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

Jan 1, 2024

ALISON HEATRICK (HMP Maghaberry)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Alison is Commended, as Senior Catering Manager at HMP Maghaberry, for transforming the quality and range of food; introducing photo ‘menu books’, with descriptions in multiple languages, to help prisoners choose what to eat; and inspiring many of those she works with to find jobs in catering on release.
Jan 1, 2024

AIMEE JONES (HMP Manchester)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Described by her Governor as “genuinely fabulous” and “relentlessly passionate”, Aimee’s Commendation is for her pivotal contribution, as the Prison Prevent Lead, to HMP Manchester’s approach to counter-terrorism, which has been highlighted by HMIP as a model of best practice.
Jan 1, 2024

DEBBIE JONES (Bridgend Youth Justice Service)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Debbie is the Quality Assurance and Performance Officer at Bridgend Youth Justice Service, and receives a Commendation for her instrumental role, and tenacity, in developing and driving forward trauma-informed practice for young people, both within the YJS, and across the Cwm Taf region.
Jan 1, 2024

JAHANGIR MIAH (HMP Swinfen Hall)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Jai is Commended for his “outstanding leadership”, both as the Managing Chaplain at HMP/YOI Swinfen Hall, and as a respected member of the jail’s Senior Leadership Team; for the pastoral care he offers to prisoners and staff; and for his highly regarded counter-terrorism work in the wider estate.
Jan 1, 2024

ANITA PAYNE (HMP Maghaberry)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Anita, a Senior Officer at HMP Maghaberry, is granted a Commendation for her commitment and compassion towards each and every person in the jail, and for her capacity to build rapport with even the hardest-to-reach individuals, leading her Governor to say, “I wish I had a hundred of her”.
Jan 1, 2024

NICHOLA PENNINGTON (Southwood Approved Premises)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Nichola is Commended for the fundamental effect she has had on the culture of the establishment, for both residents and staff, as Manager of Southwood Approved Premises, including leading it to gain ‘Enabling Environment’ and ‘ADHD friendly’ status, the latter a first for any AP.
Jan 1, 2024

BARBARA REAGAN (HMP Askham Grange)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Barbara receives a Commendation for going far beyond her role as a Business Hub Administrator at HMP/YOI Askham Grange, whether volunteering as a tester during Covid, going to the supermarket after hours to buy nappies for the mother and baby unit, or helping colleagues with IT issues and report writing.
Jan 1, 2024

ALISON SABAROCHE (Hammersmith & Fulham Youth Justice Service)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Alison’s Commendation is for her work as Head of Hammersmith & Fulham Youth Justice Service: driving up standards in the management and care of young people; forging strong relationships with partner agencies; and achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating for the service from HMI Probation.
Jan 1, 2024

KEVIN THOMAS (HMP Swansea)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Kevin, a Supervising Officer at HMP Swansea, receives a Commendation for his ongoing commitment to helping veterans in custody, and for setting up a novel, and highly effective, programme training ex-forces prisoners to mentor and assist other, more vulnerable, members of the population.
Jan 1, 2024

BARCLAY TIERNEY (HMP & YOI Polmont)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Barclay is Commended for his work, as First Line Manager for vocational training, to enhance the range of courses on offer at HMP/YOI Polmont, motivate and support the women and young people to take part, and improve access for those with neurodiversity and other special educational needs.
Jan 1, 2024

GREG VAN NUIL (HMP Dumfries)

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Greg, an Officer Instructor at HMP Dumfries, receives a Commendation for the passion and creativity he has shown in designing, and bringing to life, the prison’s ‘Wellbeing garden’; turning an area of wasteland into a sensory haven for all, and for those with mental health issues and dementia in particular.