Which Prisons Does Sodexo Run in the UK?
Last reviewed: June 2026. Prison contracts are re-tendered — confirm the current operator on the prison’s official page.
In short: Sodexo (through Sodexo Justice Services) is one of the main private operators of UK prisons. It is reported to run HMP Bronzefield (the UK’s largest women’s prison), HMP Peterborough (which uniquely holds both men and women), HMP Forest Bank, HMP Northumberland, HMP Lowdham Grange, HMP Altcourse and, in Scotland, HMP Addiewell. The management of Forest Bank was reported to be changing, and prison contracts are re-tendered over time — so confirm the current operator on the prison’s official page. Sodexo-run prisons follow the same national Prison Rules and inspection regime as public prisons.
Prisons reported to be run by Sodexo
| Prison | Notes |
|---|---|
| HMP Bronzefield | The largest women’s prison in the UK (Surrey) |
| HMP Peterborough | Holds both men and women on one site |
| HMP Forest Bank | Large male prison, Salford (management reported to be changing) |
| HMP Northumberland | Large male prison in the north-east |
| HMP Lowdham Grange | Category B male, Nottinghamshire |
| HMP Altcourse | Local prison, Liverpool |
| HMP Addiewell | Scotland (under the Scottish Prison Service framework) |
What Sodexo Justice Services does
Sodexo runs prisons under contract and has also been involved in community justice services. As a private operator it is responsible for the day-to-day running of its prisons — staffing, regime, healthcare arrangements and facilities — within the national rules set by HMPPS, and monitored by an on-site Controller.
What it means for prisoners and visitors
As with any private prison, Sodexo-run establishments must follow the national Prison Rules, are inspected by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, and are monitored by an Independent Monitoring Board. Visiting, phones, post and sending money all work the same way as in public prisons, and prisoners’ rights are identical.
Common misunderstandings
- Believing the operator affects a prisoner’s rights — the rules and oversight are national.
- Assuming the list is fixed — contracts move; Forest Bank’s management was reported to be changing.
- Thinking Scottish prisons follow England & Wales rules — HMP Addiewell sits under the Scottish system.
- Forgetting to check the official page — the current operator and visiting rules are confirmed there.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sodexo run a women’s prison?
Yes — HMP Bronzefield, the UK’s largest women’s prison, and HMP Peterborough, which holds both women and men.
Are Sodexo prisons inspected like public prisons?
Yes, by HM Inspectorate of Prisons, with an IMB on site.
Could the operator of a prison change?
Yes — prison contracts are re-tendered periodically; always check the official page.
Related guides and official sources
See Serco prisons, prison categories and the list of UK prisons. Official: GOV.UK list of prisons and Sodexo Justice.
