The magazine for the Ministry of Justice June/July 2012

FINAL EDITION

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE - CREATING A SAFE, JUST AND DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

FAREWELL 02 TO INSIGHT The editor explains why this is the final edition.

WOMEN’S GROUP 09 A project that helps women tackle the issues at the root of their offending.

POINTS FOR STYAL 11 An award-winning prison officer talks about supporting her colleagues. Introducing Ursula Brennan MoJ’s new talks about transformation CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE

Farewell to INSIGHT CONTENTS This is the final edition amazing work that goes on also their patience with my of INSIGHT, after across the Ministry every changes and amendments! five years, and almost 50 day. During my visits to And I’d like to thank editions. As the Government Gravesend, Kent, and Styal you, the readers, for your moves to ‘Digital by Default’, Prison, Cheshire, for the response to surveys and the Ministry is one of several two features in this edition, letting me know that you’ve Whitehall departments that I found the dedication and found INSIGHT a useful and 08 06 have brought their magazine commitment that typifies enjoyable read. to a close. the many staff I’ve met over The austerity measures the years in many areas of Best wishes across government mean we the Department’s broad and Adrian Hallchurch need to look at everything crucial work. we do. I’d like to thank the 07 12 On a personal note, I’d prison team at HMP like to thank everyone who Maidstone, Kent, that prints 03 NEWSREEL News and events from across the Ministry. has worked with me in INSIGHT and NOMS Prison producing this magazine, Industries – now rebranded 06 POLICE.UK MoJ supplies information to the popular crime-mapping website including the many people as ONE3ONE Solutions to help people find out what happens to crimes and criminals. who have sent photos to - for their excellent, and MIDDLE EAST REFORMS MoJ’s International Directorate is helping Jordan’s publicise charity events. increasingly fast, service. 07 criminal justice system develop. It has been a privilege I’d like to thank MoJ’s for me to travel across the excellent in-house design 08 OPEN TO QUESTION Introducing the Ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, country to report on the team for their creativity, and Ursula Brennan.

09 HELPING WOMEN OFFENDERS The Prospects group in Gravesend, Kent, is one of many new projects across the country set up to keep women out of prison.

11 POINTS FOR STYAL A Prison Officer of the Year talks about leading the Care CONTACT Team that looks after staff who have had to deal with traumatic incidents at Editor: Adrian Hallchurch 020 3334 3603 Cheshire’s Styal Prison. Communication and Information Director: COACHING BOOSTS CAREERS How Civil Service Learning’s new coaching Pam Teare 12 opportunities can help you with your work and your career. Designed by MoJ Design Team 13 STAFF FOCUS AND CHARITY CORNER The Civil Service Benevolent Fund rebrands 102 Petty France, London SW1H 9AJ Winner as ‘The Charity for Civil Servants’. Printed by NOMS ONE3ONE Solutions 2010 Maidstone Prison, Kent 16 THE BACK PAGE A legal adviser reveals what it was like to carry the torch through the streets of his home town.

2 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 3 newsreel Prison Industries becomes ONE3ONE Solutions HONOUR FOR HELEN Prison Industries, which has been managing the printing of INSIGHT at HMP Maidstone, Kent, has relaunched as ONE3ONE Solutions to Helen Edwards, Director General Justice Policy, deputised as Permanent provide a more commercial focus to present business opportunities is one of many MoJ staff recognised in the Secretary this year, received a CBE.  to companies across the country. Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Helen, who Click here for Queen’s Birthday Honours list It will draw on the experience of prisons that have established a professional reputation in industries such as recycling, laundry, A SPACE FOR BRIGHT IDEAS printing, furniture and textiles. Sarah McKnight, Head of Employment Services and Employer A new and improved ‘Idea Street’ website Harriet Ainsworth-Smith said: “We’ve created a and Working Prison Engagement Lead, said: “We are open for has been launched to help staff contribute site that will be much better at capturing good, business - and ready to do business with companies right across suggestions and build on the ideas of others to workable ideas and making them happen.”  the UK.” drive change throughout MoJ, and help shape Click here for Idea Street ONE3ONE will build on its 190 external customers, as well as Transforming Justice. ‘Idea Street’ manager internal markets across government. The name is a reflection of the 131 prisons in and Wales. NEW CAPITAL COURT Click here for the ONE3ONE web pages.  Justice Secretary officially opened the capacity and facilities of magistrates’ courts in Westminster Magistrates’ Court, a 10-courtroom London.  complex built as part of a wider strategy to improve CIVIL SERVICE REFORM The Civil Service Reform Plan has been launched reform across government.  by Minister for the , Francis Click here to read the Civil Service Reform Plan. Maude, setting out a programme of major PAYBACK BID WINNERS SERCO and the London Probation Trust have been £25m and improve services. This was the first time awarded a four-year contract to run Community that a major probation contract had been open to Payback across London that is expected to save bids from the private sector.  Newsreel continues on next page >

