Award Winners 2007 / 2008

Janis consistently demonstrates commitment and compassion with the prisoners in her care and leadership which inspires confidence in her team. Many partner organisations testify to Janis' efficient management and concern for young and vulnerable people at court, her exemplary service to legal professionals and her ability to bring calm to highly volatile situations.

She encourages her staff to achieve qualifications in drug use and mental health and has herself researched and compiled an information pack on schizophrenia.

This team has established Humberside as a centre of excellence in delivering a targeted PPO strategy. A specialist unit was set up in four local authority areas, key partnerships established with statutory and voluntary agencies and PPOs managed successfully to rigorous national standards of supervision. Rates of domestic burglary and vehicle crime have fallen dramatically. An initial reduction in the re-offending rate of up to 56% amongst this high cost offender group demonstrates the dedication and sheer hard work of this enthusiastic, professional team.

Making Safe is an exciting, multi-agency project supporting victims of domestic abuse to remain safe in their homes whilst challenging the perpetrators' abusive behaviour and encouraging them to seek alternative ways of resolving conflict. All contributing agencies have the overarching aim of public protection. Family life is not disrupted, children can remain at their schools and the offender can remain in employment where appropriate. Initial evaluation shows a remarkably low 10.8% re-offending rate by domestically violent offenders compared with the national figure of 47%.

This hard-working team currently carries out over 16,000 fitness tests a year on all officer grades recruited since 2001. A range of physical activity designed to measure strength, agility and endurance ensures that duties are carried out safely with 10-15% less sickness absence. 104 well-being days have been attended by 8,200 staff; many undiagnosed conditions are identified and advice given on lifestyle, diet and exercise.

Team members possess excellent interpersonal skills which enable them to deal sympathetically with all staff.

A diverse group of prisoners are successfully supported into a normal working life by this small team based in a rural location. Relationships have been nurtured with 100 commercial and charitable community placement providers who look to the prison as a source of reliable labour. An astonishing 144,000 hours are worked each year by prisoners whose daily movement and transportation is a considerable logistical challenge.

Many prisoners who are now in stable employment outside speak warmly of the enthusiasm and encouragement provided by the three officers.

Mostapha brings compassion, understanding, decency and respect to his role at Belmarsh which has been grappling with the unprecedented challenges of holding Islamist extremists and terror suspects. Mostapha acts as a supporter and advocate for prisoners of all faiths and plays a key role in tackling negative attitudes towards Islam and the Muslim faith.

He is at the forefront of developing improved cultural awareness and interfaith relationships and provides crucial support to prisoners, the management team, his own peer group, the Imams and visitors.

Andy Stelman has led the multi-agency race hate crime strategy for the Merseyside Criminal Justice Board which seeks to combat race crime and increase the confidence of communities. Andy has developed a 15-week programme called Against Human Dignity which challenges attitudes of racially motivated offenders and focuses on victim awareness.

He has introduced an anti-arson package and distributed panic alarms to female members of the Yemeni community who were subject to constant harassment. Andy has made an exceptional contribution to combating race hate crime and to the wider diversity agenda.

The recycling unit set up by Stuart employs 29 prisoners who recycle general wastes and return recycled furniture and clothing to the establishment. Stuart has established a biodiversity action plan for Bullingdon and largely in his own time has constructed a stocked lake used by an angling group. Woodland walks have been developed to encourage orchids and rare bird visitors.

Stuart has forged links with the local Ministry of Defence site and conservation charities and is involved in a nesting programme for barn owls, breeding facilities for bird and bat species and butterfly surveys.

In consultation with a service user group, Tina and Yvette have established a day care service which provides a safe, relaxed and therapeutic environment. Up to 80 women weekly with mild to severe mental health problems receive positive individual or group interventions. Acupuncture, crisis counselling, art therapy, poetry and dealing with domestic violence are amongst the range of activities provided.

There is neither self harm nor serious disruption in this centre which is run by two remarkable healthcare workers who have no funding but just the initiative and commitment to succeed.

Ewan's enthusiasm and exceptional personal skills overcame several potential barriers to develop this exciting and innovative partnership between the Halle Symphony Orchestra and Thorn Cross. A principal tuba player in the Orchestra, Ewan has set up a 12-week project for young offenders to teach them how to play a brass instrument, read music and perform a repertoire.

120 trainees have learnt a new skill over the last four years and have been motivated by Ewan's inspiring leadership to perform at major concert halls in front of their proud families and local dignitaries.

