PFD report

Scott William James Rider · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 12 Apr 2024•Milton Keynes

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
1

Raised in this report

Recipients
2

Named on the report

Responses found
1

Of 2 recipients

Stated actions
19

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

Open published report

Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised1

  1. Failure to review prisoners sentenced to IPP
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

No linked response statements

No respondent-stated action or position is clearly linked to these concerns.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to review prisoners sentenced to IPP

Wider context from the report

“One of the findings of the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman was that Mr Rider was one of many IPP prisoners struggling to progress in his sentence and had limited hope for release. The Governor of the prison in her evidence to me, spoke about indeterminate sentences and said "In my personal view they are indefensible". She went on to say "We find that some of the most challenging behaviours are from this group of men who feel trapped". The governor also commented that if I were to submit a Regulation 28 report to the Minister for Prisons; "most Prison Governors would welcome that intervention." On the 9th September 2005 Mr Rider received an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence with a tariff of 23 months; at the time of his death he had served seventeen and half years and had given up all hope of release. On any consideration of the circumstances of Mr Rider's death one has to conclude that his treatment was inhumane and indefensible and that if action is not taken to review all prisoners sentenced to IPP then there is a risk of further deaths occurring. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.19

  1. 1

    Engage with the Department of Health and Social Care to identify collaborative approaches to addressing the health needs of people serving IPP sentences.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  2. 2

    Support community reintegration and effective management of IPP cases on licence.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  3. 3

    Provide timely, high-quality preparation for parole and release for people serving IPP sentences.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  4. 4

    Maintain a dedicated Safety Team role focused on the safety of IPP prisoners.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  5. 5

    Ensure staff complete IPP sentence-related development and training.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  6. 6

    Review the IPP Action Plan and share the review outcome with the Justice Select Committee.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  7. 7

    Subject IPP work to regular scrutiny through an External Stakeholder Challenge Group.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  8. 8

    Produce and disseminate learning bulletins, safety briefings and recorded sessions addressing risks to IPP prisoners.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  9. 9

    Publish the refreshed Offender Personality Disorder Programme strategy with a specific focus on the IPP cohort.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  10. 10

    Use a forthcoming prison segregation and isolation data snapshot to assess IPP representation and highlight associated mental-health risks.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  11. 11

    Expand psychology services through prisons and into the community for people with complex needs.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  12. 12

    Ensure each IPP prisoner has an up-to-date sentence plan.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  13. 13

    Actively identify and support IPP prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  14. 14

    Publish a refreshed IPP Action Plan and annual report containing a dedicated safety workstream.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  15. 15

    Develop and begin delivering operational IPP delivery plans across areas and prison estates.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  16. 16

    Place IPP prisoners in prisons where they can access relevant sentence-plan support and rehabilitative services.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  17. 17

    Continue monitoring, analysing and sharing emerging IPP prisoner data trends to update guidance where appropriate.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  18. 18

    Lead delivery of the IPP Action Plan through director-level accountability and an IPP Progression Board.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 29 April 2024.
  19. 19

    Develop a Safety Toolkit containing learning and practice materials for supporting people serving IPP sentences.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 29 April 2024.

Recipient positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when they do not describe a specific action.2

  1. 1

    The independent Parole Board is responsible for deciding whether prisoners serving IPP sentences can be safely released.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
  2. 2

    The Department of Health and Social Care is responsible for providing health services to people in prison.

    Stated by HM Prison and Probation ServiceRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Engage with the Department of Health and Social Care to identify collaborative approaches to addressing the health needs of people serving IPP sentences.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Further to our work outlined above, we are also mindful that the provision of health services to people in prison is the responsibility of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). In that respect, we are also engaging with DHSC to identify any possible opportunities for a collaborative approach to identifying and then addressing the health needs of those serving IPP sentences.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Support community reintegration and effective management of IPP cases on licence.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Provide timely, high-quality preparation for parole and release for people serving IPP sentences.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Maintain a dedicated Safety Team role focused on the safety of IPP prisoners.

