COMMENDEE 2023-24: Vikky receives a Commendation for her impressive achievements as a Senior Probation Officer managing Edith Rigby House AP – a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment – and for setting up the ‘DeedsNotWords’ social enterprise to engage residents, and improve their prospects of employment.

Victoria’s nomination

Victoria was nominated by: Ashley Mayoh (Regime Lead, Edith Rigby PIPE Approved Premises).

Vikky has been a manager both in the male generic Approved Premises and the female Psychologically Informed Planed Environment Approved Premises (AP). You will often find “the boss” in communal areas undertaking rehabilitative activities with the residents of the AP. Not only does she lead her staff to think psychologically and provide a trauma informed approach, she also guides the residents with the same ethos.

She is a strong advocate for those with Neurodiverse needs, challenging residents and other professionals to think differently about behaviour. Gently guiding a school of thought that allows others to consider certain behaviours in an alternative way and asking professionals to not always see “problematic behaviour” as an escalation in risk but to consider the communication style as a potential sign of distress and not anger as it can often be perceived. She offers compassion to others and is not afraid to challenge when appropriate. She will work tirelessly to avoid the distress of others, even if it takes her away from other duties.

Vikky has been in Approved Premises for over 10 years and is well equipped to manage risk, understand behaviour and be that pro social model to others. One of her main passions is addressing the gender gap between men and women with regards to employment opportunities. She recognised that many women in custody are employed and have a structured routine within custody. However, upon release this opportunity ends. This is how DeedsNotWords was formed.

DeedsNotWords is a co-operative business that has been established as part of a movement to support women back into employment. The business strives to bring about a social change that views women as equal regardless of the background. The name is inspired by the suffragettes and their sustained quest for change. We felt this a suited name for our business as we too, aspire for change, for the lives of all the women we work with.

We believe in change, innovation and inspiration regardless of background. Working together to create a business that is empowering, compassionate and supportive. We want to change the way our women view themselves and the world around them. We want to have our women workplace ready to support in their ongoing rehabilitation.

Vikky has worked tirelessly to get the business of the ground. It is a merchandising shop that sells a variety of products with specially created logos designed by the women we work with. We have also commissioned a project whereby one of the women produced her own colouring book which we have available on the website. Her story is inspiring and can be found within the book. She states it was a dream come true for her as the drawings within the book have all been drawn by her. Her vision is for the colouring book to be rolled out within prisons which is currently being explored and supported by DeedsNotWords.

The business offers women the opportunity to work for the company in an attempt to build confidence, inspire change and grow in personal development. Since the launch of the business Vicky has worked tirelessly with accountants, commissionaires, local councils and other partnership agencies to grow the business. We have successfully created a website for the business, obtained a regular market stall for the women to attend and continue to present at local conferences to increase the profile of the business. All in an attempt to build a business that is well established and offering women employment opportunities. This business truly embeds the personal moral of Vicky “change, empowerment, innovation, inspiration and compassion”.

Louise Swarbrick, Clinical Lead at Edith Rigby House, said:
I am an NHS employee working in partnership with Vikky within the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway within a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment Approved Premise for women leaving custody. Vikky’s charisma, creativity and innovation has been a breath of fresh air to work alongside, in particular her vision for Deeds Not Words and what could be achieved through a co-operative enterprise for people on probation in Approved Premises. Her person centeredness, personable approach and genuine warmth shines through, always an advocate for improving outcomes for both staff and people on probation.

Vikky’s support as a partner working together to meet the joint strategic aims of the HMPPS and NHS co-commissioned OPD pathway is something I have found personally invaluable, largely due to her dedication to her role and aforementioned qualities. Her ability to apply psychologically informed approaches to risk management, maintaining a compassionate approach whilst ensuring public protection at the heart of her endeavours.

An Assistant Psychologist at Edith Rigby House added:
Vikky constantly strives to empower the women she works with in all aspects of her work. She is passionate about her role, this shines through in everything she does and is can’t help but make those around her feel the same passion. She created DeedsNotWords as a social enterprise to help marginalised women develop skills, build their confidence and give them a purpose and her enthusiasm for this never wavers even in times when others struggle to see her vision.

At all times she is thinking of ways to further this project and get people involved. As a team manager, Vicky is always commending the staff of the AP and will go above and beyond to make sure they feel heard and appreciated for their hard work. She will always welcome new staff and residents alike with a friendly face and her warmth.

Kelly Roberts, Approved Premises Area Manager, said:
Vikky is known as ‘The Queen of Innovation’. She leads a Female PIPE and her vision is to provide the residents with as many experiences and opportunities during their time at Edith Rigby House (ERH). Vikky has collaborated with ‘Build a life’ social enterprise and has established a company at ERH called ‘Deeds not Words’. Staff and residents work together within the company which has supported the residents to develop new skills, a sense of pride, empowerment and improve employability. Whenever I visit Edith Rigby House there is always a real buzz in the air and the residents are always involved with the activities and are given an abundance of opportunities during their stay there.

There are many unwell women that arrive at ERH and ‘one size’ cannot fit all as everybody has different needs and complexities. Vikky uses her innovation and creativity skills to ensure there is something for everybody and she really makes such a difference to the Women’s lives. Vikky leads the Edith Rigby Team who are an incredible group of women who work cohesively to provide a safe and supportive environment whilst managing some of the most complex and high risk women in the community. Thought, empathy and compassion is at the heart of the work they do and Vikky’s commitment to make a difference is remarkable. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, patience and resilience shines through and Vikky has had a significant impact on so many women who have lived at ERH.

The PIPE is recognised as one of the most successful and effective services within the OPD pathway and the team are regularly acknowledged by our OPD commissioners for the fantastic work that they do. Edith Rigby is a special place and it is a privilege to work alongside Vikky.”

In conclusion

Jenna Beardworth, Approved Premises Manager & colleague, said:
I am thrilled to see Vikky’s work being recognised. Vikky’s teams have won various awards over the years which shows that her leadership within the APs motivates staff and people on probation to be creative, learn and get the best out of their placements. Over the years, Vikky has taught me a lot about social enterprise and has been a positive and inspiring role model to learn from to enhance my own work, therefore having a greater impact across the division. I am proud to call Vikky a work colleague but also a friend who will always be there for me to help each other through the more challenging periods.