Guidance

Prisoner discipline procedures (adjudications) policy framework

This policy framework applies for any adjudications begun on or after 31 May 2024 and includes rules and guidance for prison staff on how to carry out a disciplinary hearing when a prisoner is alleged to have broken prison rules.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Flowcharts

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email web.comments@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

DIS forms

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email web.comments@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

IA forms

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email web.comments@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Other forms

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email web.comments@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Rehabilitative options user guide and compacts

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email web.comments@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Sentencing adjudication guidelines

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email web.comments@justice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

For adjudications begun before 31 May 2024, these must be completed in compliance with PSI 05/2018

This policy framework contains general guidance and detailed information about the duties and roles of prison and YOI staff when laying a disciplinary charge and carrying out a disciplinary hearing (adjudication) if a prisoner (or child held in a YOI) is alleged to have broken Prison or YOI Rules.

It includes information on administering, scheduling and conducting:

  • governor adjudications
  • independent adjudications
  • it also includes details about the role and powers of adjudicators and the types of punishments that can be given out

This policy framework is in effect from 31 May 2024.

Updates to this page

Published 13 May 2024
Last updated 30 May 2024 + show all updates
  1. DIS forms updated and Sentencing Adjudication Guidelines published.

  2. First published.

Sign up for emails or print this page