The prison stands on the site of a former Royal Air Force facility, RAF Pucklechurch.

The award was made in recognition of the staff's dedication to improving healthcare and personal health education for inmates held at Ashfield.

[8] In 2013 an inspection report that concluded offenders were "exposed to unacceptable levels of violence", including bones broken after the use of force by staff.

[9] Ashfield was converted to an adult male prison for sex offenders from July 2013 and a Treatment site from 2014.

[10] In 2024 Serco was awarded a new contract after competitive tendering, to operate the prison for a further 10 years with an expiry of 31 October 2034