Respect, courtesy and relationships: Laura Sapwell tells Sandra Smith of her route to serving society as well as some of our most difficult young men.
OF ALL the people-based careers she could have chosen, Laura Sapwell opted for a role which brings her into daily contact with some of the country’s most challenging, and arguably damaged, young men. In June last year Laura took over as Governor of Her Majesty’s Young Offender Institution Aylesbury. Within imposing Victorian premises on the edge of town she is responsible for over 400 18-21 year olds serving sentenced of four years or more.
“Throughout my teenage years I wanted to be a lawyer,” she recalls. “I had high ambitions of international travel and being very rich. My father and grandfather had careers in the prison service and half way through my degree (Law and French) a light bulb moment revealed I needed something more grounded, real and practical. After visiting a number of prisons I joined the graduate scheme. That was 20 years ago. Now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Because of the prison’s relatively small size Laura knows many young prisoners by name, while the age group provides a vital opportunity to influence individuals: “The men are not yet a finished product. Physically, mentally and psychologically they are still growing, so there is much potential for us to intervene. A high proportion have been in care; many haven’t completed formal schooling. They are impulsive, risk takers, with needs and complexities.”
The 44-year-old arrives at work by 7.30am, with prisoners unlocked and heading for activities from 8am. Briefings with her management team follow and each day she circulates around the prison in order to speak face to face with both prisoners and staff. This emphasis on relationships is key to her ethos.
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