General Description
HMP Altcourse was the first designed,
constructed, managed and financed private prison in the UK. The
decision to award GSL this contract was decreed in 1995, and
the building commenced in partnership between GSL and Tarmac
Construction.
The prison opened its doors to prisoners on 1st December 1997, some
six months earlier than the anticipated original opening date.The
prison employs a team of over 400 high quality local people; all
working to the same aim of producing excellence in custodial practice.
HMP Altcourse is a Category B local prison receiving prisoners
from the courts in Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. The prison
accept young offender and adult male prisoners who are both sentenced
and remanded by the courts. The prison is currently holding over
900 prisoners in safe custody.
On 18th August 1999, HMP Altcourse was recognised as Investors in
People, an Award for which they have subsequently been accredited.
An excellent Chief Inspector of Prisons Report was published on
18th April 2000. The report cited 45 examples of good practice at
Altcourse and described it as the 'jewel in the crown of the Prison
Service'. GSL are very proud of the staff and prisoners at HMP Altcourse
who all work to the same ethos of providing a safe and secure environment
with particular emphasis being placed on:
- Drug strategy
- Suicide & self-harm procedures
- Decent conditions
- Resettlement
- Integrated team work approach
- Education
- Work opportunity
- Quality Healthcare
- Staff/prisoners relationships
HMP Altcourse have an approach that seeks constant
improvements with the aim of attaining and maintaining the highest
standards possible.
Directions
to HMP Altcourse
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