Close Supervision Centre Expectations (PDF) (540 kB)

Close Supervision Centre Expectations (Word) (303 kB)

This is the second edition of our Expectations for men in close supervision centres (CSCs), which are used to undertake thematic inspections of the treatment and conditions experienced by prisoners held in CSCs in line with our approach to inspecting other similar units. The Expectations draw from those we use in adult men’s prisons and in separation centres.

They provide the framework against which HM Inspectorate of Prisons fulfils its responsibility for delivering independent and objective assessments of outcomes. This is in accordance with the UK’s responsibilities as a signatory to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT).

CSCs accommodate small numbers of the most dangerous prisoners who cannot be safely managed within the mainstream population. The Expectations focus on the treatment and conditions experienced by the men held in the centres and emphasise the importance of progression.

There are four main tests to measure outcomes for prisoners in the centres, underpinned by a focus on leadership. They are: management of the centres, progression, safety, and respect. Each test has been carefully developed to reflect the unique role of the centres, located as they currently are within a small number of long-term high security prisons. We do not judge the wider provision in each prison, as this is assessed within our inspections of those establishments, but we make judgements about access to services and support for men in the centres and whether this meets their assessed risks and needs.

In these Expectations, the term ‘leader’ refers to anyone with leadership or management responsibility in the separation centre. We direct our narrative at the level of leadership which has the most capacity to influence a particular outcome.

Charlie Taylor

Chief Inspector of Prisons

September 2023