AWARD WINNER 2025-26: Chris’s Award is for dramatically increasing post-release employment rates as HMP/YOI Hindley’s Prison Employment Lead, through his tireless dedication, the employer relationships he has built, and the “Work Readiness” scheme, and initiatives to promote self-employment, that he has introduced.
[His Award is supported by Sodexo Government.]

This nomination was drawn up by Ellen Astin – HRBP, North West Prisons; and signed off by Natalie McKee – Governor, HMP/YOI Hindley. It followed an initial recommendation from Head of Education, Skills and Work, Lindsey Johnson.

Introduction

Since 2020 Chris has significantly improved Employment on Release (EoR) outcomes through proactive employer engagement and a structured 12-month work readiness plan. His efforts have led to a 43% sustained employment rate post-release, doubling the national average. H His work enables robust risk management and reintegration, making him a vital, yet often unsung, contributor to prisoner rehabilitation and community safety.

Reasons for the nomination

As our PEL, Chris continues to promote support for prisoners through invitations to his Resettlement Boards whilst also approaching at least 5 employers per week to promote our industry space, and opportunities for Employment on Release (EoR). He has introduced a 12 month “work readiness” plan, identifying prisoners who are ready for work (via a collaborative model which grades prisoners in terms of their job readiness), highlighting their preferred sector of employment. He builds relationships between prospective employers and prisoners much sooner, thereby increasing sustainable EoR. Since Chris took up post, HMYOI Hindley’s EoR has increased over the last three years, and exceeds the Cat C Trainer and Resettlement average, becoming one of the best performing prisons in the country. 43% of former prisoners have sustained employment at 6 months after release (national average 21%).

In November, New Futures Network (NFN) decided at short notice that they wanted prisons to promote self-employment and run an “Unlocked” event. Chris organised a 3-day Self Employment event for prisoners, organising HMRC, H.M.Pasties, Tier 1, Release Mates, and Inside Academy to visit and provide our prisoners with insight into how to set up their own business. It culminated in Dragon’s Den pitches and awesome prizes for the winner (donations which Chris had secured): a laptop, free accountancy set up, self-employment registration, free tax advice and an Entrepreneurship package. In addition, Chris also produced great marketing materials as a result of the event, and ensured that he personally thanked all of the partners involved. A huge amount of work for one person, on top of the day job, executed skilfully and professionally. He was acknowledged by e mail from NFN HQ for his efforts and excellent outcomes.

As a result, an envoy of Lord Timpson (Jo Owen) approached HMYOI Hindley, to engage with Chris and establish exactly what prisoners needed in order to become self-employed on release, a project which we hope will be rolled our nationally, “Business in a Box”.

Colleagues from the Probation Service have also commended Chris’ work, directly our Governing Governor, highlighting how Chris fosters strong collaborative relationships with employers and probation to support former prisoners after their release as well. He is recognised for his passion for every individual he works with, and especially how his support doesn’t finish once that person has left HMYOI Hindley. He advocates for individuals in order to support them into employment. Our probation colleagues expressed how Chris is always a joy to engage with. Always willing to help.

We are nominating Chris because of his passion for his job role, and the good relationships he has built with individiauls, employers and probation – to ensure that our prisoners have the very best start when they are released. Chris’ work is essential to community offender managers, and allows probation to build robust, sustainable, and positive risk management plans for our former prisoners within the community. This work is often unnoticed, and it would be great if Chris could be recognised for his excellent work

Support for the nomination

Testimonial from Jo Wilkes, Head of Procurement Delivery, Business Services Directorate:

Chris has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership in his role as a prison employment lead, making a significant impact on the current lives of offenders, and the future lives of them through preparing for release. Through his innovative approach and unwavering commitment, Chris plays a vital role in bridging the gap between custody and meaningful employment. This is through taking an active part in the development of the “Northern Construction Pathway” to upskill offenders and make them employment ready, ensuring they have the skills, confidence, and opportunities to reintegrate successfully into society, via employment upon release.

Under his leadership, the pathway will provide structured training, such as industry recognised qualifications, support in CV building, interview preparation, practical hands-on experience, and a direct link to employers. Chris is transforming lives and actively reducing reoffending rates.

The aim is to create a sustainable employment pathway and long-term career opportunities for those who may have otherwise struggled to find employment post release.

Chris’s ability to engage with both offenders and external stakeholders has been instrumental in building a sustainable pathway and fostering positive change. His passion for rehabilitation and belief in second chances make him a truly outstanding contributor to prison employment initiatives. Chris’s dedication, vision, and impact deserves recognition. His work continues to set a high standard for supporting offenders on their journey to a meaningful employment and brighter future.

Sign off

Chris brings passion and innovation to the vital work of supporting prisoners into employment. He has built strong partnerships with individuals and businesses, creating meaningful opportunities and a clear pathway for men in custody and on release. His commitment to rehabilitation is unwavering—he lives it daily through his actions. Chris is supportive, dedicated, and consistently goes above and beyond to make a difference. His leadership has had a profound impact on the lives of those he works with, transforming futures and inspiring change. Chris exemplifies the values of our service and is truly deserving of this recognition.

Natalie McKee, Governor, HMP/YOI Hindley