HMP Bronzefield – A Progressive Approach to Rehabilitation.

On April 3^rd, my wife Suzanne, the Resident Judge at Guildford Crown Court HHJ Patricia Lees and myself visited HMP Bronzefield in Ashford. We were kindly escorted by Deputy Director, Raymond Rogers, viewing all areas of the prison including the house blocks, education facilities, skills training area, mother and baby unit and the fitness and wellbeing centre.

It is the largest women’s prison in Europe capable of holding 572 women, both those convicted and those on remand. Run by Sodexo, the prison was opened in 2004, and is very progressive in providing facilities to help rehabilitate the women and prepare them for their release. This includes providing educational classes (which are monitored by OFSTED), neurodivergent facilities and numerous vocational courses and qualifications including bike mechanics, barista work, hairdressing, beauty and spa work. The prison also has its own job centre.

I was tremendously impressed not only by the professionalism of all the staff members I met, but their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to their respective duties and the mutual respect shown by both Officers and prisoners alike. I would like to extend my gratitude to Raymond for providing such an informative visit.

Find out more about Bronzefield Prison HERE