Criminal Justice Inspection publishes Corporate Plan and Business Plan for 2026-27

Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) has published its one-year Corporate Plan and annual Business Plan including the Inspection Programme for 2026-27 outlining the work the Inspectorate intends to undertake during the financial year.

“It is important that Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland’s (CJI’s) independent inspection and review work remains relevant and risk-based, reflecting the issues that are important to stakeholders and adding value to improve the criminal justice system for all of us,” said James Corrigan, Acting Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland.

“The strategic aims and objectives included in this Corporate Plan and Business Plan along with our Inspection Programme activity are aligned with the Programme for Government and Department of Justice Corporate priorities and timeline.  I have extended our previous Corporate Plan in the knowledge it remains relevant and reflective of our strategic priorities for the year ahead. 

“We have 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.  It aligned with the key themes identified in the Corporate Plan of better services and delivery; better efficiency and effectiveness; better protection and safeguarding; better collaboration; better strategy and governance; better communication and engagement; and better outcomes.

“It reflects the key risks, issues and challenges for the criminal justice system identified during our consultation with the Minister of Justice and Department of Justice officials, senior leaders of organisations in our remit, the Lady Chief Justice, Attorney General, political party justice spokespersons and various oversight bodies we work in partnership with, as well as a range of voluntary and community sector organisations with links to the criminal justice system,” said Mr Corrigan.

The Inspection Programme includes Inspections already in progress, new Inspections, a Ministerial Review and Follow-Up Reviews to assess progress in implementing recommendations made in previous Inspection Reports and Reviews.  

“The new Inspections are focused on safer communities and ending violence and abuse, speeding up justice and the transformation of public services.  It also includes work to ensure detention standards are maintained and we fulfil our responsibilities as a member of the UK National Preventive Mechanism,” said the Acting Chief Inspector.

“The uncertainty around an adequate budget is an ever-present issue we constantly need to manage; however, we remain committed to making the best use of our Inspector resources and delivering impartial, effective inspection that contributes to a better justice system for all.  I look forward to reporting progress in our Annual Report and Accounts,” he concluded.