 In 2005 the prison was declared a safe, respectful and purposeful environment by Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons.In July 2011, it was announced that Castington along with several other publicly operated prisons, would be market tested, allowing private operators as well as HM Prison service, to tender for the contract to operate the prison.On 31 October 2011 HM Prison Castington merged with HM Prison Acklington to form HMP Northumberland  and on 1 December 2013 management of HMP Northumberland passed from Her Majesty's Prison Service to Sodexo Justice Services.