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Delivery staff gain new diploma newsreel Twenty-eight staff from across HM Courts & Tribunals Service were the first to gain diplomas in operational delivery, a new professional qualification introduced across the Ministry. Peter Handcock, Chief Plans for filming Goodbye to Suma, Executive of HM Courts & Tribunals Service, said: “It is right that the in courts skills associated with delivering essential services directly to the public welcome Ursula are being given the recognition that they deserve.” Justice Secretary Kenneth The diploma helps staff with their current role, and their career. Clarke has announced plans Ursula Brennan, formerly Permanent Secretary Gunvant Patel who works in the Customer Enquiry Unit at to overturn the ban on filming at the Ministry of Defence and a former Loughborough, said: “The diploma course has been useful for and broadcasting from law MoJ Director General, has replaced Suma New international role: my job as well as boosting my confidence.”  . courts as part of a Crime and Chakrabarti as Permanent Secretary. Courts Bill. Announcing his departure, Suma said: “After four-and-a-half years at If the proposed changes MoJ and nearly 30 years in Whitehall, I leave now to take up a new role Lessons from riot response to the law are approved, as President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. broadcasting will first be And while I’m very excited about the challenges ahead, I’m also sad to be A White Paper on criminal justice introduced at the Court of leaving. I wanted to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of what reform, ‘Swift and Sure Justice: the Appeal, where filming will we’ve achieved together, and offer my thanks to everyone across MoJ Government’s Plans for Reform of be allowed for opening and for all that you’ve done – not just in establishing this Department as a Criminal Justice’, which draws on closing legal arguments great place to work and one of Whitehall’s best performers, but in lessons learned from the response and the handing down of delivering vital public services.”  to last summer’s riots, has been judgments. published. Filming of judges’ Ursula makes history The paper sets out plans sentencing remarks in to modernise criminal justice Crown Courts may also be The Ministry’s new Permanent Secretary, Ursula services, speed up court cases, considered, but there are Brennan, has been sworn into office as Clerk of improve transparency, and engage no plans to film victims, the Crown in Chancery, and is the first woman communities in dealing with low-level offending. witnesses, offenders or jurors. in the post since it was established in 1331. Minister Nick Herbert said: “We want a more flexible Kenneth Clarke said: “We The office holder is a senior civil servant who criminal justice system, including extending opening hours are bringing the concept of has overall responsibility for the , for courts, maximising the use of technology through open justice into the modern a section of the Ministry that looks after the virtual courts and prison-to-court video links and we are age, and in doing so we Great of the Realm for the , looking at radical proposals to speed up cases where will make the courts more the official Keeper of the Great Seal. She also offenders plead guilty.” accessible to the public than has administrative duties related to courts and Permanent Secretary Ursula ever before.”  the judicial process, and parliamentary elections. Brennan in the traditional Ursula said: “It was an enjoyable reminder dress of the Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, with of the historic origins of MoJ's work, Kenneth Clarke, the Lord upholding justice and values that haven't Chancellor and Keeper changed in centuries.” of the Great Seal. Newsreel continues on next page >

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Nathalie’s Prize for rehabilitation Encouraging top award work business growth

