07 February 2003
Chief inspector of prisons Anne Owers said her report was 'probably the most depressing' she had ever issued. It described the prison, run by Premier Custodial Services, as 'failing, by some margin, to provide a safe and decent environment for children'.
The Youth Justice Board, which commissions places for prisoners aged under 18, said it would stop using Ashfield, other than for 40 remand places.
It said it first raised concerns about Ashfield last April, and had since issued two compliance failure notices.
Prison Reform Trust director Juliet Lyon said: 'Children who offend need consistent care and guidance. Far too often what they get is state-sanctioned neglect and abuse. This report must act as a wake-up call to review the policy of incarcerating children.'
Prison Service director general Martin Narey took the unusual step of taking direct control of Ashfield last spring, but reinstated Premier after a new governor was appointed.
Home Office spokesman said that Premier could be removed if performance did not improve and either a new contractor or the public sector would take over. But there would not be a general review of the use of private contractors in custodial services, he added.
Owers' report said: 'The majority of staff lacked the experience, confidence or skills to manage this difficult and demanding [prison] population.'
Ashfield was the first juvenile prison to be run by the private sector. Premier is 50% owned by Serco, and the other half by Group 4's Wackenhut Corrections subsidiary, which is up for sale.
Premier managing director Kevin Lewis said: 'We are committed to getting things right at Ashfield. We are here for the long term, are making excellent progress and do not intend to walk away from the problems.
'We will put in the resources to meet the standards needed and preserve our reputation.'
According to the Public Sector International Research Unit, Premier made a pre-tax profit of £1.23m on Ashfield for the year to December 2001, against £1.37m in 2000.
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