Sodexo Justice Services operates within the same statutory rules as any other prison in Scotland. HMP Addiewell houses male convicted and male untried prisoner admissions (including under 21 year old remands) from the North and South Lanarkshire courts.

HMP Addiewell is designed as a "learning" prison, where prisoners can address their offending behaviour and the circumstances which led to their imprisonment. The learning aspect aims to improve prisoners employability prospects, their wellbeing and community support networks.

Sodexo Justice Services is committed to providing 40 hours of purposeful activity, per offender, per week. Purposeful activity is divided into three main areas: Learning & Skills, Jobs and Programmed Interventions. Additionally the Link Centre allows prisoners to meet with outside agencies when making the transition from prison life to the community.