Award

Prison Operator Services - HMP Dovegate

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

13 Feb 2026 at 15:20

Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Justice has concluded a procurement process for the operation of prison services at HMP Dovegate, located near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, under the Light Touch Regime of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The procurement follows a restricted procedure, aimed at selecting a suitable supplier to deliver both custodial and maintenance services, with a focus on transformative services that reduce reoffending. The contract was awarded to Serco Ltd, a large-scale supplier, and spans from 28th November 2025 to 8th July 2036, with a value of £447 million. The procurement is categorised under prison services, primarily aimed at providing a safe and secure environment for inmates at the Category B prison, contributing to their rehabilitation and resettlement.

This tender presents significant opportunities for business growth, particularly for large enterprises experienced in managing substantial prison operations and facilities management. Companies with expertise in security systems, rehabilitation programmes, and maintenance of complex infrastructures will find this contract aligns well with their capabilities. The extensive contract period also allows for strategic long-term planning and service improvement, fostering an environment that prioritises safety and transformation within the correctional system. This procurement process supports the continued collaboration between the public sector and large private firms in delivering essential services within the UK’s justice system.

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Notice Title

Prison Operator Services - HMP Dovegate

Notice Description

This Contract is for the delivery of both custodial and maintenance services as part of the operation of HMP Dovegate. The award of this Contract for prison operator services for HMP Dovegate, was completed under the Light Touch Regime of the Public Contract Regulations (2015). HMP Dovegate is a male Category B Reception, Training, Resettlement prison for over 18-year-olds located near Uttoxeter in Staffordshire. Accommodation at the prison is divided into the main prison (960 places) and the Democratic Therapeutic Community (200 places). In 2009 the addition of a further accommodation block and other facilities, saw the prison capacity increase to a maximum of 1,160 places. Prison Operator Contracts cover delivery of all operational custodial services (including but not limited to education, rehabilitation, training, work, security, resettlement) and FM services (hard and soft) that are required for a prison to hold prisoners, both safely and securely, while providing transformative services that reduce reoffending and maintain the prison to a high standard. The Authority has procured contracts for the operation of prisons to the private sector since the early 1990s and has long advocated a shared approach to prison operation that includes a mix of public, voluntary and private sector involvement. The Contractor will be responsible for the provision of a safe, decent, secure operating model and regime that specifically meets the needs of the cohort whilst providing a platform for prisoners to tackle the causes of their offending, and a better, more supportive environment for staff and prisoners to work and live in.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-f281dd7d-b33e-424d-ac6c-2fd12d01bb3e
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/a737fdae-72f6-4d93-a68c-069ed8acd28c
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Restricted procedure (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

75 - Administration, defence and social security services


CPV Codes

75231230 - Prison services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£447,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£447,000,000 £100M-£1B
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
23 Apr 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
28 Nov 2025 - 8 Jul 2036 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1H 9AJ
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLG West Midlands (England)

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SERCO

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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