Amey introduces bespoke and cost-effective solution to enhance living standards in UK prisons

20 Sep 2023

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Through its Ministry of Justice contract, Amey, a provider of strategic facilities and project management services, has collaborated with the client to incorporate a ground-breaking welfare solution that will enhance the prisoner journey.

Amey worked collaboratively the client to incorporate Newcastle Joinery’s unique and cost effective in-cell shower pod’s for young offenders at HMYOI Wetherby and HMYOI Werrington. This unique product is the first of its kind in the UK and Amey, with Newcastle Joinery, is now preparing to roll out the project across many more prisons across the estate.

With a requirement for offenders to have more privacy, along with the client’s focus on carbon cutting, Amey used their experience of the prison estate and their specialist knowledge of the energy industry to successfully deliver the projects.

Due to the aged infrastructure and cell size, it was impractical to install a shower/toilet/sink in the traditional way, not least because of the ongoing maintenance costs it would generate. Instead, Amey procured NJL’s shower pod solution that not only solved the issue of offenders having to use the shared facilities, but also provided the client with a simple, quick and cost-effective solution.

NJL’s shower pods consist of a shower, toilet and sink that fits easily into each cell. They are made off-site, then delivered and installed in just three days.

The pod is Patented by NJL and incorporates resin internal boards that are resistant to mould and bacterial growth minimising cleaning and maintenance and avoiding the need for harsh chemicals, which significantly improves the air quality within each cell. Reduced water usage and chemicals in the environment also means less money spent on cleaning materials.

The ongoing cost of maintaining facilities is significantly reduced providing the client with a whole installation lifecycle cost benefit. Cells fitted with shower pods means they can be used at short notice maximising estate capacity and improving estate utilisation.

Geoff McManus, Amey Account Director - Projects, commented:

“This has been a ground-breaking project for both Amey and the prisons team. We have received very positive feedback from the young people who use the shower pods, as well as the operational and senior management teams within the youth custody service. They all noted an improvement on cleanliness, dignity and independence of occupants.

At Amey we are keen to promote prisoner rehabilitation across all our HMPPS sites and enhancing the wider environment is just one way we can encourage these young people to use their sentence as a catalyst for change.”

With personal shower pods now available to offenders in their cells, the logistical management of the offenders has improved, and the young offenders now have a more pleasant personal space that provides them with the privacy they need.

To continuously improve and build upon the impact of the project, Amey regularly collects and analyses data to understand the impact of the pods and to identify areas where improvements can be made. Amey, its supply chain partners, and the client also take part in 360 reviews to drive continuous performance allowing everyone to be part of the discussion and promoting an open and transparent relationship.

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