Forest Bank receives 5* from British Safety Council

February 09, 2021

Forest Bank receives 5* in BSC Audit

Forest Bank receives 5* from British Safety Council

Following a comprehensive occupational health, safety and environmental audit, HMP Forest Bank has been awarded the maximum five-star grading by the British Safety Council, one of the world’s leading advocates of workplace health and safety.

The Sodexo prison underwent a robust evaluation of safety policies, processes and practices, including documentation reviews, interviews with management, employees and stakeholders, together with the sampling of operational activities.

Demonstrating ongoing commitment to the improvement of health, safety and environment management systems, feedback from the audit, highlighted a ‘positive and courteous working culture where Sodexo values inform a commitment to decency and dignity for residents.’

The prison was also commended for its ‘open and honest approach’ to the audit, despite the unprecedented challenges faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

HMP Forest Bank is now eligible to work towards the Sword of Honour, a prestigious award recognising organisations which embrace best practice across the globe.

Tony Simpson, Director of UK Custodial Operations – Sodexo Justice Services, said: “Health and safety is at the core of everything we do. The maximum five-star grading highlights our commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone working and living within our prisons.

“This is a huge achievement for Forest Bank and is testament to the to the hard work and dedication of the safety managers and staff members who ensure that our safety standards are implemented at the highest level.

“There is always more to do, and we will continue to work hard to make our prisons as safe as they can be.”

Roni Kotecha, Managing Director, Audit and Training at the British Safety Council, added: “The award of a five-star grading following our occupational best practice health, safety and environmental audit is an outstanding achievement and is reflective of a proactive organisation which is committed to continual improvement in its health and safety and environmental arrangements and managing risks to workers’ health, safety and welfare.

“HMP Forest Bank should be very proud of their achievement.”

Back to the list