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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.