On 13 September 2023, HMIPS published its Annual Report 2022-23. It included frustration at the need for oft-repeated concerns around over-crowding; the poor condition of the prison estate; deaths in custody; staffing levels impacting the daily regime; and lack of access to healthcare, especially mental health support. It also noted that “despite lifting of restrictions Scottish prisons have not as yet managed to return to pre-pandemic activity levels”. It referenced a new inspection framework for the women's community custody units (CCUs), although no other details appear to be available on this.

On 30 August 2023, the Scottish Government published a report entitled, ‘Deaths in Prison Custody in Scotland 2012-2022’. It’s the data and evidence produced by the Deaths in Prison Custody Action Group (DiPCAG) which was set up to provide independent oversight and leadership to the implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Response to Deaths in Prison Custody. It found that 350 people died in prison in Scotland between 2012 and 2022, with the death rate having more than trebled over that period.

The Chairperson of DiPCAG, Gill Imery, gave evidence to the Criminal Justice Committee on the report on 20 September 2023. She was very critical of the lack of progress and of SPS’s attitude to her group’s work.