Prison Complaints Procedure in the UK: How to Complain
Last reviewed: June 2026.
In short: prisoners can complain about almost anything in prison life using the internal complaints system. You start informally by raising it with a wing officer; if that doesn’t resolve it, you submit a written complaint form (a “COMP1”), and you can escalate confidential or unresolved complaints further. If the prison’s own process doesn’t put things right, you can take it to the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) oversees fair treatment in every prison, and healthcare complaints follow the NHS route.
The steps in order
| Step | What it is |
|---|---|
| 1. Informal | Raise it with a wing or personal officer — many issues are sorted this way. |
| 2. Formal complaint form (COMP1) | Submit a written complaint; the prison must reply within its set timescale. |
| 3. Confidential / escalated (COMP1A) | For sensitive issues, or if unhappy with the reply, escalate — including confidential access to the governor. |
| 4. Ombudsman (PPO) | If still unresolved, complain to the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. |
What you can complain about
Almost any aspect of prison life — property, healthcare access, visits, post, food, treatment by staff, or a decision affecting you. Healthcare complaints usually go through the NHS complaints route rather than the prison form. Serious issues such as discrimination, assault or a death in custody have their own routes and can also involve the police or the Ombudsman directly.
The watchdogs
Every prison has an Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) — volunteers who monitor fair and humane treatment and whom prisoners can ask to see. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman independently investigates complaints the prison hasn’t resolved and investigates all deaths in custody. HM Inspectorate of Prisons inspects conditions across the estate.
How to give yourself the best chance
Keep it factual, keep copies and dates, and follow the steps in order (informal first usually gets the quickest result). Note the prison’s reply deadlines, and be aware the PPO normally expects you to complain within set time frames after the prison’s final response. A prison-law solicitor can help with serious or legal issues.
Common mistakes when complaining
- Going formal straight away — raising it informally first is often quicker.
- Not keeping copies or dates — record what happened and when.
- Missing time limits — the PPO expects complaints within set time frames after the final reply.
- Not using the IMB — the board can help with fair-treatment concerns.
- Sending healthcare complaints on a COMP1 — those usually go through the NHS route.
Frequently asked questions
How do prisoners complain?
Informally to staff first, then a written COMP1 complaint form, escalating if needed and finally to the Ombudsman.
Who is the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman?
An independent body that investigates complaints the prison hasn’t resolved, and deaths in custody.
Can family complain on a prisoner’s behalf?
Families and legal advisers can raise concerns; the internal process is mainly for the prisoner, but the IMB and Ombudsman can also be contacted.
Related guides and official sources
See prisoners’ rights, prison rules and prison law. Official: the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and GOV.UK complaint guidance.
