Kilmarnock jail on the hunt for new prison officers before public sector switch

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Prison officers are being sought for HMP Kilmarnock, which will become the first ever Scottish prison to transfer from private to public sector control.

The establishment will transition to the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) on March 17, 2024 – 25 years after it first became operational.Serco currently runs the prison on behalf of Kilmarnock Prison Services Ltd (KPSL).SPS is committed to maintaining the many elements of good practice already in place, and continuing the excellent relationships with people in custody and the surrounding community.Teresa Medhurst, chief executive of the Scottish Prison Service, said: “HMP Kilmarnock is a well-run establishment, with strong links to its local community, and a determination to deliver the best possible outcomes for those in its care.“That is an aspiration shared by all at the Scottish Prison Service, and we will continue the good work already done by Serco after March 17, and build on it where we can.“I am grateful to all those who continue to work hard on making this transition a success for staff, those in custody, their families, and the wider community.”Mark Hanson, Serco justice director, said: “We are proud of our track record in delivering a safe, decent prison with rehabilitative outcomes to the people of Scotland.“We would like to thank all those that have worked at HMP Kilmarnock over the last 25 years for their significant contribution to the rehabilitation of offenders who have been integrated back into our communities.” Read next: Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter