As Armed Forces Day (27th June) begins, the Prison Service is celebrating the veterans across its services, highlighting the vital role they play in rehabilitation and public protection across Nottinghamshire.
Former forces personnel play an important role across the Prison Service, bringing with them the discipline, resilience and communication skills developed during their military careers.
This Armed Forces Day, HMP Lowdham Grange is highlighting the experiences of colleagues who have served in the Armed Forces and now apply their skills, professionalism and resilience to supporting prisons, reducing reoffending and keeping the public safe.
Custodial Manager at HMP Lowdham Grange, Lee-Ann Taylor, 43, joined the military straight from school, serving for seven years in the Army with the Royal Signals.
She said:
“I joined at 16. Both my father and grandfather were in the forces, so from an early age I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps.”
After leaving the military, Lee-Ann was looking for a career that offered purpose and a similar structure to life in the Armed Forces. She found that in the Prison Service.
She said:
“After leaving the military, I struggled to find civilian roles that felt rewarding. My husband recommended the Prison Service, and I’ve never looked back.
The skills and mindset you develop in the forces really set you up well for working in a prison environment.”
She believes more former forces personnel should consider a career working in prisons, as it offers a natural transition.
Lee-Ann added:
“Every day in this job is different; there’s always something going on, and it’s never mundane. There are real opportunities to learn, develop and progress your career.
The Prison Service can offer a second career for veterans. It brings that sense of purpose and camaraderie that many people miss after leaving the forces. You get a real buzz from the job; you never quite know what the day will bring, and I think that suits veterans.”
Lee-Ann joined as a prison officer eight years ago and is now a Custodial Manager, overseeing a house block of two wings, with responsibility for around 20 staff and up to 150 prisoners. She is aiming to progress to governor grade in the future.
She continues:
“The mindset I developed in the military has put me in a strong position to progress. There are great opportunities here if you have the right attitude and skills.”
Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson, said:
“The skills and values that veterans bring from their time in service are genuinely second to none. Their sense of duty and discipline makes them outstanding colleagues in our prisons and probation service.
I am proud that so many choose to begin new careers in justice, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the contribution they make in keeping our communities safe.”
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, a charity focused on helping veterans with employment opportunities, has said:
“Our experience supporting veterans into employment shows that jobs in prisons are often a great fit for those who need a new direction in civilian life. Our specialist team is ready to work with HM Prison and Probation Service to find new opportunities for veterans that harness the skills they’ve developed in the Armed Forces.”
The qualities developed through military service – calm leadership, sound judgement, teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure – are the same attributes that make veterans exceptional colleagues across the Prison Service.
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognise their contribution and inspire more service leavers across Nottinghamshire to follow in their footsteps.
Find out more about prison roles here.
