COMMENDEE 2025-26: Jenny is granted a Commendation for building her department into a hub of innovation, opportunity, and hope for the men at HMP Buckley Hall, as the jail’s Industries Manager, including turning a decommissioned bus into a sensory-informed space for prisoners with neurodiversity.

This nomination was drawn up by Michael Mulligan – Head of Business Assurance, HMP Buckley Hall; and signed off by David McGurrell – Governor, HMP Buckley Hall. It followed an initial recommendation from Head of Education Work and Skills, Vicky McNally.

Introduction

Jenny O’Sullivan is an exceptional leader whose vision, compassion, and relentless drive embody the very best of the prison service. As Industries Manager at HMP Buckley Hall since 2022, Jenny has transformed her department into a hub of innovation, opportunity, and hope — placing purposeful activity and rehabilitation at the heart of everything she does.

One of Jenny’s most visionary projects is the creation of the first Neurodiversity Hub of its kind in the country — a decommissioned First Bus, reimagined as a sensory-informed space for neurodiverse prisoners.

Reasons for the nomination

Jenny O’Sullivan is an exceptional leader whose vision, compassion, and relentless drive embody the very best of the prison service. As Industries Manager at HMP Buckley Hall since 2022, Jenny has transformed her department into a hub of innovation, opportunity, and hope — placing purposeful activity and rehabilitation at the heart of everything she does.

Jenny’s leadership style is both inspiring and inclusive. She creates a culture of high standards, accountability, and mutual respect. She is not afraid to challenge when necessary, and her team respond with loyalty, dedication, and enthusiasm. Jenny has created an environment where staff and prisoners alike are motivated to be their best — and to contribute meaningfully to the wider community.

One of Jenny’s most visionary projects is the creation of the first Neurodiversity Hub of its kind in the country — a decommissioned First Bus, reimagined as a sensory-informed space for neurodiverse prisoners. This pioneering initiative responds to the specific needs of individuals with hidden disabilities such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia. In what can be a loud and overwhelming environment, Jenny has created a sanctuary — a space where individuals can feel calm, think clearly, and access meaningful support. The Hub will enhance inclusion, reduce isolation, and create new pathways for learning, emotional regulation, and rehabilitation.

Jenny is also passionate about sustainability and has led the transformation of two prison workshops to support this mission. By developing partnerships with external companies such as LMB Supplies and Reborn Products, she has introduced innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives. These workshops now provide meaningful employment and training opportunities for prisoners — while simultaneously raising awareness about environmental responsibility.

Her work with Recycling Lives exemplifies her impact. Jenny has helped grow this partnership significantly, expanding capacity threefold to support up to 30 prisoners. This collaboration provides life-changing support, from employability skills to accommodation and employment upon release. Jenny has been credited by the charity’s leadership as a “crucial partner,” with one senior figure noting, “Her professional, direct, and results-driven approach has helped us thrive — she makes our operational delivery better.”

Jenny’s efforts extend beyond the prison walls. Her collaboration with The Co-operative Heritage Trust, NOVUS, and Greener on the Outside for Prisons has resulted in a unique community regeneration project. Prisoners at Buckley Hall are actively contributing to environmental improvements in Rochdale’s historic Toad Lane, designing and building accessible planters and seating that link the prison to the town’s cooperative roots and environmental goals. Jenny’s belief in rehabilitation through connection and contribution is changing lives — and perceptions.

Throughout her 24-year career at HMP Buckley Hall, Jenny has consistently demonstrated excellence. Rising through the ranks from Band 3 Administrator to Band 6 Manager, she has served across departments including Works, Custody, Safer Custody, and Activities. She introduced enduring quality assurance processes in Safer Custody, acted as COVID Lead during the pandemic, and in 2022, was honoured with a Business Excellence award at the Greater Manchester, Mersey, and Cheshire Regional Awards.

Support for the nomination

The testimonials speak volumes. Paul Becket of Reborn Products calls Jenny “a true leader — visionary, compassionate, and relentless in her pursuit of better outcomes.” Alasdair Jackson OBE and Shaun Collins of Recycling Lives commend her professionalism, drive, and the transformational impact she’s had on their operations and the lives of the men they support. Internally, she is seen as “inspiring, passionate, and unwavering in her determination to enhance every aspect of prison life.”

“I’m really pleased to write this testimonial for Jenny, who has been a key part of the successful partnership between LMB Supplies Ltd and HMP Buckley Hall.
Jenny is our main point of contact at the prison, and she always makes sure everything runs smoothly. She is reliable, professional, and always willing to go the extra mile to make things work.
Because of her, we’ve been able to build a strong and positive relationship with the prison.
What makes Jenny stand out is her clear vision of how business and rehabilitation can work together. She understands how important it is to give people meaningful work opportunities while they’re in prison, and she’s helped turn that idea into something that really works in practice.
We are proud to work with Jenny, and we’re very thankful for the effort and care she puts into everything she does. She truly deserves this recognition.”
Tom Miles, Director, LMB Supplies Ltd

Sign off

Jenny is an exceptional person. She has positive outcomes for prisoners at the centre of everything she does. She is an extremely proud Rochdalian and works hard to develop relationships and ties within the Rochdale area with local businesses and key personnel who can bring something different to the table. She thinks differently and explores non-traditional avenues to bring about more creative solutions to some of the daily barriers we face within the prison. She spends many hours outside of her regulation work pattern seeking opportunities for innovation within the prison and across the local community. A truly wonderful person.

David McGurrell, Governor, HMP Buckley Hall