Independent Reviews

Independent review examining the causes of erroneous prisoner releases across the criminal justice system, triggered by the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford in October 2025. Found systemic issues in investigations, technology, staffing, training, data collection, and culture across HMPPS, HMCTS, and the Ministry of Justice.

Independent review of the criminal courts system in England and Wales examining efficiency, case management, and the use of technology. Part 1 covered courts efficiency; Part 2 covered wider reforms.

Independent review of sentencing in England and Wales examining whether the current framework is effective at reducing reoffending, protecting the public, and delivering justice.

Independent review commissioned by the Attorney General following the Court of Appeal's judgment in R v Akle & Anor, examining what went wrong in the SFO's handling of the Unaoil bribery investigation, including record-keeping, compliance with policies, and case assurance.

Independent review examining the long-term sustainability of the criminal legal aid system in England and Wales, covering police station advice, magistrates' court, Crown Court and appeal stages. Found the system was in serious crisis and recommended significant fee increases.

Law Commission review of hate crime legislation in England and Wales, examining the extent and nature of hate crime and making 34 recommendations to improve consistency and extend protections across all five protected characteristics.

Independent panel review of judicial review in England and Wales, examining whether the right balance is struck between citizens' rights to challenge executive decisions and the need for effective government. Made two substantive recommendations and four procedural recommendations.

Independent review of the role of family and relationships in reducing female reoffending and intergenerational crime. Made 33 recommendations on strengthening community-based alternatives to custody and improving family contact for women in prison.

Independent review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 examining the effectiveness of the legislation, the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and the transparency in supply chains provision.

Independent review examining the treatment of and outcomes for BAME individuals in the criminal justice system. Found significant disproportionality at every stage from stop and search through to prison.

Independent review into the role of family ties in reducing male prisoner reoffending. Found that family visits reduce reoffending by 39% and made 19 recommendations to strengthen family contact and family support across the prison estate.

Independent review of the youth justice system commissioned by the Lord Chancellor. Recommended extensive reform placing education and health at the heart of youth custody, devolving youth offending services, and reforming courts and sentencing for young people.

Independent review examining how education in prison could be improved in England and Wales. Recommended giving prison governors full accountability and freedom over education provision, ending regional contracts, increasing access to higher-level learning, and making better use of technology.

Independent review into self-inflicted deaths in custody of 18-24 year olds, commissioned by the Ministry of Justice. Published July 2015 with 108 recommendations covering mental health support, safer custody, and staff training.

Review of women with particular vulnerabilities in the criminal justice system, recommending a fundamental rethink about the way vulnerable women are treated throughout the criminal justice system.

Independent review of legal aid procurement recommending a shift to competitive tendering and fixed fees. Proposed restructuring the market to achieve efficiency savings while maintaining access to justice.