Scottish Prison Service: Management and Operations of Scotland's Penal System
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS), known in Scottish Gaelic as Seirbheis Phrìosain na h-Alba, is an executive agency of the Scottish Government. Established in 1993, the SPS is the primary body tasked with the management of prisons and Young Offender Institutions across Scotland, ensuring the secure custody of offenders while working toward rehabilitation.
Headquartered at One Lochside in Edinburgh, the agency operates under the jurisdiction of the Scottish Government. It is currently led by Chief Executive Teresa Medhurst, who oversees the administration and performance of the service. The SPS reports directly to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, currently Angela Constance.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1993
- Staffing: Employs approximately 4,900 personnel.
- Infrastructure: Manages 15 prison establishments across Scotland.
- Governance: An executive agency reporting to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs.
- Rehabilitation: Operates the Throughcare scheme to reduce recidivism.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The administration of the SPS is centered around the Chief Executive, who is responsible for the management and future development of the agency. Teresa Medhurst is supported by Deputy Chief Executive Linda Pollock. Operational authority is delegated to the Chief Executive by the Director General (Education and Justice).
The agency utilizes a four-directorate model to maintain efficiency. Each directorate is led by an Executive Director who serves on both the SPS Executive Management Group and the SPS Advisory Board. The current leadership includes:
- Operations: Ian Whitehead and Andy Hodge
- Policy: Sarah Angus
- Organisational Development: Adam Jobson
- Finance: Gerry O'Donnell
Prison Establishments in Scotland
The SPS manages a network of 15 facilities, including standard prisons, open prisons, and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs). While the vast majority are public, HMP Addiewell is privately managed under contract by Sodexo Justice Services.
| Facility Name | Type/Note |
|---|---|
| HMP Addiewell | Privately run (Sodexo Justice Services) |
| HMP Barlinnie | Public |
| The Bella Centre | Public |
| HMP Castle Huntly | Open prison |
| HMP Dumfries | Public |
| HMP Edinburgh | Public |
| HMP Glenochil | Public |
| HMP & YOI Grampian | Young Offenders Institution |
| HMP Greenock | Public |
| HMP Inverness | Public |
| HMP Kilmarnock | Public |
| The Lilias Centre | Public |
| HMP Low Moss | Public |
| HMP Perth | Public |
| HMYOI Polmont | Young Offenders Institution |
| HMP Shotts | Public |
| HMP Stirling | Public |
Specialized Services and Responsibilities
Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody
The responsibility for moving prisoners between facilities has evolved over time. Until April 2004, the SPS handled the escorting of convicted prisoners, while local police managed those on remand. In November 2003, the SPS transitioned these duties to a contracted service. This "Prisoner Escort and Court Custody Service" covers transport between police cells, courts, prisons, and hospitals, as well as escorts for community placements and funerals.
The contract has been held by various providers: Reliance Secure Task Management Ltd (2003), G4S (2012), and currently GEOAmey, which took over in January 2019. The current contract is set to expire in January 2027, with a possible four-year extension.
Secure Psychiatric Care
It is important to note that not all secure detentions fall under the SPS. Prisoners requiring secure psychiatric care are held at the State Hospital in Carstairs, South Lanarkshire. This facility is managed by the Scottish National Health Service (NHS) rather than the SPS.
Rehabilitation through Throughcare
To combat reoffending, the SPS implements a scheme called Throughcare across eleven of its sites. This program uses a case management approach where Throughcare Support Officers (TSOs) collaborate with the prisoner, their family, and third-sector partners to create a personalized transition plan. This includes securing housing, medical needs, and benefits. Data indicates that 78% of former prisoners who participated in Throughcare did not return to prison within two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in charge of the Scottish Prison Service?
The SPS is led by Chief Executive Teresa Medhurst, who reports to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs within the Scottish Government.
Are all prisons in Scotland run by the government?
No. While most are public, HMP Addiewell is privately managed under contract by Sodexo Justice Services.
What is the Throughcare scheme?
Throughcare is a rehabilitation program designed to reduce reoffending by providing released prisoners with essential support, such as housing and medical care, through personalized transition plans.
Who handles the transport of prisoners in Scotland?
Prisoner escorting and court custody services are currently managed by GEOAmey under a contract with the Scottish Ministers.
Does the SPS manage psychiatric hospitals?
No. Secure psychiatric hospitals, such as the State Hospital in Carstairs, are managed by the Scottish National Health Service (NHS).