COMMENDEE 2024-25

Initial Recommendation

This nomination followed an initial recommendation from Hannah Young, Performance manager HMP Aylesbury

Bob has been a prison officer for many years, he semi-retired around 7 years ago but just keeps going. Bob works in reception and thrives on delivering and does not stop. He cares about the establishment and worries that there is no one in reception and comes in on his days off to help. When he is not busy in reception processing prisoners in and out, he is constantly battling to get down the prop that is an endless task. Bob will stay late when new receptions arrive late and will always stay until he is satisfied, he has done his job and not left any work for his colleagues the next day.

Bob is always available to train new staff and shows them precisely what they should be doing to deliver a good service. He is a great mentor to the new reception staff and doesn’t miss much.

The prisoners show him so much respect because he is honest and has a great sense of humour but know the ever changing rules and policies

When Bob feels as though he has no work in reception he will come to the orderly officer and explain that all his work is done and has nothing on, Bob will then ask what he can do to help the prison, this could be taking up I/C on a wing, assisting visits, external escorts at the last minute. Bob will never hide away from work he is constantly busy and enjoys keeping busy.

His jail craft is one of the best I have seen in my 20 years in the job, and I have too learnt a lot from Stevo!

Bob never seems to have a bad day and is always displaying a positive attitude which any department would be lucky to have him.

He is a big family man with many grandchildren which he talks about and this shows what a great person he is.

Bob is the type of person you can go to and he always has a story to tell about the service, but he speaks about it with such passion and enthusiasm.  He has lived and breathed HMPPS for 33 years in August 2024.  He has worked in several prisons and has vast experience, in which he shares with others.  Bob has become part of the furniture for Aylesbury.  He always makes me smile when I see him and reminds me why I’m here working for the service.  An inspirational man and an asset to Aylesbury.  If the new staff want to see what a fabulous career the service provides, they should speak to Bob.

Supporting Documentation

Testimonials

“I have personally known Officer Bob “Stevo” Stephen’s for nearly 20 years of his impressive 33 years’ service both initially a fellow officer alongside him on the landings and later in my career as a manager. During that time I have been fortunate to witness an limitless display of what a decent caring and compassionate prison officer should be, who will go out of his way to ensure those in his care are treated with nothing but decency, respect and honesty. For many years Bob was an ACCT assessor dealing with those in crisis often actively self-harming and use his compassion and humour to help them through these periods. Bob has become the go-to man to take prisoners on escorts to see very unwell family members and unfortunately funerals. Bob goes out of his way to ensure that what can be the most challenging days in a prisoner’s life is done with dignity and respect and those in his care have nothing but praise for him.

After so long in the service Bob is still keen to pass on his wealth of knowledge to new staff and is often seen helping staff that can find the prison environment challenging. He does this without being asked, often in his own time and asks for nothing in return. Wherever he walks throughout the prison there is often the call of “Stevo” overheard to wish him well both from prisoners and staff.

I would be remiss not to mention that words often used to describe Bob such as unconventional, Eccentric, Maverick but these are what makes Bob who he is, a fundamentally decent human being that treats everyone in a way that leave them with a smile on their face.”

CM Day

“Officer Stephen has regularly escorted prisoners to the funeral and critically ill family members of the prisoners.

He is a decent man and extremely flexible when the time or the place requires it. He is experienced enough to understand the various different formats of a funeral in respect to various religions. The prisoners and their families have always praised his professionalism, compassionate and flexible personality.

He always has a good rapport with prisoners throughout his engagements and interactions with them, especially during their difficult times.

He is an easy-going person who tries his best to make ease for everyone.”

Abdul Dayan Head of Chaplaincy HMP Aylesbury

“I have known Bob since 2015 as a colleague and I am pleased to say that I am very lucky to have met such a brilliant man.

When I first started at HMP Aylesbury I found Bob to be one of the most approachable and kindest people I have ever met. On many occasions I would turn to Bob not only for advice and support but also for reassurance. There is no better person to ask for help when times are difficult as Bob will always go the extra mile to help anybody. With the length of service Bob has, he was able to answer any questions I had, and unlike some staff at the time, this did not bother Bob as he wanted to help and ensure that the people around him knew everything they could.

After around 3 years, I then became Bob’s supervising Officer. Nothing was ever to much for Bob. He completed his work to the best of his abilities and would go above and beyond, to not only help prisoners in our care, but staff also. I found whatever team Bob would go into, he would bring care, dedication, and humour. Bob was on many occasions a “parent officer” explaining and helping new staff like he did with myself, and many other officers, who have since worked their way through the rank structure.

Watching the care and compassion Bob has for prisoners is second to none. He will always do what he can to help anyone. Bob was a great role model for all those prisoners in his care. Not only would Bob give prisoners advice and guidance, but he would also always be available for prisoners to turn to.

On many occasions whilst I was Bob’s Supervising Officer, he saved many prisoners lives when times were low. Bob completed this with such professionalism, and this has been proven previously when he had received rewards and recognition through the prison scheme.

On a personal level, I believe that Bob no matter what area he is in, whether inside the prison service or out, will be an asset wherever he goes, and anybody would be lucky to have him as an employee. Not only has it been a great opportunity to work alongside Bob, but it has also been a pleasure.”

SO Catherine Goode

Sign Off

Bob is such a valued member of our team at HMPYOI Aylesbury. All that work with him speak highly of his commitment and dedication to ensuring Aylesbury runs smoothly. Bob has a breadth of experience that rarely exists in the service, and he is not shy from sharing his experiences to help the growth of others. The rapport Bob has built with prisoners also demonstrates his ability to recognise prisoner as humans, and passionately contribute to their rehabilitation. Bob is a deserved candidate and I wish him every success.

Andrew Routley

Governor, HMP Aylesbury