News
Annual report of Lay Observers highlights risk of serious consequences to welfare and access to justice for detained persons as result of lack of coherent approach to exercising duty of care
In his third annual report to the Secretary of State for Justice, the former Chairman of Lay Observers for England and Wales, Tony Fitzsimons, details failings in the care of people held in custody at courts and transported between police stations, prisons and courts by escort contractors. The 2017-18 annual report repeats continued concern that … Read more >
Appointment of John Thornhill OBE as Chair of the Lay Observers’ National Council
The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed John Thornhill OBE as Chair of the Lay Observers’ National Council. John Thornhill was formerly President of the National Council for Independent Monitoring Boards (July 2013 – May 2017), amongst many other senior roles. You can read the Secretary of State’s announcement HERE. For … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – February 2018
In February 2018, Lay Observers spoke to 566 of the 792 people in court custody during their visits. The number of the most serious incidents – level 3 reports – increased this month from 14 in January to 23 in February. However, most of these related to just three courts – Durham, Truro and Bedlington. … Read more >
Court custody is failing to meet the welfare needs of children and young people, vulnerable people and people with disabilities
Lay Observers, who monitor conditions for detained people in court custody and under escort, call for action to promote the welfare and dignity of young, vulnerable and disabled people. Lay Observers frequently uncover instances where the treatment of children, young people and vulnerable or disabled adults in court custody puts their welfare at risk. In … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – January 2018
In January 2018, Lay Observers spoke to 600 of the 829 people in court custody during their visits. During a routine monitoring visit, Lay Observers record notable deficiencies in the standard of care for detained people and defects in the physical environment which may have a negative impact on those detained. These are graded according … Read more >
Recruitment for Chair of Lay Observers’ National Council now underway
Those with an interest in independent scrutiny in places of detention may also be interested to know that recruitment for the position of Chair of the Lay Observers’ National council is now underway. The process is being run by the Cabinet Office’s Centre for Public Appointments, see link below for more information and how to … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – December 2017
In December 2017, Lay Observers spoke to 456 of the 946 people in court custody during their visits. As winter took hold, the temperature in cells fell in courts with defective heating systems. 15 custodies had very cold temperatures that had an impact on the wellbeing of both detained people and staff. In many of … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings, November 2017
In November 2017, Lay Observers spoke to 614 of the 887 people in court custody during their visits. Lay Observers identified inaccuracies in 274 Person Escort Records (PERs), the documentation used by police, prisons and escort contractors to assess a detainee’s needs and risk factors. This represents almost a third of PERs accompanying the people in … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings, October 2017
In October 2017, Lay Observers spoke to 556 of the 793 people in court custody during their visits. Of these, 159 had an identified medical condition and 14% of those with a medical condition were in court without their medication. This represents an improvement compared to September 2017, but is nonetheless too high. Lay Observers … Read more >
Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings, September 2017
In September 2017 Lay Observers spoke to 515 of the 684 people in court custody during their visits. Of these, 177 had an identified medical condition and more than 20% of those with a medical condition were in court without their medication. Lay Observers identified inaccuracies in 184 Person Escort Records (PERs), the documentation used by … Read more >