HMP Oakwood hitting performance targets, statistics show
HMP Oakwood is hitting the majority of its performance targets, according to the Government's latest national prison statistics.
The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) has given the prison in Featherstone a performance score of three out of four - the second highest rating possible.
The ratings monitor performance on public protection, reducing re-offending, decency and resource management and operational effectiveness.
It follows an independent inspection report published in February in which Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons said Oakwood had 'turned a corner', despite continued issues with drug use and bullying among prisoners.
The prison opened in April 2012.
John McLaughlin, G4S director for HMP Oakwood, said: "Opening a prison is a complex process and our experience and these figures show that it takes time to develop the experience of staff, fully embed the prison regime and establish links with local partner agencies.
"Oakwood has come through a difficult period since it opened but the prison, staff and regime have matured.
"We are now pioneering initiatives – such as the use of prisoner mentors to help tackle poor behaviour – which other prisons in the country are looking to as examples of best practice.
"While today's figures are positive, there is still more work to do. We continue to focus on getting more prisoners at Oakwood into meaningful education and training to support their rehabilitation back into communities, help them turn away from crime and ultimately improve public safety."
