HMP Berwyn, Wrexham's New Prison (4K)

Summary

The transcript highlights the pride and vision behind HMP Berwin, a new prison focused on rehabilitation, technology, and community integration. With a staff recruited based on values and local involvement, the prison aims to offer inmates educational opportunities, vocational training, and support for reintegration. By embracing digital systems and promoting a respectful, normalizing environment, the facility seeks to reduce institutional behaviors. The governor stresses the importance of health, wellbeing, and community outreach, positioning HMP Berwin as an innovative, community-focused model for modern correctional facilities.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Governor expresses immense pride in overseeing the development of HMP Berwin, a project they've been involved with for nearly two years.
• 😀 Emphasis on recruiting staff based on values rather than competence, aligning with the six core values to create a positive culture in the prison.
• 😀 The first group of 60 officers have been trained, many of whom have experience from high-security prisons like Pentonville and Birmingham, enriching their ability to handle diverse situations.
• 😀 Over 600 men have written in expressing their desire to join the facility, demonstrating high interest in the opportunities offered by HMP Berwin.
• 😀 HMP Berwin's recruitment process has involved carefully selecting inmates with specific skill sets to ensure a well-functioning and operational prison from the start.
• 😀 The prison utilizes modern technology, including a digital system that reduces paperwork for staff, allowing them to focus more on rehabilitation and engagement with the inmates.
• 😀 The principle of normality is embraced at HMP Berwin, following Nelson Mandela's approach to make prison life more similar to life in the community, aiding smoother reintegration after release.
• 😀 Respect for inmates is a cornerstone of the facility's approach, including using preferred names and reducing institutional language to foster trust and reduce violence.
• 😀 HMP Berwin provides robust educational and vocational training opportunities, offering inmates various pathways in subjects like numeracy, literacy, IT, and life skills.
• 😀 The prison has developed partnerships with local companies and community employers to ensure inmates gain real-world employment opportunities upon release.

Q & A

What was the first feeling the Governor experienced when the first men arrived at Berwin?

The Governor expressed feeling pride upon the arrival of the first men, emphasizing the significance of the day after being involved in the project for nearly two years.

How has the recruitment process been different at Berwin compared to other establishments?

At Berwin, staff were recruited based on their values rather than their competencies. This approach focused on hiring individuals who shared six core values, rather than just having specific skills or experience.

What unique challenge did the staff face during their training?

New staff members were initially sent to other establishments, such as Pentonville and Birmingham, after significant events like escapes and riots. They gained firsthand experience of challenging situations before coming to Berwin.

Why is Berwin focusing on a 'digital prison'?

Berwin aims to reduce the administrative burden on officers by using technology. Officers use laptops to manage paperwork, allowing them more time to engage with the inmates and focus on rehabilitation rather than administrative tasks.

What is the principle of normality, and how is it applied at Berwin?

The principle of normality, inspired by the Mandela rules, aims to make the prison experience as similar as possible to life in the community. This includes using normal language, such as calling rooms instead of cells, and addressing inmates by their preferred names to foster respect and trust.

What educational opportunities are available for inmates at Berwin?

Inmates at Berwin have access to a range of educational opportunities, including vocational training, numeracy, literacy, IT skills, and behavioral programs. The goal is to equip inmates with the skills they need for successful reintegration into society.

What is the role of Novas Cambria at Berwin?

Novas Cambria, a company with over 20 years of experience in prison education, collaborates with Berwin to provide a diverse educational offering. Their goal is to prepare inmates for sustainable lives post-release through innovative and practical learning opportunities.

How does Berwin approach rehabilitation through its work and vocational training?

Berwin provides a structured environment where inmates can engage in various training programs, such as industrial cleaning, painting, and decorating. This not only helps build practical skills but also creates a sense of purpose and responsibility.

How is Berwin addressing the issue of drug use and mental health among inmates?

Berwin focuses on both reducing the supply and demand for drugs. This includes disrupting supply chains and educating inmates to reduce their demand for drugs. The facility also emphasizes mental health support and providing healthy lifestyles through sports, diet, and sleep.

What is the long-term vision for Berwin in terms of community involvement?

The Governor emphasized the importance of integrating Berwin into the local community, with a focus on employing local people and establishing connections. The goal is for the community to eventually be proud of the work being done at Berwin, rather than feeling nervous about it.