“The previously reported mistreatment of young people by members of staff at Medway was shocking and completely unacceptable. The behaviour was not in accordance with our standards and policies and was inconsistent with the training provided to officers.  It is not representative of G4S employees across the country.

We reported the allegations of mistreatment at Medway to the Police and Local Authority immediately and the staff involved have been dismissed from the company.

These events were deeply disappointing after seven years of Medway achieving a good or outstanding rating from independent government inspectors and it is clear that the multiple levels of internal and independent oversight of the centre failed to detect the behaviour of these staff. 

We welcomed the decision of the Secretary of State to commission an independent review and we will continue to work closely with the MoJ to ensure that oversight and safeguards are strengthened.”