The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) is committed to involving families or next of kin in all our investigations into deaths. It is up to families whether they wish to be involved in our investigation.

The purpose of family liaison

The purpose of family liaison is to give families a clear point of contact with the PPO during the investigation and to help them obtain answers to their questions about the circumstances of the death of their loved one.

The role of the Family Liaison Officer (FLO)

A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) will be a family or next of kin’s main point of contact with the PPO. It is the FLO’s responsibility to act as a link between the family and the investigator.

The FLO will work with families in a way that is respectful, appropriate and sensitive to their needs. If a family has legal representation, the FLO will liaise with the solicitor acting on their behalf.

How families can be involved in the investigation

Families and next of kin can choose to:

  • ask questions and raise concerns about the death
  • receive a copy of the PPO’s report into the death of their family member
  • comment on the factual accuracy of the PPO report
  • request redacted documents considered during the investigation

What families can expect during the investigation

A FLO will contact a family or next of kin in the early stages of the investigation to explain the role of the PPO.

The family will be asked if they would like to receive a copy of the PPO’s report into the death of their family member.  If they choose not to be involved, the FLO will not contact them again.

The family will be asked if they have any questions about the circumstances of the death. If so, the FLO will share the family’s questions with the investigator who will take the questions into consideration. The family will be informed if any of their questions are outside the remit of the investigation and advised of other agencies who may be able to assist.

The family can contact the FLO for an update on the progress of the investigation at any stage until the investigation is complete.

The FLO will share the initial report with the family, take their feedback and share it with the investigator. The family or next of kin will then receive a copy of our final report.

What the FLO cannot do

The FLO does not provide bereavement counselling but can provide information on available bereavement counselling services.

The PPO’s FLO is independent of the prison and the Coroner. If a family has questions about property or funeral arrangements, they should contact the prison FLO. If they have questions about the inquest and post-mortem report, they should contact the Coroner.

You can contact the Family Liaison Team at the PPO by emailing: PPOFIIadmin@ppo.gov.uk

Legal representatives

The independent organisation INQUEST provides a free, confidential and independent service to bereaved families following a death in prison. They can also give families advice about appointing a solicitor as they work with an extensive network of solicitors and barristers who are experts in representing bereaved families at inquests or formal legal processes.