About the IAPDC
The role of the Independent Advisory Panel on Deaths in Custody (IAPDC), a non-departmental public body co-sponsored by the Ministry of Justice, Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care, is to provide independent advice and expertise to the Ministerial Board on Deaths in Custody - with the central aim of preventing deaths in custody.
The IAPDC provides guidance on policy and best practice across sectors and makes recommendations to Ministers and operational services. It assists Ministers to meet their human rights obligations to protect life. The IAPDC’s aim is to bring about a continuing and sustained reduction in the number and rate of deaths in all forms of state custody in England and Wales.
The work of the IAPDC aims to be as transparent and inclusive as possible. The intention is that everyone with an interest in preventing deaths in custody should have the opportunity to contribute to this work. The IAPDC is committed to consulting and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in order to collect, analyse and disseminate relevant information about deaths in custody and the lessons that can be learned from them. Please do use this website as a resource to share good practice and learning on preventing the number of deaths in custody.
The IAPDC has been in existence since 2009. Its origins lie in the Fulton report which was tasked to review the previous Forum for Preventing Deaths in Custody. Read the report and its findings below.
The Fulton Report (December 2007)
The IAPDC have updated an agreement with HMPPS at the request of the Director General of Prisons to formalise the Service’s relationship with the IAPDC. This is in relation to reducing and preventing deaths in prison.
IAPDC and HMPPS agreement on reducing and preventing deaths in prison (July 2023)
Professor Seena Fazel, IAPDC member, talks to the Oxford Policy Engagement Network about his work with the Panel to help inform government policy to prevent deaths in custody.
IAPDC Tailored Review
As an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) the IAPDC is subject to regular Tailored Reviews. These Reviews provide assurance to Ministers and the relevant Principle Accounting Officer about the ongoing need for the functions provided by the Arm’s Length Body.
They are conducted in line with Cabinet Office guidance to ensure that an ALB’s delivery contributes to departmental strategic priorities and to examine the body’s efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and governance arrangements in a fair and transparent way. The IAPDC was last reviewed in 2018.
IAPDC meetings
The IAPDC aim to meet every six weeks to discuss the various work streams undertaken by panel members.
Work programme
The IAPDC’s work programme outlines its priorities over a 12-month period.
Newsletters
Read previous IAPDC newsletters:
IAPDC reports
The IAPDC chair publishes a report at the mid-point and end of their term.
IAPDC end of term report (February 2023)
IAPDC mid-term report (May 2018)
IAPDC end of term report (August 2016)
Governance
The IAPDC’s code of practice sets out the principles governing the way in which members should conduct themselves during their period of appointment. Included is also a register of member’s interests and the terms of reference for the Panel.