Celebrating and promoting the best in UK prisons, probation and youth justice

Jan 1, 2023

MARK GROGAN (HMP Wandsworth)

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Mark’s Award is for the deep humanity, commitment, and exemplary jailcraft he has shown over three decades as an Officer and Custodial Manager at HMP Wandsworth, and for being, in the words of one colleague, “one of the greatest leaders I have ever had the privilege to work with”. [His Award is supported by Serco Justice and Immigration (UK&E).]
Jan 1, 2023

JOHN HOLSEY (Stonnall Road Approved Premises)

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: John receives an Award for his outstanding management and support of colleagues, his caring approach to residents, and his relentless enthusiasm and dedication, as Manager of Stonnall Road Approved Premises. He is, according to his nomination, “an exceptional character”, “respected by all”. [His Award is supported by Mitie Care and Custody.]
Jan 1, 2023

TRACEY SARGEANT (HMP/YOI Drake Hall)

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Tracey is granted an Award for her outstanding vision, personal courage, and unwavering resolve in raising awareness, and transforming attitudes, about the menopause among prisoners and staff at HMP/YOI Drake Hall; with the impact of her work now being felt right across the Service. [Her Award is supported by The Hanley Trust.]
Jan 1, 2023

PAIGE SEYMOUR (HMP/YOI Elmley)

AWARD WINNER 2022-23: Prison Officer Paige’s Award is for her remarkable skill, compassion, and empathy in her work on HMP/YOI Elmley’s In-patient unit – “far in advance” of what would normally be expected – helping to manage and care for men with particularly challenging and complex needs. [Her Award is supported by Sodexo – Government.]
Jan 1, 2023

ANDREW BAILIE (Youth Justice Agency of Northern Ireland)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Praised by colleagues, and the families of the young people in his care, as “a first class social worker”, “brilliant”, and “an inspiration”, Andrew receives a Commendation for the skill and dedication he has brought to his work in Northern Ireland’s Youth Justice Agency over almost four decades.
Jan 1, 2023

DAWN BISHOP (HMYOI Aylesbury)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Dawn is Commended as a Workshop Instructor at HMP/YOI Aylesbury, where she runs the team doing the prison’s laundry. Held in high regard by prisoners and colleagues alike, her Governor says “if I had a prison full of Dawns, life would be better and easier for everyone”.
Jan 1, 2023

CHRIS BOAKES (HMP & YOI East Sutton Park)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Chris receives a Commendation for his outstanding commitment to excellence and rehabilitation in his work as the Land Based Activities and Farms Manager at HMP/YOI East Sutton Park, transforming both the prison grounds and the lives of the women in his care.
Jan 1, 2023

HENRY CORMACK & WILLIAM CORMACK (HMP Bullingdon)

COMMENDEES 2022-23: Described as “true unsung heroes”, brothers Henry and William are granted a Commendation for their “tireless” contribution, over many years, as Specialist Instructors at HMP Bullingdon, teaching vocational skills to the prisoners, while improving the environment for all.
Jan 1, 2023

IAN COULTER (Youth Justice Agency of Northern Ireland)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Ian is Commended for the impact his talent and commitment has brought to all aspects of his work in Northern Ireland’s Youth Justice Agency, where his approach is widely admired by colleagues, and by the young people and families with whom he works.
Jan 1, 2023

CHARLYANN DENNEHY (HMP & YOI Bronzefield)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Charlyann is a Senior Officer at HMP/YOI Bronzefield. Described as “second to none”, she receives a Commendation for her outstanding leadership on the prison’s 15-bed ‘trauma-informed’ healthcare unit, which houses some of the most complex and vulnerable women in the system.
Jan 1, 2023

STEPHEN DUCKWORTH (HMP Buckley Hall)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Stephen, a Prison Officer at HMP Buckley Hall, is Commended for his work supporting vulnerable people, both in the prison and in the wider community, through his deep-seated humanity, exceptional people skills, and an absolute determination to make a difference wherever he can.
Jan 1, 2023

JIM ELDER (Highland Council Youth Justice Team)

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Jim receives a Commendation for his remarkable talent and tenacity, and his warm and caring approach, as a Youth Justice Social Worker in Inverness, putting “his heart and soul” into everything he does, and “going the extra 100 miles” when needed on behalf of the young people in his care.