Serco : HMP Ashfield “a very well run prison”

Serco which manages HMP Ashfield, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, welcomes today's Annual Report on the prison from the Independent Monitoring Board. The Board concludes that HMP Ashfield 'is a very well run prison, which is led dynamically and uses its greater autonomy afforded by its contracted-out status to develop creative and imaginative solutions to issues. It takes its responsibilities very seriously both to the general public and to the prisoners in its care.'

The Board members, all volunteer members of the public, have made at least twice weekly visits into the prison, over the last twelve months. They talk informally to prisoners and staff, inspect the facilities, observe the full range of activities, attend meetings, examine relevant documentation, study data and investigate and answer prisoners' concerns and complaints. HMP Ashfield is a prison for male sex-offenders located in Pucklechurch, midway between Bristol and Bath.

Vicky Pails, Serco's Contract Director at HMP Ashfield, said:

'I am delighted that the Independent Monitoring Board concludes that HMP Ashfield 'is a very well run prison', recognising the hard work, dedication and professionalism of the Serco team, and colleagues from partner agencies, at the prison. As the report acknowledges HMP Ashfield, unlike many others, is not struggling with drugs and violence but we are not complacent and consistently strive to build on what we have achieved and to continue to deliver improvements in the operation of the prison.'

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