HMP Parc: New G4S contract was ‘root of many problems’ for troubled prison, damning report finds

Daniel Bevan - Senior Journalist

A scathing new report has revealed that a lucrative 10-year contract awarded to security firm G4S was the “root of many problems” at a troubled south Wales prison.

HMP Parc in Bridgend has recorded 17 prisoner deaths in 2024 alone—the highest of any UK prison this year.

G4S, which has operated the jail since 1997, was granted a new decade-long contract in 2022 to continue running the prison.

However, the most recent inspection in January uncovered a series of serious failings, particularly around drug control, which inspectors believe contributed to a string of deaths.

34% of inmates surveyed by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) admitted to developing a drug or alcohol problem after arriving at the jail.

In its statement, HMIP noted: “The transition to a new management contract at the South Wales prison was at the root of many of its problems.”

The situation was exacerbated, inspectors said, by the retirement of the prison’s long-serving director and the departure of other senior staff, leaving the institution “fundamentally destabilised.”

HMIP continued: “At the same time, the longstanding and well-respected director had retired and other senior leaders had departed, and this had fundamentally destabilised the prison and left it unable to grip the problems it faced.”

Charlie Taylor, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons, acknowledged the challenges but also pointed to early signs of progress: “The staff team, which was used to being proud of the place at which they worked, had been through a very difficult time, but there were signs that things were beginning to turn around.

“Partnership working between prison leaders and the new education provider had begun to improve, as had the regime and practical release planning arrangements.”

Inspectors left HMP Parc cautiously optimistic, noting improvements in morale and a renewed sense of purpose among staff: “Practically, if G4S and the prison service are able to expedite the replacement of windows which are vulnerable to drone deliveries and to provide enhanced gate security, that will help to reduce supply of drugs.”

“If the current director remains in place and he receives the support he needs from the provider and the prison service, then there can be optimism that the early signs of improvement at this important prison can begin to be consolidated and sustained.”

A spokesperson for HMP Parc acknowledged the severity of the crisis earlier this year: “The first six months of 2024 were extremely difficult and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the men that passed away.

“Since then, considerable work has been carried out to make significant improvements at the prison.

“We are encouraged that HMIP recognises that we are making solid progress and noted positive developments in tackling violence, self-harm rates and use of force.

“We are determined to ensure the men in our care are safe, supported and can feel optimistic about their futures, and we are working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan to once again deliver excellent services at HMP Parc. Our plan includes all of HMIP’s recommendations.”