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

Jan 1, 2024

ANITA TREMAIN (HMP Isis)

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Anita wins an Award for her game-changing impact – recognised across HMPPS, and praised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons – as Equalities Lead at HMP/YOI Isis, achieved through the remarkable skill and creativity, strength of character, and resolute determination she has brought to the role. [Anita’s Award is supported by Mitie Care & Custody.]
Jan 1, 2024

JAMIE WILLIAMS (HMP & YOI Parc)

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Jamie’s Award is for his peerless compassion and commitment towards, and unrivalled ability to connect with and inspire, the children in his care, as a Manager on the Young Person’s Unit at HMP/YOI Parc – his nomination came from one of the residents, with another adding, “he’s the Dad I never had”. [Jamie’s Award is supported by The Hanley Trust.]
Jan 1, 2024

DAVID ADAMSON & MICHAELA FENNELL-HYDEN (HMP Stafford)

COMMENDEES 2023-24: Prison Officer, David, and Michaela, an Instructor, are Commended for their impact – described as “remarkable” by the Prisons & Probation Ombudsman – on the confidence, behaviour, and mental health of some of the most complex men in the prison, through their RESTART workshop in HMP Stafford.
Jan 1, 2024

SCOTT BOAL (HMP Buckley Hall)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Scott’s Commendation is for the exemplary jailcraft, leadership ability, and dedication he shows as a Supervising Officer at HMP Buckley Hall, and for the care and support he gives to both prisoners and staff throughout the jail; to his Governor he is, quite simply, “a great person, doing great things”.
Jan 1, 2024

WENDY BRENNAN (HMP Bullingdon)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Wendy, a Custodial Manager at HMP Bullingdon, receives a Commendation for her work as coach and mentor for new staff members, which has led to a dramatic improvement in staff morale and retention; and as a result of her efforts, not a single new-entrant Officer left the jail in over 12 months.
Jan 1, 2024

PATRICK BROWN (HMP Birmingham)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Patrick’s Commendation is for the enthusiasm and leadership he shows as the PE Custodial Manager at HMP Birmingham; for making the gym into a safe and engaging space for every prisoner; and for the support he and his team provide for staff wellbeing and fitness, too.
Jan 1, 2024

JAMES CHAPMAN (HMP Manchester)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Originally nominated by a prisoner, James receives a Commendation for the courage, expertise, and commitment he demonstrates daily in his role as a Supervising Officer on the Close Supervision Centre at HMP Manchester, managing and caring for amongst the most challenging men in the system.
Jan 1, 2024

TRISH DUDLEY (HMP Huntercombe)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Trish’s Commendation is for all she has achieved as the first ever Head of Resettlement at HMP Huntercombe, developing from scratch a widely-praised, comprehensive resettlement service for foreign national prisoners, which sets the benchmark for the rest of the foreign national estate.
Jan 1, 2024

JOHN DUNLEAVY (Southwood Approved Premises)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: John, a Probation Services Officer at Southwood Approved Premises, is Commended for the talent, professionalism, and tireless dedication he has shown throughout a 30-year career in APs, for which he is respected and acclaimed by colleagues and residents alike.
Jan 1, 2024

VICTORIA ECCLESTON (Edith Rigby House Approved Premises)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Vikky receives a Commendation for her impressive achievements as a Senior Probation Officer managing Edith Rigby House AP – a Psychologically Informed Planned Environment – and for setting up the ‘DeedsNotWords’ social enterprise to engage residents, and improve their prospects of employment.
Jan 1, 2024

KATHY GILL (Wirral Youth Justice Service)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Kathy is Commended in her role as Manager of Wirral Youth Justice Service, for embedding the ‘Child First’ approach she exemplifies, and introducing a range of initiatives, such as ‘Operation Inclusion’ focused on those at risk of exploitation, and the ‘In the Zone’ outreach programme to schools.
Jan 1, 2024

LISA GRAY (Barton Moss Secure Care Centre)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Lisa receives a Commendation for her enthusiasm, skill, and compassion as Interventions Manager at Barton Moss Secure Care Centre – one of the many young people who supported her nomination called her “the best person I have ever met”, with another adding, “she changed my life”.