COMMENDEE 2025-26: Andy’s Commendation is for embedding a culture of care, consideration and respect towards prisoners and staff throughout the jail, as Deputy Governor at HMP Aylesbury, through his inclusive leadership, humanity, and humour, and as a role model to all for the values he so clearly embodies.

This nomination was drawn up by Andrew Day – Custodial Manager, HMP Aylesbury; and signed off by Kevin Marshall-Clarke – Governor, HMP Aylesbury. It followed an initial recommendation from Head of Reducing Reoffending, Hannah Young.

Introduction

Deputy Governor Andy Routley who has been at HMP Aylesbury a number of years, is a values-driven leader whose integrity, humour, and inclusive approach have had a transformative impact at HMP Aylesbury. He embodies the Butler Trust’s ideals of dedication, innovation, compassion, and leadership that uplifts everyone around him—staff and prisoners alike.

His leadership is defined not only by strategic insight but by the human connections he fosters. As one staff member put it: “He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just walk the landings—he listens, engages, and makes people feel seen.”

Reasons for the nomination

Andy has worked tirelessly to foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and personal accountability across the prison.

• When staff morale was low after a turbulent period, Andy led a “reconnection project”—running staff listening forums and relaunching values-based leadership workshops. This gave staff space to reflect, reset, and rebuild trust.
• He introduced ‘Culture Champions’—a cross-grade team of staff empowered to raise concerns, suggest changes, and take part in service improvements. Several staff involved have since gone on to apply for promotion, crediting Andy’s encouragement.
  Andy is known for his deep commitment to staff welfare. His efforts have gone beyond formal responsibilities to truly embed psychological safety and trauma-informed practice.
• He personally ensured the introduction of a staff wellbeing hub, complete with a quiet recovery space, peer supporters, and a trained wellbeing officer. When funding was an issue, Andy worked with regional leads to secure resources.
• Following a series of challenging incidents, Andy facilitated mandatory wellbeing debriefs for involved staff, many of whom said they felt “truly supported” for the first time in their careers.
  Andy’s approach to leadership is rooted in dignity, hope, and second chances. He is known throughout the prison for the way he treats prisoners—with fairness, belief, and humanity.
• Andy personally supported the relaunch of the prison’s Rehabilitative Culture Strategy, making it more inclusive and actionable. He oversaw the introduction of prisoner-led discussion groups where men can give feedback on services and propose solutions.
• He advocated for the expansion of the peer mentor scheme, ensuring that prisoners in trusted roles are trained, supported, and celebrated for helping others.
  After a self-harm cluster in the segregation unit, Andy initiated a rapid review of ACCT processes and personally met with each prisoner to understand underlying causes. He coordinated with healthcare to introduce daily therapeutic sessions, significantly reducing incidents within a month
  Andy brings creativity and strategic foresight to everything he does.
• He piloted a “Purposeful Day” programme for long-term prisoners, introducing structured activity blocks including peer-led education, physical health, and creative arts. The result: increased attendance, reduced IEP downgrades, and better relationships with staff.
• He co-created a joint strategy with education and resettlement teams, improving access to work and training for prisoners approaching release. Outcomes improved by over 30% in six months.
• Andy also championed cross-functional staff forums, improving collaboration between uniformed, civilian, and agency staff—a model that’s now being considered for wider rollout.
• Deputy Governor Andy Routley is a rare leader—one who brings vision and values, strength and softness, strategy and soul. His contribution to HMP Aylesbury is profound, not because of grand gestures, but because of the thousands of daily decisions made with care, courage, and integrity.
• He is a role model to staff, a source of hope for prisoners, and a shining example of everything the Butler Trust stands for. We are proud to nominate him for this honour.

Support for the nomination

I have had the pleasure of working with Andy Routley for many years and as a Butler Trust Champion and I struggle to think of a more worthy nominee for a Butler Trust Award. Prisons are often seen as oppressive Victorian monoliths that lack any sense of joy or purpose, Andy is the sort of man that brings heart, soul and sense of humour to these buildings and the people who live and work within. While being a commanding presence for both staff and prisoners, he is always aware of their needs and often takes time to ask after their families, showing the true measure of his character. The series of quotes below are just a small example of the high regard Andy is held in.

One manager shared: “When things were falling apart, Andy didn’t just manage the crisis—he rebuilt the team. And he did it by involving us, trusting us, and making us feel part of the solution.”

A young officer recalled: “After a difficult restraint incident, I broke down. Andy sat with me for half an hour. No titles, no rank—just human to human. He made sure I was looked after, followed up the next day, and even checked in with my family. I’ll never forget that.”

One prisoner, recently released, said: “Andy was the first senior staff member who didn’t look through me. When I finished my qualification, he shook my hand and said he was proud. That stayed with me.”

At a prison staff awards event, Andy appeared in a DIY “Deputy of the Year” sash made by prisoners as a joke—but he wore it with pride. “He made us laugh,” one officer said. “But more importantly, he reminded us it’s okay to find joy in the job.”

Andy has shown outstanding strength and calm during operational crises. During a serious incident involving multiple prisoners, Andy arrived quickly, took control, and ensured everyone’s safety while avoiding unnecessary force. A member of the incident response team said: “His presence brought calm to chaos. We all looked to him, and he never wavered.”

Despite his seniority, Andy remains remarkably approachable, grounded, and human. He doesn’t delegate care—he delivers it. He’s been seen sweeping the yard after a storm, serving food during staff shortages, and offering a quiet word to an anxious prisoner before a parole board hearing.

A newly appointed band 4 officer shared: “Andy backed me from the start. He believed in me when I wasn’t sure I was ready. His support gave me the courage to step up.”

Andy’s unique ability to use humour with purpose sets him apart. It’s not about levity for its own sake—it’s about connection, trust, and relief in a high-pressure environment. During COVID lockdowns, when staff stress levels were high, Andy launched “Tea & Toast with the Deputy”—a weekly drop-in that blended practical support with morale-boosting fun. He would serve toast himself, crack jokes, and listen to frontline concerns.

Sign off

I wholeheartedly support the nomination of Deputy Governor Andy for this prestigious national award. His exceptional leadership uniquely balances operational excellence with genuine people-centered management—a rare and invaluable combination. Over many years, he has dedicated immense service to the civil service, consistently prioritising the team’s success over personal recognition. Despite often working behind the scenes and allowing others to take the spotlight, his contributions have been vital and transformative. His unwavering commitment, professionalism, and impactful leadership make him truly deserving of this national honour. Recognising him would celebrate not only his achievements but also the spirit of dedicated public service.

Kevin Marshall-Clarke, Governor, Aylesbury