Adviser on international prison standards appointed jails inspection chief

An adviser on international prison standards has been appointed chief inspector of prisons in Scotland.

Sara Snell will become responsible for inspecting Scotland’s 17 prisons when she takes up the role of HM chief inspector of prisons in Scotland in February 2025.

Ms Snell, whose 25 years in the prison service in England and Wales included governing two prisons and leading an inspection team, takes over the role from Wendy Sinclair-Gieben, who stepped down in August.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said the appointment came at a time of “significant challenge” for the Scottish prison system.

“I welcome the appointment of Sara Snell as Scotland’s next chief inspector of prisons,” she said.

“There is no doubt that the Scottish prison system faces a significant challenge due to the rising numbers of those in prison and the increasing complexity of that population.

“The independent scrutiny of the inspectorate plays a vital role in informing our response to that.

“Sara Snell’s deep understanding of the operational complexities of prisons, as well as her longstanding commitment to human rights in places of detention, will ensure she brings great value to this crucial role at such a critical time, and I look forward to working with her.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Stephen Sandham for stepping into the role of acting chief inspector bringing continuity and a steady hand in this interim period.

“I look forward to working with Ms Snell and Mr Sandham as he returns to the position of deputy chief inspector.”

Ms Snell has spent the last nine years as a prison system adviser at the International Committee of the Red Cross, where she has been responsible for applying international humanitarian law and standards to improve the treatment and conditions of people detained across the world.

She described being appointed to the role of chief inspector of prisons in Scotland as “an honour and a privilege”.

“I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessors in highlighting both the challenges and achievements in improving treatment and conditions in Scottish prisons and court custody suites,” she said.

“I am particularly excited by the opportunity for collaboration in developing systemic solutions that can support these vital services and our community.”

The Scottish Government said Ms Snell was selected through an open recruitment process conducted in line with the Civil Service Commission recruitment principles.