Sodexo, the world’s largest services company, has been awarded the British Safety Council Sword of Honour for HMP Forest Bank

Sodexo, the world’s largest services company, has been awarded the British Safety Council Sword of Honour for HMP Forest Bank.

The prison was one of 68 organisations worldwide to achieve the Sword of Honour, awarded to those which have demonstrated excellence in the management of health and safety. HMP Forest Bank completes the set for Sodexo Justice Services – all four of its prisons have received the award.

In order to compete for the Sword of Honour, an organisation first has to achieve the maximum five stars in the British Safety Council’s health and safety management audit scheme in the period August 2012 – July 2013.

The team at HMP Forest Bank also had to demonstrate a culture that exemplified best practice throughout their business to an adjudication panel comprising expert health and safety practitioners.

Representatives from HMP Forest Bank will officially receive the Sword of Honour at a ceremony in historic Goldsmith’s Hall, City of London, on 29 November.

HMP Addiewell, HMP Peterborough and HMP/YOI Bronzefield, all managed by Sodexo Justice Services, were awarded the Sword of Honour in 2011. Earlier this year, Sodexo Justice Services scooped Distinctions for all four of its prisons at the British Safety Council 2013 International Safety Awards.

Tony Leech, managing director at Sodexo Justice Services said: “The Sword of Honour represents many years of hard work within Sodexo Justice Services. Health and safety is critically important across our business and I’m delighted to see this best practice recognised at HMP Forest Bank, in addition to our other prisons.” Lynda Armstrong OBE, chair of the trustees of the British Safety Council said: “Our warmest congratulations to 68 of our member organisations who have won the Sword of Honour. These awards recognise and celebrate the excellence of the winning organisations and their employees in managing health and safety risks.
“What all of the sword winning organisations share is a commitment and resolve to achieve the highest standards of health and safety and to keep their employees and those affected by their work activities healthy and safe. We wish the winning organisations continuing success.”