Cliff Thompson's special blend of initiative, skills and experience equipped him well for the task of designing and delivering a practical skills training programme for offenders with the Open College Network and two further education colleges. The accredited programme includes decorating, horticulture, health and safety and customer service. In the last ten years over 4,500 learners have studied the programme with a success rate of 75%. Basic skills have now been embedded into the practical units.

Cliff's visionary work has been rewarded by employment prospects for the learners and professional and personal development for the tutors.

Binanda Barkakaty has worked tirelessly to develop and deliver in-cell education to prisoners who cannot attend mainstream activities. He works with about 30 prisoners at a time, promoting inclusiveness and equal opportunity and enabling 80 prisoners to achieve further education awards over the last three years. The rapid turnover and significant numbers involved across five wings are managed by the use of peer co-ordinators.

For many, it is the first certificate they have ever achieved. Binanda helps them to develop inner strength, personal growth and a more positive outlook.

This small team has successfully engaged with over 100 local companies and organisations to provide employment and restorative community work for 70 prisoners each day. 80,000 hours per annum are spent on community initiatives like the renovation of churches and the decoration of schools. 30 prisoners are in full-time paid employment with local businesses. Collaboration with external agencies facilitates advice on housing, debt and substance misuse and significantly improves the employability of prisoners. A remarkably low reoffending rate of 18% testifies to the vision and dedication of this committed team.

Mike has established excellent professional relationships with all 32 London boroughs which now have 250 community payback projects delivering 32,000 hours a month, a huge logistical exercise. A media event in each borough highlighted the benefits to the community including the cleaning of graffiti, clearing of alley ways, restoration of parks and improved security on local estates.

Mike has built up excellent links with the Metropolitan Police and voluntary sector partners. Community Payback has helped to reduce the public's fear of crime. Offenders are provided with employment linked skills and a welcome structure to their lives.

This programme is a superb example of a multi-agency partnership delivering exciting interventions appropriate to the young people at Thorn Cross. The intensive programme run by the prison and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service introduces socially excluded young offenders to the benefits of good citizenship and teamwork, whilst building up their motivation, confidence and self esteem. 72 young people have graduated as fire cadets at impressive passing out parades in front of families and dignitaries. One graduate commented: "I felt well good when I was marching down on pass-out parade. I couldn't help but smile."

Jill has made an outstanding personal contribution locally and nationally in the field of public protection. She has gained a reputation for managing extremely high risk and high profile offenders who attract significant media interest. Staff care and support are integral to Jill's work and at the time of national television interest in Avon and Somerset approved premises she used her calm approach and expertise to reassure alarmed community groups and ensure that staff and residents were protected from threats of vigilante action.

She is a passionate, dedicated ambassador for public protection work and an inspiration to all who work with her.

The Prison Council consists of 25 offenders chosen by staff and prisoners through an authentic election process. This unusual citizenship programme encourages prisoners to take responsibility for the prison community. New ideas are discussed at each Council meeting and a single proposal put to the Governor for consideration. As a result, many successful initiatives have been introduced, including improvements to visitors' facilities, a new alcohol education course and a barbers' shop. Supported by senior staff, IMB, POA and the local Mayor, the Council unifies the prison community around common objectives.

After a long career as a fire fighter, Colin has provided a high level of leadership, support and encouragement to the 16 Fire Safety Officers in the SPS. He has skilfully balanced the need for custody and security with the requirements of fire safety regulations, introducing an effective fire risk assessment process, in-cell fire detection and suppression systems and training programmes for staff and prisoners.

A reduction of 58% in in-cell fire incidents clearly shows that Colin has made prisons a safer place for staff, prisoners and visitors.

The implementation of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act required great sensitivity and perseverance in the face of entrenched attitudes. Comprehensive change was needed in the use of intelligence gathering techniques which provide safety and security for prisoners and protection for prison staff and the wider public. New systems of management in line with the relevant codes of practice have been established across the Service.

Training packages were designed and delivered and consultancy provided for sister services. Pat and Richard's remarkable work has been recognised externally as a model of good practice.

Ron has devoted himself tirelessly to designing and delivering education provision for prisoners who fall below the national entry level for literacy and numeracy. He has worked with the most vulnerable and needy by introducing a range of innovative schemes to encourage successful engagement with the learning process. He has also developed offending behaviour programmes suitable for those with low level literacy skills.

Many prisoners remark on Ron's "caring and supportive" approach, particularly two who could not read or write when they arrived at Lowdham Grange, but are now studying with the Open University.

Stewart Tweedlie's role encompasses the initial preparation of management plans which provide life sentence prisoners with realistic expectations and support through the hurdles that they face before release. He compiles a dossier and presents the case at 60 life sentence tribunals each year. He is also responsible for overseeing downgrades to the secure estate and drawing up recovery plans.

