Prisons and Probation Ombudsman
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is a public body, in England and Wales, appointed by the Secretary of State for Justice to investigate complaints from prisoners and those subject to probation supervision, or those upon whom reports have been written. The organisation is also responsible for investigating all deaths of prisoners and residents of probation hostels and immigration detention accommodation. Originally the PPO had no jurisdiction over the investigation of deaths in prisons or probation hostels.
As of 29 April 2018, the Acting Prisons and Probation Ombudsman was Elizabeth Moody; who replaced Nigel Newcomen CBE.
History
The PPO was established as the Prisons Ombudsman in 1994 following a report into the 1990 Strangeways Prison riot.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 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.
Jurisdiction and powers
The PPO investigates complaints from prisoners and those subject to probation supervision, or those upon whom reports have been written. The organisation is also responsible for investigating all deaths of prisoners and residents of probation hostels and immigration detention accommodation. Originally the PPO had no jurisdiction over the investigation of deaths in prisons or probation hostels. 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.Prison and Probation Ombudsman
As of 29 April 2018, the Acting Prisons and Probation Ombudsman was Elizabeth Moody who replaced Nigel Newcomen CBE. Nigel Newman was originally appointed in June 2011, and his tenure was extended several times. The PPO is paid an annual salary of £100,000.| 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 | |
| Elizabeth Moody | 1 August 2017 | Incumbent | Acting Ombudsman |