Verbatim wording from the response

“HMPPS Safety Team has a dedicated team member who focuses on the safety of IPP prisoners. In May 2023, the Safety Team produced a learning bulletin on sharing early learning from the self-inflicted death of IPP prisoners. The bulletin provided guidance for suggested actions staff can take, including the importance of considering IPP prisoners heightened level of risk. In November 2023, the Safety Team delivered a safety briefing to front-line staff to further raise awareness on the risks of IPP prisoners. A further session was also held during a dedicated ‘IPP in Focus’ week, during the week of 22 April 2024, which was attended by high numbers of staff. The sessions during this week were all recorded for wider dissemination across prisons and probation delivery units across England and Wales.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Ensure staff complete IPP sentence-related development and training.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Review the IPP Action Plan and share the review outcome with the Justice Select Committee.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The Government accepted the Committee’s recommendation to review the IPP Action Plan and shared the outcome of the review, which HMPPS delivered, with the Committee on 26 April 2023 which can be accessed here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/39321/documents/192968/default/”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 1 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Subject IPP work to regular scrutiny through an External Stakeholder Challenge Group.

Verbatim wording from the response

“████████ is also chair of the important External Stakeholder Challenge Group, ensuring that our work and focus is subject to regular scrutiny and accountability from the key campaign groups and independent bodies for the work we are delivering.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Produce and disseminate learning bulletins, safety briefings and recorded sessions addressing risks to IPP prisoners.

Verbatim wording from the response

“HMPPS Safety Team has a dedicated team member who focuses on the safety of IPP prisoners. In May 2023, the Safety Team produced a learning bulletin on sharing early learning from the self-inflicted death of IPP prisoners. The bulletin provided guidance for suggested actions staff can take, including the importance of considering IPP prisoners heightened level of risk. In November 2023, the Safety Team delivered a safety briefing to front-line staff to further raise awareness on the risks of IPP prisoners. A further session was also held during a dedicated ‘IPP in Focus’ week, during the week of 22 April 2024, which was attended by high numbers of staff. The sessions during this week were all recorded for wider dissemination across prisons and probation delivery units across England and Wales.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Publish the refreshed Offender Personality Disorder Programme strategy with a specific focus on the IPP cohort.

Verbatim wording from the response

“A full list of achievements in the delivery of the IPP Action Plan will be published in June 2024, in our IPP annual report. However, I can report on some of our achievements over the last year and am pleased to announce that HMPPS has expanded psychology services through the prison gate and into the community, to support some of the most complex people we work with. HMPPS has also published the refreshed Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Programme strategy which includes, for the first time, a specific focus on the IPP cohort, a large proportion of whom screen into the OPD Pathway. The OPD pathway is a jointly funded partnership between HMPPS and NHS England. The refreshed strategy can be accessed here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/the-offender-personality-disorder-pathway/”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Use a forthcoming prison segregation and isolation data snapshot to assess IPP representation and highlight associated mental-health risks.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We will continue to monitor, analyse and share any changing or emerging trends in published IPP prisoner data with staff and to inform and update our guidance where appropriate. This will include using an upcoming data “snapshot” of segregated and isolated individuals across the Prison Estate to determine the proportion of IPP prisoners in these conditions, sharing our findings and highlighting the risk of long-term segregation on the mental health of IPP prisoners.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Expand psychology services through prisons and into the community for people with complex needs.

