G4S recognises the severity and seriousness of today’s Ofsted report following an inspection of Oakhill Secure Training Centre (STC) which rated the centre as ‘inadequate’.  To address the matters raised in the report, G4S is taking a number of urgent actions.

To strengthen the effectiveness of the leadership and management, G4S has appointed Lisette Saunders in the role of interim director.  Lisette is currently deputy director at G4S-managed HM Prison Parc, near Bridgend, in Wales.

A project board led by G4S Custodial & Detention Services Chief Operating Officer Paul Kempster has been established to deliver an action plan to improve standards at Oakhill.

The immediate priorities are to ensure the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the young people, to guarantee the safety, appropriate training and support for staff and improving the standard of living and state of repair of the facilities.

Since the Ofsted inspection in early October, policies on suicide and self harm (SASH), use of force and restraint, handcuffs, searches, bullying, abuse referrals and single separation have been reviewed and a significant number of changes implemented.  Greater governance and quality assurance is now in place and where necessary, staff are receiving access to further training. G4S is reviewing every young person’s case management and care plan to ensure effectiveness. An urgent review with the catering company has also begun to ensure menus have been re-evaluated by a nutritionist and any recommendations are implemented.

The new interim director, Lisette Saunders, said: “We take these findings very seriously.  In the report, Ofsted recognised that senior managers at Oakhill know what is required to bring the centre up to acceptable standards.

“This year, the team at Oakhill has made a number of changes, restructuring the workforce to provide better support for young people and front line staff and greater management oversight and accountability. I look forward to building on this progress as the benefits take effect.”

G4S successfully delivers a leading youth custody centre at Parc YOI and is committed to ensuring that Oakhill STC operates to the same high standards.

Notes to editors

For all media enquiries please call the G4S media team on +44 (0) 207 963 3333