for complex Prison Officer Charlie Johnson Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly has been named Prison Officer has launched ‘Justice for Business: management of the Year 2012 for his work Supporting Business and Promoting championing release on Growth,’ a paper outlining reforms temporary licence at HM Young to make the justice system more Nathalie Allard, a Probation Officer for Leicestershire and Offenders Institution Cookham effective, less costly and better Rutland Probation Trust, received the Probation Champion Wood, Kent. for business. of the Year award for her work in a complex case that NOMS Chief Executive Officer He said: “Economic growth can only be achieved if involved four generations of sex offending in one family. Michael Spurr, who chose the businesses are free to trade and prosper, and the justice She said: “Just to be recognised for the work that I’ve winner, said: “The success has been outstanding, system can help them to achieve that.” been doing is quite comforting – it’s going to help me to with over 1,000 young people released and only Click here to read the report carry on working hard with similar cases.”  one failure, helping to change some really challenging young people.” Towards a more Second consultation diverse judiciary for commission Plans to encourage more women and people from The Commission on a Bill of Rights has issued a second Cracking minority backgrounds to become judges were consultation paper, following last year’s discussion paper. announced in the Crime and Courts Bill. It wants further views from the public on whether there down on The proposed changes to the law would remove should be a UK Bill of Rights and the form and content economic obstacles that can limit diversity through measures of any such Bill. such as extending part-time working patterns for senior Commission Chair Sir Leigh Lewis said: “With less than crime judges, intended to help balance work and family six months until we must make our recommendations Plans for a new tool to tackle economic crime have lives, and enabling ‘positive action’ for appointments – we want to hear from as many individuals and interested been published for consultation by Minister Crispin meaning that if two candidates are completely equal parties as possible. I want to stress that we have reached Blunt and Solicitor General Edward Garnier. in their abilities, a selection can be made on the basis no conclusions at this stage.” Under Deferred Prosecution Agreements, companies of improving diversity.  Click here to read the consultation, which closes on would agree to publicly admit wrongdoing, and meet 30 September.  tough conditions such as paying substantial penalties and submitting to regular monitoring. Crispin Blunt said: “Law enforcement agencies have told us that they do not have the tools they need to tackle increasingly complex economic crimes.” Click here to read the consultation, which closes on 9 August.  5 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 Police.UK Putting ‘justice outcomes’ on the map The Police.UK website gives people the chance to see crimes reported where they live and work. Since its launch last year, it has been one of the most popular government sites. Now MoJ is helping to make it even better by allowing people to track the progress of cases from the reporting of a crime to the court outcome. INSIGHT finds out more from the lead policy official, Simon Denison.

What is Police.UK about? after crimes are reported. For example, they IT and recording practices. Matching court The site was developed to allow people to want to know what happened after a burglary outcomes to the approximately 5m crimes enter an address or postcode to generate in their street. The site encourages people to recorded each year has been no easy task! Reassured about crime in his a map of an area showing crimes and anti- take an interest in how their area is policed, neighbourhood: Simon Denison. social behaviour reported each month. particularly important with elections for Police What else has been difficult? The site also provides details of police force and Crime Commissioners due in November. The data we publish is complicated due to performance and Neighbourhood Policing I live in Streatham, London, and vehicle crime the variety of reasons that could be behind Teams. is a problem in my street – it’s reassuring to a particular outcome – analysts, policy and know that crimes are being dealt with by communications staff have worked together Has it been popular? police and the courts. to provide explanations to help the public There’s a huge public appetite for information better understand the information. about crime and offenders, and since the site’s How will the information be presented? launch in January 2011 there have been more MoJ has worked closely with the Home Office How will it help? than 47m visits, averaging 150,000 a day. and the National Policing Improvement Agency We are always looking for more to ensure the ‘justice outcome’ data is clearly opportunities to help people What’s new? presented on the maps on Police.UK, and it better understand the Since May, as well as showing reported crime, has been subjected to rigorous user-testing. criminal justice system. the site has also provided details of what Police.UK has already received great feedback This complements the happens after crimes have been reported, for being very accessible and easy to use. information we released last tracking them through to the outcome, year on reoffending and including the 16 per cent that reach court. What has this meant for MoJ? sentencing on our ‘Open MoJ analysts have been matching forces’ Justice’ site. Why now? crime data to court case data on the Police Feedback from the public to Police.UK has National Computer. This has been Click here for Police.UK been very positive, but people said they technically challenging as the 43 police forces wanted to know more about what happens across England and Wales all use different

6 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEaTURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 Supporting Middle East reforms INSIGHT looks at the International Directorate’s support for Jordan as it reforms its criminal justice system.

The UK is supporting major justice Wales Probation. He is supported by be sustainable, supportive and effective – reforms in Jordan that will involve Jim Fitzpatrick, former head of the UK these are the three key principles for the experts from across the criminal Financial Intelligence Unit at the Serious project team.” justice system such as top level Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), and a Jessica Magson, the Project Officer from officials and staff working in team of local experts and administrative MoJ’s International Directorate, said: “With probation, prisons and courts staff. EU support, we will furnish the project MoJ’s International Projects Team A central aim of the project is helping with the best technical expertise available recently won a competitive bid to run Jordan’s own Ministry of Justice draw up combined with a management approach the EU Support to Criminal Justice a comprehensive plan for criminal justice that will prioritise sustainability, transparency Reform in Jordan Project, a three- reform. There are also plans for a review and stakeholder engagement.” year contract supported by £1.7m of legal aid, developing the prosecutor The International Projects European Union (EU) funding. role and promoting alternatives to prison, Team is involved in similar The team leader, based in Jordan’s such as community punishments. projects in several countries, capital, Amman, is Ian Lankshear, Ian said: “It is important that changes including Albania, Croatia, former Chief Executive of South in Jordan’s criminal justice system should Jamaica, Serbia and Turkey. 

