AWARD WINNER 2025-26: Prison Officer Lauren wins an Award for her exceptional work as HMP Low Moss’s first Radio Station Officer, creating a widely listened to station broadcasting a vibrant mix of content, 24 hours a day, to inform, educate, and entertain, and support mental health and wellbeing throughout the jail.
[She also receives the POA Award for outstanding work by a Prison Officer.]

This nomination was drawn up by Margaret McFadden – HR Officer, HMP Low Moss; and signed off by Karen Norrie – Governor, HMP Low Moss. It followed an initial recommendation from First Line Manager, Gennifer Bennett.

Introduction

This nomination is for the hard work and dedication that Lauren Brogan has put in to starting up and maintaining the running of a new radio station within Low Moss. The station has been running for just over two years and Lauren ensures that it runs 24/7 with innovative and creative content, suitable for the diverse range of people we have in our care.

Reasons for the nomination

Effective communication between those in our care and management is vital for security, safety, relationship building, and rehabilitation. At HMP Low Moss, it became clear that traditional paper-based communication no longer met the diverse needs of those in our care. In response, a local radio station was launched in 2023—an initiative that has far exceeded expectations, thanks largely to the leadership of Lauren, the first appointed Radio Station Officer.

Lauren collaborated with Fife College to engage prisoners in a “name and logo” competition, resulting in the station being named “KCL,” after the Kelvin, Clyde, and Lomond residential areas. Drawing on best practices and working in partnership, she formed a working group of three prisoners, playing a key role in their rehabilitation journeys.

KCL broadcasts 24/7 via in-cell and communal televisions, offering a vibrant mix of content for prisoners and their visitors. Lauren’s creativity shines through in the programming, which includes educational shows, informational segments, and podcasts. Notable collaborations include the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Samaritans. Each team member hosts a breakfast show, and genre-specific programming runs throughout the day. A standout feature is the “Added Time” podcast, which has welcomed guests like former footballer Ryan Stevenson and will soon feature a prominent Scottish boxer.

KCL has also partnered with the NHS and the Hepatitis Trust to raise awareness about blood-borne viruses (BBVs). This campaign led to a 92% turnout at a BBV clinic—the highest engagement across any Scottish Prison Service (SPS) establishment—highlighting the station’s communication power. Educational podcasts are produced with Fife College, and during Christmas, a special request show allowed families to send messages and music to loved ones via a dedicated email.

The station supports initiatives like the SPS HQ Prison Survey Project and is valued for promoting mental well-being, inclusion, and the sharing of vital information. Staff also enjoy and benefit from the content.

Lauren builds relationships quickly and actively seeks collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Her efforts have broken down barriers and inspired change. In 2024, KCL received gold and bronze Koestler Awards, recognizing its impact. Looking ahead, Lauren is developing qualifications to help prisoners gain skills for reintegration and employment.

Her dedication, creativity, and meticulous planning ensure smooth broadcasts despite technical challenges. She fosters teamwork and always prioritizes the needs of others, embodying the values of the Scottish Prison Service through innovative, person-centred support that truly makes a difference.

Support for the nomination

Lauren’s enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills have been instrumental in shaping the vision and success of KCL Radio at HMP Low Moss. Her dedication has transformed the station into a vital communication tool, delivering important and potentially life-saving information to those in custody. She ensures that all content is accurate, meaningful, and impactful, tailoring it to the needs of the prison population. Lauren also actively involves prisoners in planning the radio schedule, encouraging their input and fostering a sense of ownership.

Beyond broadcasting, Lauren has expanded the station’s role by training prisoners in programme development, advertising, and technical production. She has created opportunities for them to earn communication qualifications, boosting their self-esteem, confidence, and mental health. These skills are intended to support future employment or volunteering upon release, aiding rehabilitation and reintegration.

Lauren’s commitment to KCL Radio is evident in her ability to balance this work with her duties as a prison officer, often while being redeployed to other areas. Her efforts reflect her diligence and passion, making her a deserving candidate for recognition by the Butler Trust.

Staff from Fife College, who work closely with Lauren in the education centre, describe her as an incredible asset. She promotes education and fosters community through her broadcasts, encouraging learning, debate, and personal growth. Her support helps prisoners develop valuable skills and confidence, and she is widely respected for her positive influence and leadership.

Prisoners involved in the radio work party have shared powerful testimonies about Lauren’s impact. One described how, as a first-time offender, Lauren’s guidance made their sentence more manageable. Her trust and collaborative approach have led to the production of numerous shows, earning her deep appreciation and respect.

Another prisoner highlighted Lauren’s unwavering positivity and support, which helped them overcome anxiety and find purpose. Her encouragement created a safe and friendly environment for learning and growth, making KCL Radio a beacon of hope and creativity.

A third prisoner spoke of how Lauren taught them trust and provided daily support. She not only guided them in running the station but also helped them improve musically and technically. Her goal-setting approach gave them motivation and a renewed sense of purpose. Thanks to Lauren, they found camaraderie and joy in their work, transforming from strangers into a cohesive, supportive team.

Lauren’s leadership, compassion, and innovation have made KCL Radio a transformative force within HMP Low Moss. Her work exemplifies the power of communication and education in rehabilitation, and her influence continues to inspire both prisoners and staff alike.

Sign off

I am fully supportive of Lauren’s nomination, for her ongoing commitment and determination to drive forward the work of implementing and embedding a radio station. This has been an exceptional piece of work both in assessing the needs, planning the environment, implementing, and embedding the radio station. This has changed the culture of communication in the prison and is inclusive for those in our care, their families and for staff. She has been innovative, determined, resilient and at times challenged a number of prison “norms” to ensure that this service reaches as many people as possible. Those in our care also benefit in relation to work placement, learning IT and radio skills and building confidence. Introduction of music, another avenue for immediate communication, competitions, music normalises the prison environment somewhat. It also improves the mental health of all who live and work in the prison. She is an excellent Officer.

Karen Norrie, Governor, HMP Low Moss