Understanding the Custodial Sector

The custodial sector plays a critical role in safeguarding society, providing secure environments for individuals who are detained or under supervision. This diverse sector includes prisons, custodial suites, Section 136 suites, and Young Offender Institutions, each with its unique challenges and responsibilities.

These facilities are designed to balance safety, security, and rehabilitation, ensuring the wellbeing of occupants while maintaining strict operational efficiency. Whether managing individuals in crisis, supporting young offenders, or operating high-security prisons, custodial environments require robust infrastructure and effective design to meet complex needs.

Recommended Products

High-security, anti-ligature solutions engineered for safety, control, and resilience in challenging environments.

DCE+HMP01_Image_1

DCE+HMP01

Key Challenges in Custodial Environments

Custodial environments require a careful balance of safety, durability, hygiene, compliance, and wellbeing. Facilities must protect individuals at risk while ensuring staff safety by minimising opportunities for tampering or misuse. Fixtures must be robust enough to withstand heavy use and challenging conditions, while also being easy to clean in order to maintain hygiene and control infection. Adhering to strict regulations, such as anti-ligature and hygiene standards, is essential. In spaces like Young Offender Institutions and Section 136 suites, design also plays a crucial role in supporting mental health, dignity, and rehabilitation.
DCE_HMP01_Prison_Cell_Webpage_Image

 

Different custodial facilities have distinct needs based on their purpose and population. Prisons demand highly robust infrastructure to ensure safety, security, and operational efficiency. Custodial suites, used for short-term detentions, prioritise immediate risk reduction and ease of supervision. Section 136 suites focus on supporting individuals in mental health crises, requiring calming, dignified spaces with anti-ligature and hygienic design. Young Offender Institutions centre around rehabilitation, needing environments that promote learning and development while maintaining safety.
DCE+HMP01_Image_7

How Contour Heating Supports the Custodial Sector

Contour Heating supports the custodial sector by providing secure, durable, and hygienic heating and guarding solutions tailored to its unique challenges. With a deep understanding of safety requirements, our products feature anti-ligature and tamper-resistant designs, robust materials for long-term use, and hygienic finishes that aid in infection control.

DCE+HMP01_Prison_Guard_Cover_Key_Features_Infographic_1

Case Studies

Here are a selection of our recent case studies. Click on a case study to read more.

See All Case Studies

What Others Are Saying About Contour Products

Fantastic Company I have used them for many years and always receive outstanding service, prompt quotes and guaranteed delivery dates. I would highly recommend their products. The Staff are a credit to the Company.

Claire White ,

What Others Are Saying About Contour Products

This is the second time that I have placed an order with Contour and on both occasions the customer service team have been extremely helpful, even when I had to change the order several times. The products they have manufactured and supplied for me have been of an outstanding quality and it is easy to see that Contour are becoming nominated suppliers for more and more organisations.

Paul Lewis ,

What Others Are Saying About Contour Products

Really happy with the new 18 radiator guards for our ward. The service we received was fantastic. This is why we keep using Contour Heating for our anti ligature products.

Arron Wise ,

What Others Are Saying About Contour Products

Excellent service, delivery on time, Quality product, will use again.

Mark Whitfield , Livingston Mechanical Services

What Others Are Saying About Contour Products

I wanted to express my gratitude for the prompt delivery of the radiator cover. It fits very well, and I'm pleased that the product is entirely satisfactory. Your efficient service is much appreciated.

Priya Govindaraj, Home Administrator Sanctuary Care

What Others Are Saying About Contour Products

Thank you for outstanding customer service from my first enquiry to satisfactory delivery. I cannot fault the service and would highly recommend your company to others. Also, I’m extremely pleased with the product made to my specifications for a perfect fit, I’m impressed with quality and overall finish.

Sharon,

Trusted by the World’s Best Companies

NHS
HM Prison Service
MJ Quinn
Willmott Dixon
Tilbury Douglas
BioCote
Ministry of Justice MOJ
Rob_Byers_Photo

Rob Byers Account Manager

Need Some Advice From One of Our Experts?

We're here to help. For more information, or to find out more about our services, including site surveys; or talk to us about our comprehensive product range, please contact us today. We’ll do our best to get back to you within one working day.

Robert_Bennett_Photo

Robert Bennett Project Surveyor

Need Some Advice From One of Our Experts?

We're here to help. For more information, or to find out more about our services, including site surveys; or talk to us about our comprehensive product range, please contact us today. We’ll do our best to get back to you within one working day.

Laura_Oliver_Photo

Laura Oliver Customer Service Manager

Need Some Advice From One of Our Experts?

We're here to help. For more information, or to find out more about our services, including site surveys; or talk to us about our comprehensive product range, please contact us today. We’ll do our best to get back to you within one working day.

Ready to take the next step?

Just fill out the form in as much detail as you can, and an expert will be in touch within 24 hours.