Jordan’s capital, Amman: base for MoJ staff.

Team Jordan (from left): Shahir Ataya (translator), Jessica Magson (Project Officer), Ian Lankshear (Team Leader), Saida Daas (Project Assistant) and Jim Fitzpatrick (Long-term expert).

7 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE Introducing Ursula Ursula Brennan, formerly Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, is the Ministry’s third Permanent Secretary, taking the reins from Suma Chakrabarti. It’s a return to 102 Petty France for Ursula, a former MoJ Director General for Corporate Services.

How do you feel about returning to the Ministry implemented, such as bringing together the courts of Justice as Permanent Secretary? and tribunals services. Like all departments, MoJ has I am obviously sorry to be leaving the Ministry of also seen reductions in staff and it has a much more Defence (MOD), particularly when we are at the streamlined top structure now. start of a major transformation programme. But I am OUT OF HOURS delighted to be returning to MoJ, to work with old What’s your first challenge as Permanent friends and new as we transform the justice system. Secretary? DO YOU HAVE FAMILY? My first and most important challenge is to avoid I don’t have children. My husband, Denis, has recently retired What lessons do you bring with you from the assuming that everything is the same as it was from the Civil Service, so I am well looked after at home! Ministry of Defence? in 2008! More importantly, MoJ is responsible for MOD is a complex department, and to support implementing a range of big policy and delivery WHAT DO YOU DO TO WIND DOWN? the armed forces there are staff delivering, for changes as part of Transforming Justice. Apart I am really a frustrated crafts person – I love sewing, embroidery, example, health, education and legal services, as from the usual challenge of ensuring that all of this making jewellery, anything that takes up space and makes a mess! well as running procurement and construction is on track, and keeping ministers informed as things projects. MOD has invested greatly in project and progress, I think the priority for me is to ensure that WHAT’S BEEN THIS YEAR’S BEST FILM? programme management skills and commercial everyone in MoJ understands what we have to do and A very strange Italian film called ‘The Four Times’. It had very little expertise to build its capability. All this is relevant to how they can make their contribution to Transforming dialogue, lots of goats and a long sequence of charcoal burning! MoJ. I have also learned a lot from how the military Justice. The need to bring down public spending to Incomprehensible, with no real plot, but magical and enchanting! plan for operations, and learn the lessons to inform help get the economy back on track means we have the next stage. Its motto ‘train hard, fight easy’ is a to be innovative in finding ways to deliver quality WHAT ARE YOU READING? good reminder of the importance of planning and services for less money. MoJ has a great track record Hilary Mantel’s ‘Bring up the Bodies’. It’s the preparation. in using methods like Lean to improve services for sequel to ‘Wolf Hall’, her book about Thomas less money. One of my challenges will be to support Cromwell. It’s a very good lesson for civil What was your previous role at the Ministry? and encourage staff at all levels to use their skills and servants – not to assume that there is only As Director General for Corporate Services I helped to experience to cut out bureaucracy and delay wherever one way of looking at a problem! set up the structure for the new Ministry when it was we can.  created in 2007. TELL US SOMETHING THAT WOULD Click here to read Ursula’s blog: SURPRISE US?: How much has changed? I played Old Mercutio, Romeo’s friend, in a MoJ has moved on a lot from when I left in 2008. school version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’! Many of the changes we were planning have been

8 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 3 Brighter prospects for women offenders Baroness Jean Corston’s report on women in the criminal justice system laid bare the complex problems that can lead to many going to court for less serious crimes. Her recommendations led to projects across the country to help prevent women reoffending, and to keep those ‘at risk of offending’ out of the system. INSIGHT visited Gravesend, to learn about a new women-only group run by Kent Probation called ‘Prospects’.

