COMMENDEE 2025-26: Senior Officer Chelsea’s Commendation is for the profound impact she has had on health and wellbeing across HMP Peterborough, including through her leadership of Trauma Risk Management in the jail, her care and support of colleagues, and her fitness programmes for prisoners and staff.

This nomination was drawn up by Niki Audsley – Communications Manager, HMP Peterborough; and signed off by Chris Evans – Deputy Director, HMP Peterborough. It followed an initial recommendation from Head of Security, David Fleming.

Introduction

Chelsea, a Senior Prison Custody Officer at HMP Peterborough, has shown exceptional dedication to staff wellbeing through her leadership in Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) and her promotion of physical and mental health. After surviving a serious assault at work, she returned with renewed purpose, revitalising the TRiM programme and supporting colleagues through trauma with compassion and resilience. Beyond this, she champions inclusive fitness initiatives for staff and prisoners alike, giving her time freely to improve wellbeing across the establishment. Chelsea’s courage, empathy, and commitment make her a powerful role model and a truly deserving nominee for recognition.

Reasons for the nomination

Chelsea, a Senior Prison Custody Officer at HMP Peterborough, has demonstrated outstanding commitment to staff wellbeing through her leadership in Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) and her tireless work promoting physical and mental health. Her dedication, resilience, and determination to support others—particularly following her own traumatic experience—make her an exceptional figure within the service.

From the moment she undertook her TRiM training, Chelsea recognised the profound value of the programme in supporting colleagues exposed to trauma. She quickly became a driving force in establishing TRiM as a crucial part of the prison’s approach to staff care. Her proactive efforts led to the integration of the initiative across the site, helping to create a more open and supportive culture.

Chelsea has supported colleagues following a wide range of distressing incidents, including serious self-harm and other traumatic events. Her empathetic and approachable manner has encouraged individuals to talk about their experiences and seek help—often breaking through the stigma that can prevent people from opening up. She has been instrumental in fostering a culture of peer support and emotional resilience among staff.

Her commitment was tested to the limit when she herself became the victim of a serious assault while responding to a wing alarm. The attack left her with significant injuries requiring hospitalisation and a long period of recovery. During her absence, TRiM activity at the prison stalled. However, upon her return, Chelsea showed extraordinary resolve and compassion—not only returning to duty but taking the lead in revitalising the initiative.

She reached out to national TRiM leads to arrange new training and re-established a team of trained practitioners at HMP Peterborough. Her efforts ensured that staff wellbeing once again became a visible and active priority, and her personal experience gave her even greater insight and credibility as a TRiM leader.

Alongside her work in trauma support, Chelsea is also a passionate advocate for health and fitness. Working from the female gym, she supports both staff and prisoners in engaging with physical activity as a way to improve overall wellbeing. She regularly gives her own time to run sessions, organise challenges, and promote inclusive events that make fitness feel accessible to all.

Chelsea’s approach is one of compassion, consistency, and quiet leadership. She does not seek recognition but is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives. Her impact can be seen not only in the resilience and wellbeing of individual staff members but in the cultural shift she has helped to bring about within the establishment.

Through her actions, Chelsea exemplifies the values of courage, care, and community. Her leadership in trauma support and her relentless promotion of staff wellbeing make her an inspiring role model and an outstanding candidate for recognition.

Support for the nomination

“Chelsea would be a worthy nominee regardless of context, given that she is relentlessly committed to supporting colleagues and improving life for all those at HMP Peterborough. However, I think it is particularly noteworthy that Chelsea has turned her own personal trauma to such an extraordinarily positive purpose, enabling her to connect with staff and create real change. She is an inspirational role model, hugely energetic and passionate, and all from a position where many would understandably not have recovered. I am proud to be her Director and she is the most worthy nominee for this award.”
Ralph Lubkowski, Director, HMP Peterborough

Sign off

Chelsea, has shown exceptional dedication to staff wellbeing through her leadership in Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) and her promotion of physical and mental health. Chelsea has revitalised the TRiM programme and supports colleagues through trauma with compassion and resilience. Beyond this, she champions inclusive fitness initiatives for staff and prisoners alike, giving her time freely to improve wellbeing across the establishment. Chelsea’s courage, empathy, and commitment make her a powerful role model and a truly deserving nominee for recognition.

Chris Evans, Deputy Director, HMP Peterborough