Verbatim wording from the response

“A full list of achievements in the delivery of the IPP Action Plan will be published in June 2024, in our IPP annual report. However, I can report on some of our achievements over the last year and am pleased to announce that HMPPS has expanded psychology services through the prison gate and into the community, to support some of the most complex people we work with. HMPPS has also published the refreshed Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Programme strategy which includes, for the first time, a specific focus on the IPP cohort, a large proportion of whom screen into the OPD Pathway. The OPD pathway is a jointly funded partnership between HMPPS and NHS England. The refreshed strategy can be accessed here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/the-offender-personality-disorder-pathway/”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Ensure each IPP prisoner has an up-to-date sentence plan.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Actively identify and support IPP prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Publish a refreshed IPP Action Plan and annual report containing a dedicated safety workstream.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Our refreshed IPP Action Plan, which will be published in June along with our IPP annual report, now has a workstream dedicated to Safety with the main objective of supporting Prisons to deliver improvements to the safety of those serving an IPP sentence by actively identifying and supporting IPP prisoners at risk of self-harm and violence in custody, whilst supporting their engagement and progression. Our primary focus is on raising awareness of the heightened risk of self-harm and suicide of IPP prisoners so all staff understand the risk factors and can provide effective support.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop and begin delivering operational IPP delivery plans across areas and prison estates.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Place IPP prisoners in prisons where they can access relevant sentence-plan support and rehabilitative services.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I recognise that it is vital for HMPPS to ensure its work focuses on real change and support which can be felt in prisons and in the community for those on licence. In February 2024, I commissioned each of the seven Area Executive Directors commands for England and Wales, as well as the Executive Directors of the Long-Term High Security Estate, the Women’s Estate and Contracted Prisons to develop operational IPP delivery plans and to begin delivering those plans in the Summer of 2024. These Delivery Plans will directly target front-line delivery in support of helping those serving IPP sentences to work on and achieve the objectives within their sentence plans, and move towards a future prospective safe and sustainable release and, when in the community, towards a future termination of their licence. Specifically, the IPP delivery plans will:”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Continue monitoring, analysing and sharing emerging IPP prisoner data trends to update guidance where appropriate.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We will continue to monitor, analyse and share any changing or emerging trends in published IPP prisoner data with staff and to inform and update our guidance where appropriate. This will include using an upcoming data “snapshot” of segregated and isolated individuals across the Prison Estate to determine the proportion of IPP prisoners in these conditions, sharing our findings and highlighting the risk of long-term segregation on the mental health of IPP prisoners.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lead delivery of the IPP Action Plan through director-level accountability and an IPP Progression Board.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Over recent years HMPPS has made considerable progress when it comes to supporting those serving IPP sentences towards release, although the release decision itself is for the independent Parole Board to take, and the Board will release a prisoner only where it is safe to do so. Our IPP Action Plan is led at Director level to ensure there is senior level, robust accountability for its delivery. ████████, Area Executive Director for the South West, South Central & Public Protection, has taken this lead role. He has established the IPP Progression Board, which has met four times across this first year of the Action Plan. The Progression Board is used to hold all workstream owners to account for their delivery of actions within the Action Plan.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop a Safety Toolkit containing learning and practice materials for supporting people serving IPP sentences.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The Safety Team have also developed a Safety Toolkit, with a range of learning and practice materials to help front-line staff support those serving the IPP sentence effectively, recognising the heightened level of risk of self-harm and suicide among IPP prisoners.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

The independent Parole Board is responsible for deciding whether prisoners serving IPP sentences can be safely released.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Over recent years HMPPS has made considerable progress when it comes to supporting those serving IPP sentences towards release, although the release decision itself is for the independent Parole Board to take, and the Board will release a prisoner only where it is safe to do so. Our IPP Action Plan is led at Director level to ensure there is senior level, robust accountability for its delivery. ████████, Area Executive Director for the South West, South Central & Public Protection, has taken this lead role. He has established the IPP Progression Board, which has met four times across this first year of the Action Plan. The Progression Board is used to hold all workstream owners to account for their delivery of actions within the Action Plan.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 2 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

The Department of Health and Social Care is responsible for providing health services to people in prison.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Further to our work outlined above, we are also mindful that the provision of health services to people in prison is the responsibility of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC). In that respect, we are also engaging with DHSC to identify any possible opportunities for a collaborative approach to identifying and then addressing the health needs of those serving IPP sentences.”

Source location

Response from HMPPS
Page 3 · response
Published 29 April 2024

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026