Stewart has an excellent working relationship with the Parole Board and the confidence of the prison community in carrying out his role with professionalism, diligence and expertise.

Looking after damaged and vulnerable women for over 30 years is an achievement which is very humbling to contemplate. Nominated by staff and prisoners, Sister Ellen dedicates herself to the physical, social and psychological needs of the women in her care. She has personally touched thousands of lives and has cared for countless serious self-harmers with calmness, warmth and compassion.

She introduces younger members of her team to high standards of clinical practice and nursing care and is an inspiration to both staff and prisoners.

During her 34 years in the Probation Service, Sue Hanley's strong values and commitment to diversity have generated a number of exceptional initiatives with a range of partner organisations. She has actively promoted women's issues. She has raised awareness amongst staff of the impact of racism and has worked with police to promote harmony in communities affected by gangs and gun crime.

She has established a team of bullying and harassment support officers and introduced disability awareness training. Her inclusive, fair and passionate beliefs have earned her a national reputation.

The need to raise awareness amongst SPS staff of human rights legislation and practices was a major catalyst in the development and implementation of e-learning across the Service. On-line courses, assessments and evaluations were made available to 4,400 learners. A significant cultural shift took place as staff became more informed about prisoners' rights and were able to contribute to a reduction in human rights challenges. 94% of staff at all levels have completed the courses.

Disability awareness, health and safety and intelligence awareness e-learning packages have been added to the course portfolio.

Janet has been a major contributor to changing the face of regime activities and education and training at Lindholme. She has built up a successful, high quality service offering a wide range of opportunity. An innovative track work project delivers training for the rail industry, providing 192 places a year. Horticultural training provides 40 places; a hair skills salon offers a mobile service. Under 1,000 qualifications from the learning and skills programme three years ago has risen to a staggering 6,000 last year.

Janet's drive, determination and enthusiasm has transformed the lives of many prisoners at Lindholme.

Rex Wood combines his day job as Programmes Manager for sex offender and enhanced thinking skills programmes with many hours' voluntary work as a member of the staff care team. For the last 15 years he has supported staff who have been involved in riots, deaths in custody, assaults, hostage taking and domestic difficulties.

Rex is highly respected for the tangible and sustained care which he provides to colleagues in crisis and his outstanding work over a prolonged period.

This strong partnership between mental health trust and probation has facilitated a successful referral, assessment and follow-up service for offenders. Driven by enthusiastic, committed practitioners, this model of best practice offers advice and guidance to probation officers and helps to engage offenders who are motivated to change. The programme has been rolled out to local prisons, ensuring consistency of treatment and care at the point of release. The team also provides pre-court diversion facilities and clinical outreach to a local approved premise. Positive working relationships, ideas and hard work are at the heart of this excellent service.

Jinnie has clinical responsibility on A wing at Grendon. Psychodrama offers serious and dangerous prisoners the opportunity to explore their offending behaviour and gain insight through guided dramatic action. Jinnie is also an inspirational tutor for all staff working in prison-based therapeutic communities.

Throughout her 25 years at Grendon, she has upheld the principles of respect, openness and decency, encouraging individual responsibility and mutual support. Many prisoners comment on her taking them "on a journey I had never imagined taking" with "a committed, passionate, hard-working person, quite an amazing woman".

David's visionary leadership in promoting unpaid work has transformed deprived areas of the community. He has forged significant partnerships, particularly with local authorities and the faith sector. 17,000 hours are worked each month and 2,000 offenders have acquired skills. A deprived residential area has been transformed into an amenity; a pioneering arson reduction project has led to a 43% reduction in call-outs; Sikh temples and community centres are refurbished; and offenders have worked on 15 of Liverpool's open spaces.
David's profoundly positive approach has facilitated firm prospects of employment for offenders.

The Trust was saddened to hear of the death of David Sinden in January 2008.

Kevin's enthusiasm and drive has moulded a cohesive PE department delivering an astonishing range of qualifications, advice and support to help prisoners lead a healthier life and secure employment in the leisure industry.

Four prisoners trained special needs children over three years to achieve eight medals at the special Olympics. The gymnasium team has won a Charter Mark and Gold Award status for delivery of NVQs. Kevin targets older prisoners with a range of suitable activities. Behaviour improves and even families notice the change. Kevin "leads by example and is always ready to listen".

After eight years of pioneering forensic psychology practice at Holloway, Sue took on the task of developing "CARE", the first accredited intervention specifically for women in prison. Choices, Actions, Relationships and Emotions is a holistic intervention designed sensitively for women with complex needs who are struggling to live in a way that best expresses their hopes for their lives.

