Criminal Justice Joint Inspection (CJJI) provides a more rounded examination of issues that cut across the criminal justice system and enables the inspectorates to achieve more than if just one inspectorate acted alone.

The CJJI programme delivers two main types of inspection:

• Core programmes – a series of localised inspections each year on the same core subject (eg inspection of police custody conditions)
• Joint thematic inspections – usually a one-off bespoke inspection visiting several localities to contribute to a single final report on a “thematic” issue (eg rape investigation and prosecution)

CJJI follows the 10 principles of inspection as set out in the government’s policy on inspection of public services.

The Joint Inspection Framework 2014-16 sets out the manner in which CJJI carries out the functions of inspection and reporting. As well as explaining the purpose and underlying principles of joint inspection, the framework includes detail on how the inspection programme is agreed and CJJI’s governance structure.

Each of the individual inspectorates has a tried and tested methodology and, while many aspects are similar, there are some significant differences in approach between the inspectorates. For the core programmes the lead inspectorate’s methodology has been adopted for the duration of a work stream. However, in March 2013 a Standard Methodology for joint thematic inspections was developed which collated core standard elements and additional areas of interest to those planning joint inspections. It provides guidance on the planning and delivery of joint thematic inspections, and consists of a menu of options and points to consider.