AWARD WINNER 2017-18: Eileen is a volunteer counsellor at HMP/YOI Styal. Described by the Governor as ‘exceptional’, she wins an Award for the outstanding support she has provided, over many years, to both prisoners and staff, and for developing a network of volunteers now delivering over 50 hours of counselling each week. [This Award is supported by Sodexo Justice Services.]

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Mark is a Horticultural Instructor at HMP/YOI Isis, and is Commended for the care he shows towards the young prisoners he works with, and his gift at ‘bringing out the best’ in this vulnerable and challenging group.

COMMENDEES 2017-18: John and Neill, Prison Officers at HMP Maghaberry in Northern Ireland, were nominated by a prisoner and are Commended for their ‘Family Matters’ project, which brings hope, trust, and reconciliation to prisoners and their families.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Ruth is a Substance Misuse Team Leader at HMP/YOI Thorn Cross, and receives a Commendation for being ‘a beacon of light’ and contributing, through her skill and dedication, to one of the lowest drug rates in the country.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Brian is the Learning Centre Manager at HMP Perth, and is Commended for three decades of commitment to promoting literacy and family learning, and the many innovative initiatives he has driven forward.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Jason is a Carpentry Instructor at HMP/YOI Parc; he is Commended for his outstanding ability to connect with young people, and was described by an education inspector as ‘the most inspirational teacher I have ever met’.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Trevor receives a Commendation for his many contributions to pastoral care, both as Head of HMP Belmarsh’s Chaplaincy team, described as ‘the best in the country’, and more widely in the national chaplaincy community.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Paul is Commended for his work over almost three decades as an Officer at HMP Grendon, where his ‘indomitable’ and ‘exemplary’ character has made an enduring contribution to the lives of prisoners and colleagues.

COMMENDEES 2017-18: Craig and Keith, gym managers at HMP Perth and HMP Kilmarnock respectively, receive a Commendation for their roles pioneering the ‘Fit for LIFE’ project, and its delivery throughout the Scottish Prison Service.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Claire is a family support worker at HMP/YOI Askham Grange and is Commended for her ‘think family’ approach, which is a ‘shining example’ of liaison and partnership support for women offenders.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Samira teaches at HMP/YOI Forest Bank and receives a Commendation for developing and implementing the ‘M-powerment’ programme, which is designed to help some of the most vulnerable people in the system.

COMMENDEE 2017-18: Ray is a Specialist Bicycle Maintenance Instructor at HMP Kirkham; he is Commended, having been nominated by a prisoner, for his dedication and skill in helping to change the lives of the men in his charge.