The challenge
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the MoJ and HMPPS implemented a robust contingency plan to move towards single-cell accommodation, to limit the spread of infection and the number of cases across the prison estate in England and Wales.
Amey’s response
Due to the fast-moving nature of the pandemic, Amey worked at pace with the MOJ, HMPPS and our supply chain to quickly put together a plan and identify a solution that could be rapidly mobilised to install temporary, single-occupancy cells within the existing secure prison estate.
By combining our project management expertise with our existing prison project and maintenance teams and suppliers we worked with our supply chain partners to rapidly mobilise, install, and safely commission temporary accommodation units across the identified establishments by the MOJ and HMPPS in readiness for prisoner occupancy.
This collaborative approach ensured that the first installation of 400 temporary cells took place within three weeks of the UK wide lockdown coming into effect
Specific works included installing electric, water and wastes supplies, as well as undertaking groundwork and craning the temporary accommodation into place. Amey continued to work in partnership with local HMPPS prison teams to ensure that all temporary cells are safe, clean and compliant.
Outcomes
- First temporary cells installed within
two weeks of UK wide lockdown - 1,048 temporary cells allocated to 29
HMPPS sites across the UK - 896 temporary cells delivered at 26 of these sites
- Rapid mobilisation and boots on the ground
from day one after MoJ instruction - Five supply chain partners engaged and supported
- Covid-19 impact reduced with lower
case rate than originally predicted