COMMENDEE 2024-25

This nomination was completed by Sevcan Kudu MBE (Regional Diversity and Inclusion, and Families Lead for Bedfordshire, Cambs and Norfolk Prisons Group).

Introduction

I am nominating Amy Wilford for the Butler Trust Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to improving prisoner outcomes and enhancing confidence in the DIRF and complaint systems at HMP Wayland. Over the past six months, Amy has led an EDI pilot in response to the HMIP Thematic Review, successfully developing a model now recognised nationally for its effectiveness and innovation.

Nomination Details

I am honoured to nominate Amy Wilford for the prestigious Butler Trust Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions as Diversity and Inclusion Manager at HMP Wayland over the past 3 and a half years. Amy has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in improving prisoner outcomes, particularly for minority ethnic groups, and enhancing confidence in the Discrimination, Incidents reporting form (DIRF) and complaint systems.

In response to the HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) thematic review on the experiences of Black prisoners and Black prison officers in December 2022, Amy took proactive steps to address their specific needs. Collaborating closely with external stakeholders, regional teams, and in-house partners, she spearheaded initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall experiences and outcomes of these groups within the prison system. Her efforts not only addressed immediate concerns but also laid the groundwork for long-term systemic improvements.

A pivotal achievement under Amy’s leadership was the establishment of an innovative EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) Pilot at HMP Wayland. This pilot program, developed in collaboration with the Zahid Mubarek Trust, involved comprehensive training for selected prisoners who became advocates within the prison community. These advocates, many facing complex challenges, underwent rigorous training and subsequently integrated into rehabilitation pathways, making significant personal progress. Amy invested substantial personal time and effort into the pilot’s success, conducting extensive data analysis, engaging with prisoners, staff, and external stakeholders, and driving collaborative efforts to ensure its effectiveness.

The EDI Pilot at HMP Wayland received national recognition for its impact and innovation. Visitors overseeing the pilot praised the sophistication and effectiveness of the program, highlighting Amy’s strategic leadership and the dedication of the prisoners-turned-advocates. The success of the pilot has generated considerable interest from other prison sites seeking to replicate its achievements.

Amy’s commitment to prisoner welfare and rehabilitation is further evidenced by the tangible outcomes achieved. Several participants in the EDI Pilot have been offered employment opportunities upon their release, demonstrating their newfound dedication and commitment to positive change. This transformative work under Amy’s guidance has set a benchmark for prison reform and deserves wider recognition.

In conclusion, Amy Wilford’s leadership at HMP Wayland has been nothing short of exemplary. Her unwavering dedication, strategic vision, and collaborative approach have not only improved the lives of prisoners but also set a precedent for effective diversity and inclusion initiatives within the prison service. I wholeheartedly endorse Amy for the Butler Trust Award, confident that her impactful work deserves the highest acclaim and recognition.