Earlier this month I had the opportunity to talk with Sophie and John Gaston of #TheExamMan about how we do exams at HMP.

There are many opportunities for our learners to gain qualifications – from E...

Exam stress is widespread throughout the year and it’s not just students feeling the strain. Teachers experience their own levels of exam stress as they lead they groups through the curriculum.  Many ...

Many of us life in fear for what the future might bring.  The news tells us of world events and our minds turn the coverage over and over until we start to fear for what’s ahead.

It’s good to have a ...

I spoke at Conference recently and it was a mix of feelings.  People said I was a ‘natural’, ‘inspiring’, ‘informed’.  Well that was a little amazing, as inside I felt anxious.

Nerves are a funny thi...

There’s often a blame culture in our offices.  We’re loathe to be responsible for problems or situations.  Personal accountability is more than a buzz term.  It should be our norm.

The Company I work...

 I work in a place used to swearing.  But it’s not for me. 

I set my personal standards on swearing years ago, long before I worked in a Prison.  I never let my children swear at me or around  me – a...

In Education we’re well aware of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.  Being loved by others and having a good self-esteem is key for our wellbeing. So when others demonstrate their appreciation for us, it’s ...

You’ll know I work in a challenging place.  People expect it to be noisy and disruptive. But our Education Landings are generally harmonious – because the teachers create respectful places in which to...

You know I work at an HMP Establishment.  Every day I meet people who show up in a state of frustration, despair, irritation, and detachment. And that’s not just the prisoners.

Sometimes I am greeted...

I used to hate asking for help. I blame my Father.  No, I’ll rephrase that.  My Father taught me to be resilient. I was expected to be self reliant and to learn how to do things without needing the su...

For a long time I thought I was just one of the team supporting our prisoners. I am an Exam Officer and I didn’t claim to have any clout in decisions that could affect those I worked for. 

But a w...

I’ve long since talked about ways to Let Go of Our Stuff.

Working at HMP we’re slowly adding our voice to the Mental Health interventions designed to relieve mental upset.  Whether it’s recent or lon...