AWARD WINNER 2025-26: Val’s Award recognises her unique contribution to HMP Bedford, well beyond her role as a Business Administrator – including a forum bringing people together over food, life skills training for younger prisoners, a food bank and clothing donation scheme, and the care and encouragement she offers to all.
[Her Award is supported by Ingeus.]

This nomination was drawn up by Luke Ranger – Head of Business Assurance, HMP Bedford; and signed off by Sarah-Louise Bott – Governing Governor, HMP Bedford. It followed an initial recommendation from Head of Education, Skills & Work, Stuart Hoare.

Introduction

Val is a credit to HMP Bedford. She has started a number of initiatives that have dramatically improved the outcomes of those she works with. She introduced “Breaking Bread”, a forum focussed on getting people together to discuss difficult topics, set up a prison food bank and has recently focused on improving structured on wing activity for the prison. This nomination is different from others. Usually, one or two people endorse a submission, but in this case, the whole prison are behind this nomination.

Reasons for the nomination

Val is a Business Administrator. She has completely reshaped life at HMP Bedford by putting prisoners’ well-being at the centre of everything she does. She’s made sure that people from all races and faiths finally feel heard—running regular forums tied to cultural and religious events that spark honest conversations, knock down barriers and build real respect between everyone involved.

One of Val’s most powerful ideas is Breaking Bread, a simple dinner-table chat born at home that’s become a weekly prison highlight. Staff and prisoners gather over food, share stories and tackle tough topics without judgment. Attendance has soared, the energy in the room is electric, and prisoners even take turns chairing sessions and choosing discussion themes.

Val’s drive to support each person doesn’t stop there. She checks in one-to-one with those in distress, setting up a food bank and clothing-donation scheme for those prisoners approaching release, that both staff and the local community embrace. She’s tireless about pointing people toward counselling, training or housing support—and often pops in before someone’s release to make sure they’re set up for life on the outside.

Most recently, Val has turned her attention to the young adult wing, working with 18- to 25-year-olds on communication skills, emotional regulation and goal-setting. Through spoken-word workshops and journaling exercises, she helps them find their voice—and teams up with prison officers and local charities so these young men get every chance to grow.

With creativity, compassion and sheer energy, Val gives prisoners the tools, confidence and dignity they need to rewrite their stories.

Support for the nomination

“Finally, someone is listening to our concerns.” – A participant of Val’s race forum, highlighting how her events give prisoners a genuine platform to speak out.

“We look forward to these Breaking Bread sessions every week.” – A prisoner reflecting on how the initiative has become a beacon of hope and community within the prison.

“They make me feel heard and respected.” – Another regular attendee, crediting Val’s judgment-free environment with helping him express thoughts he never dared share before.

“It was the first time someone consistently showed up for me without judgment.” – A prisoner from the Young Adult unit, testifying to Val’s reliability and the profound impact of her creative forums on his confidence.

“Val’s initiatives have transformed our prison culture.” – A member of the HMP Bedford staff, acknowledging the shift toward empathy, rehabilitation, and mutual respect since Val’s arrival.

“Her food bank and clothing scheme have been lifesavers.” – A local community partner praising how Val bridges prison and community, rallying support that extends far beyond the establishment’s walls.

Each testimony underscores the importance and effectiveness of Val’s pioneering work—evidence that her compassion, innovation, and leadership are driving real change.

Sign off

Val is great with the prisoners. She manages to get them all engaged with the weekly topics she brings to her sessions in Breaking Bread. The sessions she leads have grown and grown and are the highlight to some prisoners week. She is also very passionate in ensuring the men in our care have the things they need to transition back into the community successfully. She set up the food bank and the clothing store to provide some dignity and show care at this often quite stressful time.

Sarah-Louise Bott, Governing Governor, HMP Bedford