COMMENDEE 2023-24: Alison is Commended, as Senior Catering Manager at HMP Maghaberry, for transforming the quality and range of food; introducing photo ‘menu books’, with descriptions in multiple languages, to help prisoners choose what to eat; and inspiring many of those she works with to find jobs in catering on release.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Described by her Governor as “genuinely fabulous” and “relentlessly passionate”, Aimee’s Commendation is for her pivotal contribution, as the Prison Prevent Lead, to HMP Manchester’s approach to counter-terrorism, which has been highlighted by HMIP as a model of best practice.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Jai is Commended for his “outstanding leadership”, both as the Managing Chaplain at HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall, and as a respected member of the jail’s Senior Leadership Team; for the pastoral care he offers to prisoners and staff; and for his highly regarded counter-terrorism work in the wider estate.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Anita, a Senior Officer at HMP Maghaberry, is granted a Commendation for her commitment and compassion towards each and every person in the jail, and for her capacity to build rapport with even the hardest-to-reach individuals, leading her Governor to say, “I wish I had a hundred of her”.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Barbara receives a Commendation for going far beyond her role as a Business Hub Administrator at HMP/YOI Askham Grange, whether volunteering as a tester during Covid, going to the supermarket after hours to buy nappies for the mother and baby unit, or helping colleagues with IT issues and report writing.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Kevin, a Supervising Officer at HMP Swansea, receives a Commendation for his ongoing commitment to helping veterans in custody, and for setting up a novel, and highly effective, programme training ex-forces prisoners to mentor and assist other, more vulnerable, members of the population.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Barclay is Commended for his work, as First Line Manager for vocational training, to enhance the range of courses on offer at HMP/YOI Polmont, motivate and support the women and young people to take part, and improve access for those with neurodiversity and other special educational needs.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Greg, an Officer Instructor at HMP Dumfries, receives a Commendation for the passion and creativity he has shown in designing, and bringing to life, the prison’s ‘Wellbeing garden’; turning an area of wasteland into a sensory haven for all, and for those with mental health issues and dementia in particular.

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Praised by the Governor for her “infectious enthusiasm” and ability to “get things done”, Natalie receives her Award for her exceptional work setting up the Drug Recovery Wing at HMP/YOI Pentonville, which has won widespread acclaim from colleagues and prisoners alike. [Her Award is supported by G4S Care and Rehabilitation Services.]

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Niyi’s Award is for the “inspirational determination and courage” he has shown, as an Officer at HMP Wandsworth, in developing and driving forward Together Against Racism, which has helped to tackle discrimination in the jail and is now being rolled out across the prison estate. [He also receives the POA Award for outstanding work by a Prison Officer.]

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Rupert is granted an Award for his remarkable work, as Senior Public Health Lead in HMPPS, in helping to drive and shape the organisation’s response to Covid-19. His tireless efforts, skill, and professionalism throughout the pandemic “directly contributed to saving hundreds of lives”. [His Award is supported by Interventions Alliance.]

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Described in his nomination as “a wise silver fox”, and by his Governor as “the quiet backbone of Aylesbury”, Sean receives an Award for his outstanding service as a Prison Officer, and for the passion, skill, and dedication he has brought to all aspects of his role, over more than 30 years. [His Award is supported by Ingeus.]