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.
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Buckinghamshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 2017-utgaven av Buckinghamshire Life.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Now Domestic Goddess Mary Shares Secrets
Karen comes clean: she’s never sure whether it’s a job for disinfectant or bleach… but knows lemons go in gin and tonic.
Let Battle Commence
If you suspect people are using our countryside for illegal hare coursing, make sure they are reported to police.
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Yes or no, we’ll begin… with the tale of a chair which relies on the skills of people across our counties including Wycombe furniture experts.
Christmas In...Newbury
Lanterns, late night shopping and tracking down the reindeer: it’s all happening in the West Berkshire destination for seasonal days out.
Take a Staycation in Our Beautiful Counties
Days out and breaks along The Ridgeway or beside our rivers and canals support rural tourism – and, best of all, it’s on our doorsteps
Shall We Dance?
It’s never too late to learn, as NICOLA SWANBOROUGH discovered when she joined one of NOCTURN’s adult contemporary dance classes for beginners
The Botanist, Marlow
Prepare for hidden treasures and that a gorgeous décor is somehow outshone by dishes arriving at the table,
When Your Name's in the Frame
‘What do you know about a man called Scaramanga, 007?’ M asks James Bond. We know perhaps a little more, courtesy of Sunningdale School
Chiltern Rollercoaster
Follow Steve Davison as he heads to Stokenchurch for a longer walk – with shorter option – through some picturesque rolling Chiltern countryside.
The Winning Wedding Formula
Berkshire and Buckinghamshire couples are invited to attend the 2018 edition of Bride: The Wedding Show at Ascot Racecourse from March 10-11.