Amanda may not be typical among the They also work on skills to cope better with proud of me.” the weekly meetings at Gravesend. women offenders attending Kent Probation’s their lives, such as parenting and money Emma Read, an Employment Training and Karen says: “It is about establishing a safe Prospects groups for women. Her problems management. Education Officer with Kent Probation, is and secure environment to allow women are rooted in the Post-Traumatic Stress Amanda recalls: “After my first meeting I also proud of Amanda’s progress. “She has to talk about their offending behaviour, Disorder she suffered after her experience didn’t look back. When you have committed been on a lot of training courses and has and particularly their emotions around their at Hillsborough, in 1989, when Liverpool an offence you feel like the only one, but in got a large number of certificates, offending and their lifestyle. We want to football fans died after a crowd surge. the group you realise you are not alone. but the main change has been the rise in her increase their confidence, reduce their But she is typical of many women “Within four weeks, I really opened confidence and self-esteem.” offenders in that her recent years have been up and felt quite proud that I could talk Hazel, 50, is another woman whose blighted by alcoholism, the break-up of about what I had done. Sometimes we alcoholism led to crime after a family break- her family, losing her job, convictions, and laugh, sometimes we cry, and everyone up. She has three convictions for being drunk estrangement from her teenage daughter. is very empathic. This work has been very and disorderly and admits to “stealing trolley “I was desperate, I thought my life was powerful.” loads of booze.” over,” she says. Amanda recently moved into her own She’d been worried she would receive a Like many others, her situation could have flat, and her confidence has returned to the prison sentence, but instead received a six- plunged further, possibly leading to prison. extent that she’s applying for jobs. month Alcohol Treatment Requirement which Instead, she left her family in Merseyside to “This support has helped me turn my life included attending the Prospects meetings. live with her sister in Gravesend and, with around. I realise it isn’t over, and I can be the “My probation officer has been brilliant. the help of Kent Probation, this proved to be person I once was.” My drinking and stealing had been building the new start she needed. Most importantly for Amanda, she is up, and she stopped it getting worse. I can As part of her community order, she getting closer to her daughter, now 13. say ‘no’ to alcohol now.” Helping offenders back to work: Emma Read. agreed to attend one of the weekly Through tears, she says: “I have only seen Prospects groups, where women offenders her three times in seven months, but I’ve got Hosting meetings talk about their problems and share a good relationship with her now. She told Probation Officer Karen Dorrell and Feature continues on next page > experiences in a supportive environment. me I was rebuilding my life and that she was Probation Service Officer Kim Burns facilitate

9 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 3 isolation and feelings have issues such of intimidation. We do as childcare and a lot of work on self- parenting, and Funding for awareness and victim are sometimes awareness.” isolated at home, women’s centres Karen explains that without support men aren’t allowed in networks.” Baroness Jean Corston was invited to the building, which is She says that review the experience of women in the not a probation office, of 24 women criminal justice system. Since she published while the meetings are who attended her report in 2007, the Ministry has been taking place. Support for women Prospects in Chatham supporting her recommendations, aimed “A lot of women is working, says group, none have since at reducing the number of women serving Sue Moyse. who come through reoffended. short prison sentences, and at keeping the door have been victims of “By reducing their women ‘at risk of offending’ out of the violence or sexual abuse, reoffending, we are not only criminal justice system. This year alone the and that’s very difficult to talk improving the lives of the National Offender Management Service is Prospects launch in Gravesend (from left): about when men are around.” women in the group, but providing £3.5m to help fund 30 centres. Christine Parker, Kim Burns, Emma Read, Kim says the group is also also the lives of their families, Councillor Senja Compton, Sue Moyse, self-supporting. and victims of crime in the Howard Cohn and Karen Dorrell. “Most women coming on the community, such as shopkeepers. course for the first time have The ripples go on and on.” very little self-esteem and self- She adds that supporting respect. But through the work these women in the community with the group, the friendship is far more effective than short and the support from other prison sentences. women, they begin to take pride “In prison they don’t have the in themselves.” opportunity to develop the same Sue Moyse, the Senior support networks, and whatever Probation Officer who manages situation that led to them being the project, explains why women in prison is still going to be there offenders needed additional when they get out.”  support: “The women we work with tend to be victims of domestic abuse, which leads to substance abuse as a coping mechanism. They also

Prospects facilitators: Karen Dorrell (left) and Kim Burns. 10 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 3 Award-winning support for prison officers

