Vulnerable young people in secure training centres are being failed by a system that is not fit for purpose, an independent improvement board has found.

The board, set up in January following allegations of abuse at the Medway Secure Training Centre in Rochester, found a culture that focused on control and compliance rather than on meeting young people’s needs.

Their report, which was released this morning, said: “It is clear that the current model is failing our young people.

Medway Secure Training Centre.

“Leadership within the STC has driven a culture that appears to be based on control and contract compliance rather than rehabilitation and safeguarding vulnerable young people.

“There is a history of similar concerns being raised repeatedly in letters from whistle-blowers and former staff. Regardless of who manages Medway STC, changes in culture, leadership and staff approaches are needed.”

The board was set up following the release of footage secretly filmed for BBC’s Panorama documentary by an undercover journalist at the jail showing staff appearing to use excessive force to restrain youngsters, children being bullied by staff, officers lying when reporting incidents and staff boasting about hurting inmates.

Shots from undercover BBC documentary filmed at the youth jail

A police investigation is ongoing and the five people arrested in connection with the case remain on bail.

The report said that almost every person the board spoke to was of the opinion that STC’s are not fit for purpose, and that the board was troubled by “cultural norms” that had grown over time and found there was a lack of clarity on the purpose of an STC.

It critised not only private security company G4S who run the centre, but also the Youth Justice Board which oversees the youth justice system, children's charity Barnados and Medway Council.

Rochester head teacher Gary Holden, who led the board, said: “At various times during the course of the work, we felt saddened, uplifted, humbled and angered by what we saw.

Dr Gary Holden, head teacher of Sir Joseph Williamsons Mathematic School

“Our overriding sense is that, as a society we must do better by these vulnerable young people.”

The board has recommended that a new vision is developed for STCs and that an independent governing body, similar to a board of governors in schools, is set up to scrutinise safeguarding.

In April the MoJ announced G4S will not be taking on the new contract which it was awarded in September last year. The transfer was due to take place on Friday, April 1, but instead the old contract was extended until July.

"As a society we must do better by these vulnerable young people" - Dr Gary Holden

G4S Regional President Peter Neden said: “The previously reported mistreatment of young people by members of staff at Medway was shocking and completely unacceptable. The behaviour was not in accordance with our standards and policies and was inconsistent with the training provided to officers. It is not representative of G4S employees across the country.

“We reported the allegations of mistreatment at Medway to the Police and Local Authority immediately and the staff involved have been dismissed from the company.

“These events were deeply disappointing after seven years of Medway achieving a good or outstanding rating from independent government inspectors and it is clear that the multiple levels of internal and independent oversight of the centre failed to detect the behaviour of these staff.

“We welcomed the decision of the Secretary of State to commission an independent review and we will continue to work closely with the MoJ to ensure that oversight and safeguards are strengthened.”

Shots from undercover BBC documentary filmed at the youth jail

The Ministry of Justice confirmed this morning that it will be taking over the centre and by the end of July it will be run the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), which runs public sector prisons and probation services.

Beverley Bevan – a prison governor with seven years’ experience of working with young offenders – is to be appointed as the governor.

Releasing the report, Justice Secretary Michael Gove said: “I am today publishing the Board’s report, which tells a powerful story – not just about what went wrong at Medway, but about broader problems in the Youth Justice System, and specifically in the children’s secure estate.”

Environment Secretary Michael Gove

The Howard League for Penal Reform said that the report vindicates their view that the concept of secure training centres is "rotten".

Chief executive Frances Crook said: “This is a comprehensive and wide-ranging report that goes well beyond considering one company’s failings or the idea that a few bad apples are at fault. G4S, the Youth Justice Board and Barnardos advocates are all criticised heavily.

“It is devastating to think about the thousands of children who have been through the doors of these child jails.

“We welcome the removal of G4S, but we question whether the National Offender Management Service can address these fundamental concerns. Medway and the other two secure training centres should be closed.”