FIRST PRISON OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARD

25 Jun 2002 09:11 AM

The first ever award for Prison Officer of the Year has been won by Robert Lewis, a Principal Officer at HMP Birmingham.

The award was presented by the Director General of the Prison Service, Martin Narey, and Prisons Minister, Hilary Benn, at a ceremony held at the Chateau Impney Hotel in Droitwich,
Worcestershire.

Robert Lewis took on the role of Suicide Prevention Co-ordinator at Birmingham and has driven dramatic changes in the standards of care. Distressed prisoners are now given immediate support and care. His commitment to caring for the suicidal in custody has had a significant impact on the whole prison.

Director General of the Prison Service, Martin Narey, said:

"Fewer things give me greater satisfaction as Director General than this opportunity to recognise the work of officers. Robert Lewis has been outstanding in his commitment to reduce suicide and self harm amongst prisoners at Birmingham. He thoroughly deserves this award.

"I have visited every prison in England and Wales and it comes as no surprise that the excellence we are celebrating today should come from such a wide variety of people, areas and prisons.

"The talent, commitment and sheer humanity of the prison officers honoured in today's awards ceremony are extraordinary and should make everyone in England and Wales proud."

The Prison Officer Awards were introduced to recognise and reward the exceptional service and achievements that these officers deliver in our prisons every day of the week. This is the first time that their work has been recognised in a national awards scheme.

Hilary Benn, Prisons Minister said:

"I was absolutely delighted to attend the awards ceremony. It is very important that we should celebrate what staff in the Prison Service do well, and I hope the awards will encourage better public understanding of the vital job that our prisons undertake on behalf of the wider community."

Seven other awards were won by officers in the following categories:

- Decency Robert Lewis, HMP
Birmingham

- Resettlement Paul Marsh, HMP Canterbury

- Healthcare (including mental health) Monica Brown, HMP Haverigg

- Staff Support Michael O'Leary, HMYOI Reading

- Security / Control of Difficult Prisoners David Gray, HMYOI Portland

- Diversity Ian Wood, HMP Whitemoor

- Working with Young Prisoners John Smith, HMYOI Lancaster Farms

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For further information, please contact Hannah Gardiner on 07932 033081 or the Home Office Press Office on 020 7273 4545.

2. If you would like to interview or obtain a photograph of the winning officer or any of the category winners, please contact Hannah Gardiner on 07932 033081 or Roy Webster on 07714 667608