COMMENDEE 2024-25: Officer, Davie is granted a Commendation, as the Vocational Training Joiners Instructor at HMP Dumfries, for the external partnerships he has forged, the range and quality of work the shop produces, the future job opportunities it provides, and the hope and support he gives to those he employs.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Kevin is granted a Commendation, as Recovery Officer at HMP Low Moss, for his inspirational work in supporting prisoners’ recovery from drug and alcohol dependence and mental illness, including turning an unused plumbing shed into the ‘Small Beans Café’ to assist them in their journey.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Currently Head of Residence, Mahmut is Commended for his exceptional contribution to all aspects of life at Dungavel House IRC. His unwavering commitment to the needs and welfare of residents and staff is highly praised by all, and his Governor calls him “the beating heart” of the establishment.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Officer, Martin’s Commendation is for his outstanding contribution to the Gypsy, Roma & Traveller (GRT) community at HMP Whatton – setting up a GRT forum and celebration day, teaching others about their culture, building the community’s trust in staff, and inspiring many back into formal education.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Matt’s Commendation is for his remarkable achievement as Mental Health Lead at HMP Buckley Hall, and his resilience, determination and leadership, in transforming the management and care of some of the most complex and hard-to-reach men in the prison.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Bob, an Officer at HMP Aylesbury, receives a Commendation for his exemplary jailcraft, compassion and humour, his ability to build trust and rapport with especially challenging individuals, his constant striving to make a difference, and the inspiration and support he provides to his peers.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Oana, a PE Instructor at HMP Wandsworth, is Commended for her dedication to promoting wellbeing across the jail, including: yoga sessions for prisoners and staff; wellbeing days, a women’s forum, and leadership workshops for colleagues; and regular advice through the staff newsletter and prison radio.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Supervising Officer, Roger is Commended for being a “beacon of care and compassion” in his support for staff at HMP/YOI Portland – as New Colleague Mentor, leading the Care and Trauma Risk Management Teams, and organising staff appreciation and team building events.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Samantha’s Commendation is for her outstanding work as Prisoners and Families Support Manager at HMP Buckley Hall – introducing a range of initiatives to help build and maintain family relations, improving the visits experience, and supporting those who receive no visits of their own.

COMMENDEE 2024-25: Victoria manages both the People Hub and Business Hub at HMP/YOI Askham Grange. She receives a Commendation for the outstanding service each provides under her leadership, for the staff and prisoner wellbeing days she runs, and for her pivotal role as part of the prison Care Team.

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.]