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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.