Specialist knowledge in prisons

SJD has been working with contractors such as Vinci Facilities, to deliver maintenance, upgrades and new building work in the prison sector since 2018. Custodial environments require a great deal of sensitivity, knowledge and flexibility.

SJD’s experience is extensive and includes projects at HMP Woodhill, HMYOI Aylesbury and HMYOI Feltham, with ongoing works at HMP Grendon and HMP Pentonville.

The work is varied and includes fire and security improvements, provision of power, diverse supplies and emergency lighting.

Prisons are unique sites that have many rules and procedures that must be adhered to and there are extra security steps to take for each project, so patience and a flexible approach is essential.

Prison sites are always live, remaining operational during the works and are therefore not easy environments to work in. Health and safety is of the utmost importance and it goes without saying that security access is hugely important. SJD’s electricians have already been vetted and pre-qualified to work on Vinci’s projects and have also been checked for compliance and accreditation, ensuring they are fully qualified to carry out the work.

But security access to one prison doesn’t mean our teams automatically have access to another, and even within one prison there can be different risks in different areas requiring their own clearance so meticulous preparation and forward thinking is needed to ensure all access is available when required.

Another consideration is the specialist installations that are necessary for prisoner safety including anti-ligature/tamper and vandal-proof equipment. SJD is familiar with these types of products and are all considered carefully at design stage.

SJD has the capability to design and commission the fabrication of bespoke aftermarket solutions for existing installations, such as trunking to enable buildings to be brought up to current standards. This reduces programme time, avoids the costly replacement of entire systems and offers our clients better value for money. 

Contact us if you’d like to know more about our experience in this sensitive environment.