Justice Secretary appoints new HMCIPS to replace former chief constable
The Scottish government has appointed a woman to lead Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons for Scotland for the first time.
Wendy Sinclair-Gieben will take on the post of HM chief inspector of prisons (HMCIPS) for Scotland from David Strang, who has held the role since 2013.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson thanked the former chief constable for his positive contribution to the debate on progressive justice reform.
He added: “Wendy Sinclair-Gieben brings a wealth of experience in the justice sector, a deep understanding of prisons and the wider justice context, and a commitment to a public sector ethos. I look forward to working with her.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank David Strang for his tireless work as HMCIPS over the past five years. David has paved the way for the introduction of Independent Prison Monitors, the establishment of standards for inspecting court custody provision, and recognising and promoting the needs of vulnerable groups of prisoners.”
Ms Sinclair-Gieben, who has a background in justice in the UK and Australia, began her career working as a prison governor in England between 1998 and 2006.
She was then appointed as prison director for HMP Kilmarnock before becoming a director with Serco in Australia, including at the Wanadoo Reintegration Facility for young men in Perth.
Ms Sinclair-Gieben said: “I am delighted to be appointed to this exciting post. I see this role as a culmination of a long and rewarding career in justice and I particularly look forward to building on my predecessor’s significant achievements in the future.”
