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Work of prison educational teams heralded as "transformational"
The quality of Belfast Met’s education and skills provision has been highlighted in the latest inspection reports for Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women’s Prison (Hydebank Wood) from Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland.
The two independent reports awarded top marks for both the facility for young male offenders and the women’s prison at Hydebank– a first for a prison in Northern Ireland.
Hydebank Governor, Richard Taylor said: “This has truly been a team effort by everyone at Hydebank. In particular, the partnership with Belfast Met has been transformational since we became a secure College almost ten years ago.
"Inspectors have reported that over 90% of the people in custody are involved in education, skills and work. In the last year we can also say that more than 600 certificates of achievement have been presented. People leaving Hydebank are doing so with qualifications and skills which they can use to help them find employment.”
Welcoming the reports published earlier this month, Justice Minster Naomi Long said: “There is no doubt the exceptional work being done at Hydebank is transforming lives. Rehabilitation is working. Young men and women are choosing to turn their lives around through education and learning. Academic and practical skills in industry-focused subjects including catering and hospitality, barbering, horticulture and animal husbandry are helping them to find employment.
“Importantly also, re-offending rates are reducing, which again confirms these young men and women are turning away from a life of crime, making our communities a safer place to live.”
David Seffen, Regional Head of Prison Programmes with Belfast Met paid tribute to teaching staff. “Our talented staff do an incredible job and it is fantastic to see the ‘transformational’ nature of their contribution recognised,” he said.
“It is a huge team effort and one that relies on an integrated management approach and collaboration at so many different levels,” added David. “Ultimately, the reward is knowing that the provision of education and skills in a prison environment plays a vital role in delivering a safer community.”