Death in Prison Custody – Action Plan – Update June 2026

Overview

This update reflects progress on the recommendations and advisory points from the Independent Review of the Response to Deaths in Prison Custody (2021), following the Deaths in Prison Custody Action Group (DiPCAG) meeting on 22 June 2026.

Since the January 2026 update, members of the DiPCAG, such us the Scottish Government (SG), Scottish Prison Service (SPS), NHS and Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) have continued to progress delivery. A revised action plan format was introduced to strengthen monitoring and oversight and allow clearer reporting on implementation status and assurance arrangements.

At the June meeting, a further recommendation (4.1) was agreed as implemented, bringing the total to 20 implemented recommendations. Three recommendations and two Advisory Points remain in progress. One key recommendation was closed following agreement by the Criminal Justice Committee. Going forward, consideration will be given to recommendations in a more strategic and joined-up way, recognising the importance of ensuring that accepted recommendations are realistic, deliverable and capable of driving meaningful improvement in practice. This will include reviewing recommendations from multiple sources to identify common themes, reduce duplication and support more sustainable improvements.