Privately managed prisons were introduced to the UK in the 1990s.

HM Chief Inspectorate of Prisons inspects private prisons in the same way as public sector prisons. All private prisons have a 'Controller' linking them to the National Offender Management Service, and the governors of private prisons are called 'Directors'.

At present there are 14 private prisons contractually managed by private companies such as Sodexo Justice Services, Serco and G4S Justice Services.

HMP Altcourse - G4S Justice Services

HMP Ashfield - Serco Custodial Services

HMP Bronzefield - Sodexo Justice Services

HMP Doncaster - Serco Custodial Services

HMP Dovegate - Serco Custodial Services

HMP/YOI Forest Bank - Sodexo Justice Services

HMP Lowdham Grange - Serco Custodial Services

HMP Oakwood – G4S Justice Services

HMP/YOI Parc - G4S Justice Services

HMP Peterborough - Sodexo Justice Services

HMP Rye Hill - G4S Justice Services

HMP Thameside – Serco

HMP Northumberland - Sodexo Justice Services