Ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), Wendy Stubbs from HMP Berwyn tells her story of a working life in a challenging and rewarding environment.
Despite public perception that it’s a male-dominated profession, there are now more women working for His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) than men.
Currently, 55 per cent of staff in post across HMPPS are women, including 41.7 per cent of staff within prisons.
Senior manager Wendy Stubbs, 56, joined the prison service 33 years ago having previously worked in factories in Wrexham.
She has worked her way up the ladder and is now a head of function at HMP Berwyn, overseeing a team of officers and managers on one of the prison’s three house blocks.
Wendy said: “I became a prison officer at the age 22 and initially worked in a prison in Kent.
“The prison service has changed significantly since I joined.
“Today, HMPPS not only really values having people from lots of different backgrounds but actively promotes diversity.
“The prison service understands that you need staff from different backgrounds and with different life experiences to look after the wide range of prisoners we manage.
“We also need a mix of skills and everyone in the team brings something a little bit different.
“Like all prisons, HMP Berwyn can be a challenging place to work at times but it’s the team that gets you through it. My colleagues can make a tough day, far less tough.”
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Accelerate Action’, with a call to speed up gender equality.
Women are able to progress in the prison service, with female Governors in charge of many prisons in the country.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is currently running a national recruitment drive with a range of adverts running across television, radio and online.
As well as prison officer vacancies there are roles in catering, teaching, psychology and support services across the service. They will play a crucial role in supporting the prison system through challenging times, with prisons until recently close to full.
Some jobs do not require any previous qualifications, but staff need resilience, confidence and excellent communication skills in all roles. These key skills will help staff to have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
HMP Berwyn is looking for compassionate, creative people with excellent communication skills who can make decisions effectively.
Those who would like to take the first step towards a rewarding career can apply or find out more by visiting this website.
Wendy added: “I have had some amazing experiences in the prison service.
“Being a prison officer is a hugely rewarding job where you can make friends for life.
“I believe everyone has something to offer the prison service and there are so many different opportunities available – from prison officers to psychologists or caterers. I would encourage others apply and find a team that’s right for them.”
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