AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Caragh’s Award is for her outstanding contribution, as a Senior Policy Advisor in HMPPS, to improving employment opportunities for prisoners, and for her ground-breaking initiative supporting colleagues with ‘lived experience’, and drawing on their experience to improve policy and practice throughout MoJ. [Caragh’s Award is supported by the Prison Governors Association.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Irfa is granted an Award for her warmth and compassion, and engaging teaching style, as a Tutor at Heathrow IRC, opening new opportunities for future employment to her students, and improving their mental health and wellbeing at the same time; making her classroom, “a room full of hope”. [Irfa also receives the Keith Bromley Award for Education & Skills Training.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: As Catering Manager at HMP Wealstun, Neil’s Award is for transforming not only the prison’s food, but also, through his caring, patient, and inspirational approach, the lives and wellbeing of those he employs – who include, at his insistence, some of the most vulnerable and challenging men in the jail. [Neil also receives the POA Award for outstanding work by a Prison Officer.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Winston receives an Award for his unique talent and infectious approach as a Tailoring Instructor at HMP Downview, and for his relentless drive to empower the women he works with, and make a lasting difference to their lives; to his manager, “he is a credit to the Service”, to the women, “he’s a hero”. [Winston’s Award is supported by G4S Care & Rehabilitation Services.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Anita wins an Award for her game-changing impact – recognised across HMPPS, and praised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons – as Equalities Lead at HMP/YOI Isis, achieved through the remarkable skill and creativity, strength of character, and resolute determination she has brought to the role. [Anita’s Award is supported by Mitie Care & Custody.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Jamie’s Award is for his peerless compassion and commitment towards, and unrivalled ability to connect with and inspire, the children in his care, as a Manager on the Young Person’s Unit at HMP/YOI Parc – his nomination came from one of the residents, with another adding, “he’s the Dad I never had”. [Jamie’s Award is supported by The Hanley Trust.]

COMMENDEES 2023-24: Prison Officer, David, and Michaela, an Instructor, are Commended for their impact – described as “remarkable” by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman – on the confidence, behaviour, and mental health of some of the most complex men in the prison, through their RESTART workshop in HMP Stafford.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Scott’s Commendation is for the exemplary jailcraft, leadership ability, and dedication he shows as a Supervising Officer at HMP Buckley Hall, and for the care and support he gives to both prisoners and staff throughout the jail; to his Governor he is, quite simply, “a great person, doing great things”.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Wendy, a Custodial Manager at HMP Bullingdon, receives a Commendation for her work as coach and mentor for new staff members, which has led to a dramatic improvement in staff morale and retention; and as a result of her efforts, not a single new-entrant Officer left the jail in over 12 months.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Patrick’s Commendation is for the enthusiasm and leadership he shows as the PE Custodial Manager at HMP Birmingham; for making the gym into a safe and engaging space for every prisoner; and for the support he and his team provide for staff wellbeing and fitness, too.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Originally nominated by a prisoner, James receives a Commendation for the courage, expertise, and commitment he demonstrates daily in his role as a Supervising Officer on the Close Supervision Centre at HMP Manchester, managing and caring for amongst the most challenging men in the system.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Trish’s Commendation is for all she has achieved as the first ever Head of Resettlement at HMP Huntercombe, developing from scratch a widely-praised, comprehensive resettlement service for foreign national prisoners, which sets the benchmark for the rest of the foreign national estate.