HM Prison Bronzefield
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| Location | Ashford, Surrey |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Adult Female/Juvenile |
| Capacity | 465 (August 2008) |
| Opened | 2004 |
| Managed by | Kalyx |
| Director | Helga Swidenbank |
HM Prison Bronzefield is a Category A adult and juvenile female's prison located on the outskirts of Ashford in Surrey, England. Bronzefield is the only purpose-built private prison for women in the UK, and is the largest female prison in Europe. The prison is operated by Kalyx.
History
Bronzefield Prison was opened in June 2004 as the UK's new top security prison for women.
Since its opening Bronzefield has been the subject of many news articles in the tabloid press, most notably about well-known prisoners, its supposedly lax regime and continued poor industrial relations.[1]
Due to be ready in September 2009, a new 77 bed unit is soon to be built on the existing site, this will take the operational capacity up to 532. It has yet to be decided what function the new unit will perform, though suggestions include housing Young Offenders and First Stage lifers.
The prison today
HM Prison Bronzefield is currently the only prison to house Category A prisoners in the female estate (female and juvenile category-A prisoners are called "restricted status" prisoners). The prison is staffed by approx 160 prison officers which has a ratio of 60% female and 40% male officers to reflect the need for a women's prison. Bronzefield is also a local prison, taking prisoners directly from the courts. Bronzefield holds a wide range of female offenders, including remand, sentenced and restricted status women.
Accommodation at Bronzefield is divided into three main residential units, each holding approximately 135 women each. The prison also has a 12 bed Mother and Baby Unit, accommodating children up to 18 months old. Bronzefield has a Level 4 Healthcare provision with inpatient facilities for 18 women, as well as a smaller 10-bed Help & Direction Unit.
Bronzefield offers full time education courses including Art, ESOL and Information Technology. There are also workshops in Painting and Decorating, Cleaning Science and Arts and Crafts.