Sodexo Prisons Awarded 5-Stars By British Safety Council

British Safety Council logo Following a comprehensive occupational health, safety and environmental audit, HMP Addiewell and HMP Forest Bank have been awarded the maximum five-star grading by the British Safety Council, one of the world’s leading advocates of workplace health and safety.

The Sodexo prisons underwent a robust evaluation of safety policies, processes and practices, including documentation reviews, interviews with management, employees and stakeholders, together with the sampling of operational activities.

Demonstrating ongoing commitment to the improvement of health, safety and environment management systems, feedback from HMP Forest Bank in Greater Manchester, highlighted a ‘positive and courteous working culture where Sodexo values inform a commitment to decency and dignity for residents.’



The leadership team at HMP Addiewell, located near Edinburgh, was characterised as ‘inspiring, authentic, motivational, and engaging’ with a ’focus on continual improvement involving leading stakeholders’.

Both prisons were commended for their ‘open and honest approach’ to the audit, despite the unprecedented challenges faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following the five-star rating both prisons are now eligible to work towards the Sword of Honour, a prestigious award recognising organisations which embrace best practice across the globe.

Tony Simpson, Director of UK Custodial Operations – Sodexo Justice Services, said: “Health and safety is at the core of everything we do. The maximum five-star grading highlights our commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone working and living within our prisons.

“This is a huge achievement for Addiewell and Forest Bank and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the safety managers and staff members who ensure that our safety standards are implemented at the highest level.

“There is always more to do, and we will continue to work hard to make our prisons as safe as they can be.”

Roni Kotecha, Managing Director, Audit and Training at the British Safety Council, added: “The award of a five-star grading following our occupational best practice health, safety and environmental audit is an outstanding achievement and is reflective of a proactive organisation which is committed to continual improvement in its health and safety and environmental arrangements and managing risks to workers’ health, safety and welfare.

“HMP Addiewell and HMP Forest Bank should be very proud of their achievements.”