Criminal Justice Inspection publishes annual Business Plan and Inspection Programme for 2025-26

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published its annual Business Plan and Inspection Programme for 2025-26 outlining the work the Inspectorate intends to undertake during the financial year.

“The annual Business Plan is the last in our current three-year Corporate Plan period.  It details how we will use inspection to deliver performance improvement in the criminal justice system, to achieve better outcomes for those who use its services.  It summarises CJI’s objectives and targets for 2025-26 and how our work aligns with the priorities identified in the 2024-27 Programme for Government,” said James Corrigan, CJI Chief Executive and Accounting Officer.

“The Chief Inspector has developed an Inspection Programme which has been approved by the Minister of Justice and supports our aim of achieving a better justice system for all,” he said.

Speaking about the Inspection Programme, Ms Jacqui Durkin, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, said it was aligned with the key themes identified in the CJI Corporate Plan of better services and delivery; better efficiency and effectiveness; better protection and safeguarding; better strategy and governance; and better outcomes.

The Inspection Programme includes Inspections already in progress, Inspections and Ministerial Requested Reviews carried forward from the last financial year and new Inspections.  It also includes a programme of new work and Follow-Up Reviews to assess progress in implementing recommendations made in previous Inspection Reports and Reviews.  

“This year’s Inspection Programme reflects the key risks and issues identified during my consultation and some the key challenges facing the criminal justice system referenced in the Programme for Government,” said Ms Durkin.

“The new Inspections are focused on safer communities and the vulnerabilities of many people who come into contact with the criminal justice system. They are aimed at ensuring we make best use of our scarce Inspector resources and budget allocation.

“The Chief Executive and I look forward to a challenging year ahead and reporting progress in our Annual Report and Accounts,” she concluded.