Prisons, was formed to replace the various bodies which had previously managed the different convict prisons. Jebb was appointed chairman of the board, and under his direction the new system was adopted and developed.

A notable example of Jebb's designs was Chatham Convict Prison in Kent, built as part of his system of large, organised convict establishments for public works. It opened in 1856, replacing the use of prison hulks such as Defence and Warrior at