994-04)
Salary£100,000
Websitewww.ppo.gov.uk

History

The PPO was established as the Prisons Ombudsman in 1994 following a report into the 1990 Strangeways Prison riot.[1]

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman's independence was challenged in 2000 by Mary Seneviratne who stated, "the Prisons Ombudsman does not meet the criteria of independence, because he [sic.] is appointed by and accountable to the Home Secretary." Although the PPO is no longer appointed by the Home Secretary, they are still appointed by a Secretary of State, who is a member of HM Government.[2]

Jurisdiction and powers

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is a public body, in England and Wales, appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice to investigate complaints from prisoners, those subject to probation supervision, young people in detention (prisons and secure training centres) and immigration detainees. The organisation is also responsible for investigating all deaths of prisoners, young people in detention, approved premises’ residents and immigration detainees due to any cause, including any apparent suicides and natural causes. The PPO also investigates deaths of recently released prisoners or detainees, using their discretionary powers. [1]

Originally the PPO had no jurisdiction over the investigation of deaths in prisons or probation hostels.[3] The PPO employs a number of Investigators who are responsible for investigating the complaints made, making decisions on individual cases, and making any relevant recommendations.[4]

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

As of October 2018, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is Sue McAllister CB; who replaced Acting Ombudsman, Elizabeth Moody.[5] Elizabeth replaced Nigel Newman was originally appointed in June 2011, and his tenure was extended several times.[6] The PPO is paid an annual salary of £100,000.[7]

From Until Remarks
Sir Peter Woodhead KCB May 1994 October 1999 As Prisons Ombudsman
Stephen Shaw CBE November 1999 May 2010 Appointed as Prisons Ombudsman, became Prisons and Probation Ombudsman in 2001
Jane Webb April 2010 June 2011 Acting Ombudsman
Nigel Newcomen CBE June 2011 July 2017 Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
Elizabeth Moody 1 August 2017 October 2018 Acting Ombudsman
Sue McAllister CB October 2018 Present Prisons and Probation Ombudsman

References
  1. "Brief history | Prisons & Probation Ombudsman". www.ppo.gov.uk. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  2. Seneviratne, Mary (2000). "Ombudsmen 2000" (PDF). Nottingham Law Journal. 9: 13–24.
  3. Owers, Anne (September 2010). "Prison Inspection and the Protection of Prisoners' Rights'". Pace Law Review. 30: 1535–1547.
  4. Plc, WCN. "16199 - Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Investigator - MoJ". justicejobs.tal.net. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  5. "PPO senior management | Prisons & Probation Ombudsman". www.ppo.gov.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  6. "Extension of tenure for the current Prisons and Probation Ombudsman". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
  7. "The Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) - Centre for Public Appointments". Centre for Public Appointments. Retrieved 2018-04-29.
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