Prison Officer Claire Heginbotham won the Staff Support category at last year’s support colleagues after a traumatic incident are highly valued.” Prison Officer of the Year awards for her work leading the Care Team at Styal Claire believes that it’s the care that staff have for each other that helps Prison in Cheshire. The 12-strong team provides support for staff, including get them through. those who have been at the scene of a self-harm incident or a death in custody. “When an incident happens, we look out for each other. It’s about teamwork.” Claire explains: “We will take them away from the scene, and talk to them, and also ring them at home to see how they are. We are not trained Care Team is vital counsellors, but can give them support to help them carry on doing their job. Prison Officer Maxine Buckley is one of the many staff at Styal who are grateful for Some people don’t want support, and it might just be about getting a cup of the Care Team’s professional support at difficult times. tea for them.” She says: “The Care Team is really important for us. If there is an incident, we The team also provides care in the days and weeks that follow an incident. always call them. They take over the general duties of officers on the unit so that we “Sometimes they may want to work in a different area of the prison can concentrate on the incident. And they will be there if we want to talk to them. It for a while, or we can signpost them to other support, such as the on-site can be quite distressing for us, and it’s sometimes nice to talk to someone who is not counsellor,” says Claire. part of your team. The chats are confidential, and they are non-judgemental. The judging panel for the awards said: “Claire’s positive outlook and ability to The Care Team is vital to our work as prison officers.” 

Care and decency are central Governor Neil Earing, the prison’s head of Corporate Supporting other staff: Services, says Claire has Claire Heginbotham. helped develop the work of the team, and fully deserves her award. “Claire believes in her work, and believes she Praise for Claire: Governor Neil Earing. makes a difference to people’s lives. And as well as reducing staff absence Grateful to the Care Team: figures, it’s helping people Maxine Buckley. to be happier in their work. Care and decency are at the heart of what we do, and we extend that to our own staff – that’s where Claire’s work sits.”

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Clearing career confusion How coaching can help you Andrew Whyte, a Director in the Department

for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Civil Service Learning has launched a cross-government coaching explains how Elizabeth’s coaching is helping service for leaders and managers at all grades. INSIGHT spoke him with career choices. to Elizabeth Crosse, the Legal Services Commission’s head of Learning and Development and a professional coach, about Elizabeth has a way of helping me frame what people can expect from coaching. some of the questions I need to ask myself and identify issues I need to clarify as I make some important choices. It’s not about Elizabeth giving me advice, but helping me as I pick my way through what I want to do next.

How long have you been coaching? Who should get a coach? At the end of the process you will be 16 years – I started coaching because I was Coaching can help with lots of issues. These able to do something you couldn’t doing a lot of one-to-one work with senior may be around your current post, such as do before. However, you need to be leaders. I also train managers in coaching dealing with a restructure, implementing ready, willing and able. You need to be skills and am a coach supervisor, providing change, tackling under-performance open to doing things differently, and training and support to coaches. or getting a better work-life balance. have the resources within you or the Alternatively, coaching may be more about ability to find them, and demonstrate What is coaching? developing your potential, your first 90 days motivation. Coaching is a confidential in a new position, looking at your next role, two-way conversation that or other career aspirations. How long will the process take? helps someone achieve a specific objective Sometimes one session is enough! Managers and leaders can search a cross- or goal. You work with a coach to gain What can you expect from your coach? But it’s usually three to six sessions of government database of validated coaches clarity on what you want to achieve, and You can expect to be really listened to, to an hour each, and a good coaching at the same time you will gain greater be challenged and to be held to account session should last no longer than an – see the Civil Service Learning website awareness and understanding of your own for what you want to achieve. Coaching hour. It is not a long process, and the or contact Dawn Ashcroft at Corporate strengths and weaknesses. Your coach helps is all about people wanting to change and most successful outcome is that you Learning Civil Service Learning website you generate solutions and strategies you be more effective. The role of the coach don’t need a coach any more!  can take forward. is to help you increase your effectiveness. Staff Focus continues on next page >

