Dame Anne Owers appointed Chair of the Howard League for Penal Reform   

The Howard League for Penal Reform is today (Thursday 16 April) delighted to announce the appointment of Dame Anne Owers as its new Chair. 

Dame Anne has worked in senior roles in the fields of human rights and justice for many years, including nine years as HM Chief Inspector of Prisons and six years as Chair of the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

She was also the National Chair of the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) for England and Wales, supporting the 1,300 unpaid public appointees who regularly monitor prisons. She is currently Chair of the Independent Custody Visiting Association, a board member of Prisoners Abroad, and a member of the Howard League Council.

In 2024, the government asked her to lead an independent review of prison capacity. The findings of the review were published in August 2025, pointing to damaging consequences of recurrent prison capacity crises.

Dame Anne Owers, Chair of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “I am honoured to be joining the board of the Howard League at a pivotal time for criminal justice in England and Wales, when overcrowded prisons are struggling to provide a safe and decent environment or to tackle the causes of offending. 

“Through its campaigning and legal work, the Howard League has an important role to play in showing the way to a more humane and effective response to crime that can work to reduce reoffending.”  

Andrea Coomber KC (Hon.), Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dame Anne, whose vast leadership experience and deep understanding of the criminal justice system make her the perfect candidate to lead the Howard League’s board at this critical time.” 

Note to editors 

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison. 

Contact

Noor Khan
Press and Public Affairs Officer
Tel: +44 (0)20 7241 7873
Email: [email protected]