AWARD WINNER 2024-25

Initial Recommendation

This nomination followed an initial recommendation from Rhianna Smith and Lucie Glennie, Supervising Officers

We would like to nominate Sharon Jenkins for the Butler Trust Award in recognition of her continuous hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to both the residents and staff at Downview. As the Family Liaison Officer, Sharon consistently demonstrates a firm commitment to promoting a supportive and compassionate environment. In her role, Sharon manages difficult situations with a professional demeanour, maintaining a calming and kind approach. Her ability to remain composed and empathetic, even in the most challenging circumstances, is admirable and sets a standard for all that work at Downview. Sharon’s dedication extends beyond her professional obligations, spending much of her personal time engaging with the friends and families of residents who are experiencing hardship, ensuring they always have someone to talk to.

Furthermore, Sharon is a constant advocate for residents during their times of need, tirelessly working to address their concerns and represent their interests. She also takes the wishes of their families to heart, striving to bridge any gaps and ensure that their voices are heard. Her advocacy efforts have made a significant impact, fostering a sense of trust and respect within the establishment. The gratitude expressed by the families she supports is a testament to Sharon’s unwavering dedication and the profound difference she makes in their lives.

One of Sharon’s most notable contributions is the division of the family room initiative. Sharon recognized the need for a more private and normalized environment for family visits, particularly for those with challenging family dynamics or young children and took the lead in making this invaluable space available. The family room allows families to spend quality time together in a setting that fosters connection and emotional support, significantly enhancing the visitation experience.

Sharon’s commitment to this initiative extends to the meticulous management of the family room’s booking system. She ensures that the room is reserved appropriately and fairly, prioritizing those who would benefit most from the private space. Her emotional intelligence and sensitivity are evident as she navigates these arrangements, always considering the unique needs and circumstances of each family. Her ability to connect with and support individuals during their visits has been instrumental in strengthening family bonds and promoting a sense of normalcy and comfort.

Furthermore, Sharon is introducing a crocheting group for residents. This initiative is more than just a creative outlet; it serves as a therapeutic tool designed to provide residents with a meaningful and mindful activity. Her vision for the crocheting group goes beyond merely teaching a craft. Sharon recognizes the profound therapeutic benefits of such activities, including improved concentration, reduced anxiety, and the fostering of a sense of accomplishment. By introducing this group, she aims to create a supportive community where residents can share their progress, encourage one another, and develop new skills that enhance their self-esteem and sense of purpose. Her initiative not only provides a valuable distraction from negative thoughts but also instils a sense of routine and stability, which are crucial for those navigating the challenges of prison.

Sharon Jenkins embodies the essence of the Butler Trust Award through her innovative thinking, empathetic leadership, and unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of the residents at Downview.

Supporting Documentation

Testimonials

Sharon has been nominated for local recognitions by prisoners. In March 2024, HD said “Lately I’ve been suffering with my mental health and Miss “Jenks” was the only officer to care. She listened to me when I spoke and tried to understand my pain. She was there for me.”

In February 2024, CC said “Since I have been here, she has been polite helpful, and has not judged me. At any point in the day she can be approached to make a general enquiry. She goes above and beyond more than other officers. She’s humane and she is a positive role model and an asset to HMP Downview.”

At an end of your recognition awards in December 2023, taking nominations from the whole staffing group at HMP Downview, Sharon won the “Kindness Award”.

Sign Off

Sharon has been nominated by 2 of her peers. Her work in visits always shows a practical kindness – she focuses on the experience of the visitors alongside the need for security. She manages to effortlessly combine operational requirements with a human touch. She is able to see what is needed with a little more and is able to implement effectively. She is an ambassador for doing what is right in the right way. She is a strong Supervising Officer (SO) – competent with all her tasks – she will offer a fair and engaging, motivational IP review, an intelligent ACCT review and will coach and mentor staff. She is a trainer for so many things at Downview – and it is hard to know how she fits it all in especially when we consider she also volunteers to take on the role of FLO (Family Liaison Officer) for us. I am privileged to work with Sharon as a SO, but, it is her work as FLO that particularly leaves me humbled.

Sharon shows impressive compassion, humanity, patience, and determination as a FLO. A FLO is appointed within a prison when a prisoner is dying or has died. Their role is to primarily communicate with the prisoner’s NoK/family. Sharon – takes this role and goes above and beyond. When I arrived at Downview she had already been appointed as the FLO for the family of a prisoner who had suddenly, sadly, died at Downview. She undertook this to an exemplary level – showing the type of resilience and compassion needed for the role but with abundance. Most recently at Downview Sharon has been appointed as FLO for an individual at Downview diagnosed with terminal cancer. Sharon has managed to navigate the complexities of the case (offence contributing) and piece together contact for the prisoner with several of her children from whom she was estranged. She has persisted in contacting the prison where the woman’s husband is held to ensure contact was put in place. But – she has also taken on the role, naturally to her, of advocating for what the women needs. The women involved does not speak up for herself – she will suffer in silence. Sharon has spent time with her at hospital advocating for her, and with her, for what she needs in terms of things like pain relief and adaptations. Sharon will chase everyone in the prison, and in other prisons – whoever they are and whatever their grade to ensure what is needed is completed. If she knows something needs to happen to allow dying with dignity she will make sure it is done. She will hold people to their obligations – and remind people about the whole person, and what that person and their family needs. Sharon has been providing daily updates to the woman’s children, and takes on the role, despite her obviously profound humanity, with the highest standards of professionalism. Such a role can and will take its toll – but for someone like Sharon, not doing this would leave a deeper scar.

Amy Dixon

Governor, HMPYOI Downview