History
Since 1987, we have grown to manage several prisons, an immigration removal centre and two post-release approved premises. Originally known as UK Detention Services (UKDS), we won this work as the result of our nationally recognised standards of service, delivered by high calibre staff. Our reputation is also based on our business having a definite social purpose; everything we do is based on strong corporate values and beliefs.
Name change
UKDS was renamed Kalyx on 12 October 2006. This change reflects our growing success and aspirations for the future as the name UK Detention Services was felt too restrictive. We are optimistic about broadening our range of services beyond prisons as well as working outside of the UK.
Our new name
Kalyx is derived from the botanical term calyx, which is the whorl of leaves, or sepals, forming the protective covering of a flower bud. It is a symbolic representation of protection and care and it can also be associated with growth of the individual and strength - all attributes for which we are known and respected.
Sodexo and Kalyx
Kalyx is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sodexo Alliance SA, a worldwide leader in food, facilities management services and service vouchers and cards, employing 332,000 people in 80 countries. Sodexo’s areas of expertise are health care, education, leisure, remote sites, defence, seniors, corporate services and correctional services.
Sodexo provide a range of food and facilities management services through its correctional services group in France, Australia, Chile, Spain, Italy, Portugal and the Netherlands.
As Sodexo’s correctional subsidiary in the UK, Kalyx provide integrated management to three prisons in England with a fourth opening in Scotland in December 2008. Kalyx also manage a removal centre near Heathrow Airport.
Kalyx receive expert assistance from the wider Sodexo group to ensure best of class delivery in many fields; including corporate control and procedures, audit, human resources, financial management, insurance, contract compliance and IT.
