Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden has commended staff at Hydebank Wood College following the latest inspection reports from the Criminal Justice Inspectorate NI (CJINI) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP).

The inspection team described Hydebank Wood as now demonstrating a culture of improvement with rehabilitation at the core of its ethos.

The former youth offenders’ institute has operated as the UK’s first-ever secure college for 18-21-year-olds since April last year. The site also houses a separate prison for women offenders.

Ms Sugden visited the college for the first time late last month.

Responding to the inspection, she said: “The positive results of this latest inspection are testament to the work of all the staff at Hydebank Wood to transform the centre into the first secure college in the UK.

“By placing education at the centre of its work staff encourage people in custody to address their offending behaviour and help prepare them to play a constructive role when they return to the community.

“I commend the work of the Governor and his team, as well as the many partners who have helped to develop a progressive custodial establishment which plays its part in building a safer community in Northern Ireland.

“We must build upon this good work and meet the challenges ahead.

“The report also highlights where further progress is needed, in particular on misuse of drugs and in supporting people with mental health issues. While both areas reflect similar problems in the wider community, the Prison Service will continue to play its part in working to support people in custody.”

Sue McAllister, outgoing director general of the NI Prison Service, added: “In 2013 the inspection team described the then Young Offenders Centre as a failing institution.

“Through local leadership and a determination by our staff and partners to deliver the first secure college on these islands, Hydebank Wood has been transformed.”