Private security firm G4S is no longer running Medway Secure Training Centre after it was taken over by the government today.

It is now under the control of the Ministry for Justice’s National Offender Management Service (NOMS), and 250 staff have been transferred over from G4S.

The Rochester centre came under heavy criticism after footage, filmed by an undercover reporter for BBC’s Panorama programme, showed staff appearing to use excessive force on some young inmates.

A MoJ spokesman said: “The safety and welfare of young people in custody is our priority.

“Although youth crime is down, re-offending rates are far too high and the care and supervision of young offenders in custody is not good enough. That is why the Justice Secretary asked Charlie Taylor to conduct a review of youth justice.

“Pending this report, and given the findings of the Medway Independent Improvement Board and G4S’ intention to sell its children’s services, the National Offender Management Service will, from today, begin running Medway STC in the short term. We will work closely with the YJB on enhanced monitoring arrangements to be put in place.”

The improvement board, led by Rochester head teacher Gary Holden, was set up in January to oversee improvements and “found a string of failings” at the centre.

Police investigating allegations of abuse have since arrested 11 people who have all been released on bail until mid-July.

Inspectors visited the centre ahead of the takeover, and a source close to it said the report, which is due out in the summer, is expected “to make more uncomfortable reading for the centre”.

G4S Regional President for the UK and Ireland, Peter Neden, said: “We committed to complete the transfer of Medway by the end of July at the latest and our team has worked closely with the Ministry of Justice and the new leadership team to complete the transfer ahead of that deadline.

“We await the full findings of the Charlie Taylor review into youth custody and are determined to play our part in ensuring that the centres we manage enable young people to turn their lives around.”

G4S announced in February that it is selling its children’s services business which includes its contracts to manage Medway STC and Oakhill in Milton Keynes. NOMS will now run the centre for the foreseeable future.