Wincanton has formed a joint venture with Serco to bid for contracts to manage prisoner escort services on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, which is responsbile for moving about one million people a year.
The two organisations have created a new company, Serton, to combine Wincanton’s logistics and fleet management expertise with Serco’s experience of custodial services.
In England and Wales, the escort of prisoners to and from courts is handled by the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice.
Serco has some £10bn of public and private sector contracts and manages four UK adult prisons for the Ministry of Justice.
Wincanton chief Graeme McFaull said: “By combining Wincanton’s experience across the supply chain with Serco’s seasoned expertise in custodial services, the new company will get the best from both organisations. There is an increasing enthusiasm of governments around the world for public private partnerships, and we will provide dedicated, assured services for all stakeholders while maximising care and professionalism.”
