The prison has been privately managed by Serco since its opening in 1999.
However, the 25-year contract ends in March 2024, when SPS will take direct control of the Bowhouse prison – currently one of only two privately run jails in Scotland.
A report to the CPP this week states: “This contract has not been renewed and the SPS will take direct management of the prison on the 16 March 2024.
SPS have put in place a project lead and team to manage the transfer of the prison from Serco to SPS.
The report states that the change of operator will not impact on the service provided at Bowhouse and will utilise a national partnership between SPS and Social Work Scotland to provide prison based social work via East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP).
The report continues: “There will be no change to the justice social work services that are currently provided at HMP Kilmarnock although the Memorandum of Understanding sets out detailed monthly activity and performance reporting requirements that are not currently in place with Serco.
The delivery of primary health care would also remain with NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
A Health Needs Assessment was undertaken prior to the decision of the SPS to take over management of the prison.
During its last full inspection in 2021, prison inspectors made 56 recommendations, with emphasis on six areas:
– Address ‘completely unsuitable’ search area for prisoners coming in through reception.
– Review of cells as the existing design was too small for two people.
– Reduction of the 20 week wait to receive mental health support.
– Introduce a robust and systematic process to identify, test and support all prisoners with an additional learning support needs.
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