12 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 3 4 Bluebell run for Inflating the Lifeboat Fund INSIGHT editor Ann Beasley (second left), Director General Finance INSIGHT editor Adrian Hallchurch and Corporate Services, and Antonia Romeo (centre), raised £150 for Watford Round Director General Transforming Justice, joined RNLI Table and Mencap from a 10k run volunteers from Chiswick Lifeboat Station to support through the bluebell woods and the MoJ Appeal for the Lifeboat Fund. Events took place Benevolent Fund over the canal bridges of one of across the Department to raise almost £1,500 for the the town’s parks. He said: “After RNLI’s life-saving rescue work.  becomes ‘The Charity writing in these pages about so many other inspirational runners sussexsportsphotography.com for Civil Servants’ and walkers who’ve raised money for deserving charities, I thought it was time I got off The Civil Service Benevolent Fund has been renamed to my backside to run one myself. And I really enjoyed it!”  become ‘The Charity for Civil Servants’. The occupational charity, which offers financial support and practical advice to civil servants past and present, is developing new services to help in times of unexpected difficulty. The charity has helped nearly 1,900 Ministry staff with grants adding up to more than £1.2m during the past three years. In return, MoJ continues to raise funds, last year donating £16,000 from October’s Fund Week alone. Kevin Sadler, Director of Civil, Family and Tribunals and MoJ Ambassador for The Charity for Civil Servants, said: “Whether you’re a serving, retired or former member of staff, the charity can help with financial problems, bereavement, long-term illness, relationship breakdown ‘Rocky’ revival for prison boxer and emergency help. By volunteering, you could help them Boxer Andy Willox came out of retirement – like the mythical little place and concentrating on what I needed to do, just too.” ‘Rocky’ legend – to win his first fight in more than 20 years at a thinking about all my training and preparation. This all came to The charity’s website outlines the support it offers, how charity boxing show. fruition in round two, when a very tasty jab caught my you can become involved and personal stories of how it The Principal Officer at HMP Stocken, Rutland, laced up his opponent just right and knocked him down for a few seconds. has helped people. gloves at the age of 47 for a ‘white-collar’ boxing night at I won all three rounds and a very nice trophy.” Click here for The Charity for Civil Servants web pages.  The Cresset Arena in , to help raise £1,500 for And he was grateful to his partner, Michelle. “She didn’t the Sue Ryder charity. approve of the fight, but she supported me in what I wanted Andy had trained for six weeks, including a strict alcohol- to do.” free diet, and the preparation paid off. She will be pleased to know that he’s hanging up his gloves “The nerves didn’t really kick in until I was told to ‘glove up again. He promised: “I’m bowing out with a 100 per cent and get ready’, then I just became very much in my own record!” 

Staff Focus continues on next page > 13 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE 1 2 3 4 Walking the walk

Tribunal walkers (from left): Patrick O’Shea, Isabel Manley, Royal guests at Jubilee lunch Vivienne Gay, Alistair Smail, Rebecca Tuck and Richard Baty.

A close shave for Judges and staff from the Watford Employment Tribunal The Queen, Prince Philip and one were just some of the Ministry staff who took part in the of their corgis were the guests of cancer charity 2012 London Legal Walk. honour at a Diamond Jubilee lunch Tribunals Clerk Bruce Martin had his head and beard More than 200 teams of court staff, lawyers and at North East Derbyshire and Dales shaved and his legs waxed to help raise £340 for the judiciary took part in the annual 10-kilometre stroll from Magistrates’ Court – or at least, Prostate Cancer Charity. The money will help fund the Royal Courts of Justice to the Law Society in Chancery some pioneering treatment that could help his own Lane. miniature versions of the royals, battle against the disease. The Watford team raised more than £1,500 for the Free knitted by Liz Stone, one of the He said: “I was told that I had prostate cancer in Representation Unit and Law Centres that provide support family administration team. 2005. I am in remission but still need an operation. and assistance to employment tribunal litigants. Colleague Christina Hayes said: Celebrating the There is a treatment that will help me, and the money Tribunal Delivery Manager Patrick O’Shea said: “It was “Liz is amazing with her knitting!” Jubilee: Julie we raised will help the experimental research for this, great to do this walk again, not only to get to see London Staff enjoyed delicious treats Brent (left) and and more.” at its best, bathed in sun, but also to help support the Alison Parker. Friends and family donated raffle prizes and baked work of the Free Representation Unit and Law Centres such as handmade chocolates to cakes for Bruce’s colleagues at the Birmingham that provide much-needed support to some of the most get into the swing of the special day. Employment Tribunal. vulnerable people in society.”