The programme is delivered by a multi-agency team and integrates psychological therapy with independent mentoring and advocacy. Sue's dedicated work has benefited many women and the wider community to which they belong.

Irene Brown tackles her immense workload with passion, energy and a real sense of humour. She sees 1,000 prisoners a year on induction and uses her excellent communication skills and quiet but persistent persuasion to help reluctant prisoners achieve a qualification. Irene goes far beyond her administrative role of placing prisoners into work, education and offending behaviour programmes.

Her caring personality and attention to detail raises the confidence of prisoners and gives them a real opportunity to re-enter the community with useful skills.

The process of ordering and dispensing medication was in crisis when Senga and Sharon arrived at Kilmarnock. Excess medication was ordered in error at significant cost, precious nursing resources were devoted to giving out medication and prisoners had become angry and frustrated. The two dispensers quickly developed systems to control the flow and timeliness of medication, undertook regular audits of in-possession medication and considerably freed up nurses' time.

Continual disruption to the regime is a thing of the past, complaints to healthcare have dropped by 80% and there has been a sharp rise in customer and manager confidence.

Dominic's vision to set up a virtual IT classroom in partnership with a local college has enabled prisoners to access a range of learning applications, including computer aided design and accountancy. Tutors and students can see each other via a telephone line and each prisoner's PC is linked to a central computer at the College. Four colleges now deliver education at Magilligan.

Dominic constantly seeks innovative ways of engaging more prisoners: he has published two books of prisoners' poetry and prose and has introduced an accredited course in drama and creative writing.

Craig has made an extraordinary transition from a chaotic lifestyle of crime, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour to become a volunteer, mentor and now a valued employee of the Probation Service. He has completed tutor training and delivers Open College Network classes to offenders, assists Duke of Edinburgh Award participants and carries out basic skills assessments. Craig has become a positive role model with a very strong commitment to turning his and others' lives around.

He is an inspirational ambassador for the Service, speaking at many public events and clearly demonstrating to the wider community what offenders can achieve.

George has transformed catering at Shotts from a functional unit to a widely respected centre of catering excellence. A balanced, nutritional menu is delivered to 550 long-term prisoners. George provides work for 30 prisoners. He has produced a Perfect Pantry folder of simple instructions for all food handlers in the establishment. Special initiatives include World Cup football themed menus, highly sought after celebration cakes and happy meal breakfasts for visiting children.

George exudes enthusiasm and brings his infectious personality and very high standards to everything he does.

These two officers have shown huge personal commitment in establishing a successful Braille workshop employing 28 prisoners. Several qualifications have been introduced and over 100 prisoners have achieved three Braille certificates each. Braille information booklets have been produced and shared with other prisons, a safe area has been established for more vulnerable prisoners and audio packages have resulted in letters of thanks from grateful schools.

The experience of one little boy and his parents who visit the workshop frequently reflects the outstanding contribution which Timothy and Richard have made to the wider community.

Bernadette provides a wide range of services for offenders with mental health disorders in partnership with offender management and court service teams and mental health authorities. She brings a sensitive balance to public protection work and negotiates skilfully for access to treatment and resources. Bernadette has particular strengths in training other staff in house and at Ashworth Special Hospital. She offers vital support and advice which instils confidence in her colleagues.

Her commitment, enthusiasm and determination earn her wide respect: she is "very approachable and knowledgeable"; "I always think of her as my comfort blanket".

John has worked alongside the Centre judge to mould a successful multi-agency, problem-solving team at the country's first Community Justice Centre. His personal and professional commitment to working with offenders and communities embodies the principles of community justice. He has identified innovative sentence packages in response to offending behaviours which give confidence to an often marginalised community.

He strikes a careful balance between the needs of the community and the victims of crime and those of individual offenders. John is a seasoned local and national broadcaster and hosts political and media visits to the Centre.

This small team employing six prisoners recovers 55% of waste for reuse or recycling, contributing savings of over £100,000 for the establishment. Colour-coded recycling points on each wing encourage staff and prisoners to keep the prison cleaner and healthier and reduce the impact on the environment.

Industry workshops and gardens units have benefited, all food waste is now composted and prisoners have the opportunity of employment in the waste industry on release.

Allison has spent 20 years working as an art teacher at Magilligan. For the last seven years she has also worked voluntarily as an art therapist, achieving a Masters degree along the way whilst delivering 12 programmes to 200 prisoners of all races and religions. They are able to express their feelings or face up to their crimes through the medium of art and demonstrate a profound change in attitude and behaviour.

Allison has shared her invaluable skills in a selfless way, softening hardened attitudes, encouraging a positive approach and contributing to calmer residential units.