Stephen Shaw biography

Stephen Shaw CBE started work as the first Chief Executive of the Office of the Health Professions Adjudicator (OHPA) in May 2010.

Between October 1999 and April 2010, Stephen was the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman for England and Wales.  His role included the investigation of complaints from prisoners, those subject to probation supervision, and immigration detainees, and the investigation of all deaths in prisons and immigration removal centres, as well as the deaths of residents of probation hostels (approved premises).

As Ombudsman, Stephen conducted a range of investigations in a personal capacity, including the inquiry into a riot an immigration centre, an investigation into the death of Harold Shipman, and the first public inquiry to be held into a near death in prison.  He also served as one of two independent members of the Parole Board’s review committee that considers the cases of released prisoners who have committed serious further offences.

Prior to becoming Prisons Ombudsman, Mr Shaw was director of the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) charity for 18  years.

Mr Shaw has written widely on both criminal justice and economic issues.  His latest publication is entitled Fifty Year Stretch: Prisons and Imprisonment 1980 – 2030 (Waterside Press, 2010).