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Peak fitness Teenage rampage for air guitar heroes for ‘Fit for

Danny Robertson, the Paper Keeper to mime well. And that has to be Work’ team at Southwark Crown Court, London, balanced against artistic flair, and you has an unusual ‘alter ego’ as an air don’t have to be note perfect!” Both staff and offenders at guitarist, playing imaginary guitar He is a former UK Champion Nottinghamshire Probation licks and striking a pose in the style and finished eighth representing his Trust’s ‘Fit for Work’ of heavy metal guitar heroes such country at the world championships in programme are getting in Boxfit: Jason Booth (top right) AC/DC’s Angus Young. Oulu, Finland. shape for a tough challenge with staff and offenders in the He is currently organising the UK Air “I won the UK Championship with with the help of a boxing 'Fit for Work' programme. Guitar Championships at the Design a punk version of ‘The Pink Panther’.” champion. Museum’s Riverside Hall near London’s He also plays air bass guitar in a British and Tower Bridge, an event that will raise band called ‘The Air O’Smiths’ that Commonwealth super- money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. has performed at pubs and events, bantamweight title holder So what do the judges look for? including London’s ‘Lovebox’ festival. Jason Booth is running a Danny explained: “You have to have He adds: “Real musicians can be a regular Boxfit class to help technical merit – you have to look like bit snooty, but we’re only having fun!” the team prepare for the you’re holding a guitar, so you need Air flair: Danny Robertson. ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ – climbing Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike in the space of 24 hours. Jason will join offenders Preparing for peaks challenge. and staff to raise The great cake bake funds for children’s charity ‘When you wish upon a star.’ Boxfit classes are just part of the preparation – the group Staff from Social Security and Child Support Tribunals is busy planning healthy diets and going for training walks. and Probate in Leeds and Barnsley have helped One offender said the sessions boost his confidence and raised almost £1,600 during the last year. The money motivation, adding: “It’s going to be great to feel part of a has helped several charities, including the British Heart big achievement, something I can look back on later in life.” Foundation and the Charlotte Booth Appeal. Steve Hampton, Nottinghamshire Probation Trust’s Health Donna Simmons, formerly Venue Manager, said: Training Co-ordinator, said: “’Fit for Work’ brings out the best “Staff have enjoyed taking part in cake baking in participants, identifying their skills, strengths and talents and competitions, auctions, raffles and many more events using them in a positive, constructive way.” in order to raise money for others.”

Brilliant bakers (from left): Rahila Gulbahar, Adrian Webb and Jill Still.

15 INSIGHT | JUNE/JULY 2012 CONTENTS NEWS NEWS FEATURES OPEN TO QUESTION FEATURES STAFF FOCUS THE BACK PAGE

Fame for Olympic glow from ‘Beacon Court’ flame carrier Staff at Bristol Magistrates’ Court glowed with pride next to one of the torches that had carried the Olympic flame through the city. Legal Adviser Norman Brown had the honour of carrying the The torch had been carried by 13-year-old Dalaney Mills, who Olympic flame as it passed through Wigan. represents his college at athletics despite his diagnosis of Autistic He said: “Carrying the torch was a fantastic experience and one Spectrum Disorder, and has helped to inspire other youngsters. I will remember forever. The crowds lining the streets were Court staff donated £130 to the National Autistic Society for the probably even more excited than I was, and everyone wanted a privilege of posing with the prestigious symbol of the Games. photograph with the torch! I have never seen crowds like it in Delivery Manager Katie Ward said: “The court is striving to become Wigan. a Beacon Court and we thought these photos of staff with the ultimate “The support I received from Scout members, court staff, beacon were very symbolic. And Dalaney is an inspiration to us all, magistrates and my family and friends was brilliant, and very believing he can achieve and succeed, despite his disability.”  humbling.” Norman, who works at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court, had been selected in recognition of his long service to the Scout movement. 

‘Spot the Ball’ winner (April) Congratulations to Gareth Hubbard, from HM Courts & Tribunals Service in Birmingham, who wins a £20 Sharing the Olympic dream: Marks & Spencer gift voucher. He staff from Bristol Magistrates’ Court. guessed the correct square, and his was the first correct entry drawn from the INSIGHT inbox. The ball

The magazine for the Ministry of Justice June/July 2012 POINTS FOR STYAL Olympic flame: An award-winning prison officer talks about supporting was in square B7 (see left). her colleagues. Legal Adviser Norman Brown. 11 INSIghMINISTRY OF JUSTICe - CReATINg A SAFe, JUST AND DeMOCRATICT SOCIeTY

HAVE YOU GOT A STORY? There won’t be another edition of Insight magazine, but if you have a story, please send it for consideration for the MoJ intranet news site: [email protected]

Introducing Ursula Brennan MoJ’s new Permanent Secretary talks about transformation

FAReweLL TO wOMeN’S gROUP INSIghT 02 geT A COACh A project that helps women08 The editor explains why Find out how a coach can 12 | tackle the issues at the root 16 INSIGHT JUNE/JULY 2012 this is the final edition. help you with your job and of their offending. your career.