The magnificent Fishmongers’ Hall on London Bridge was the
venue for an evening lecture jointly hosted by the Worshipful Companies of
Fishmongers and Educators and I was pleased to be able to attend. Joining
several other Livery Masters, Clerks and members of the host companies we were
welcomed to a small drinks reception in the Court Dining Room before the
evening got underway.
The Prison Education Trust (PET) provides distance learning
courses, materials, advice and support in every prison in England and Wales. It
also carries out academic research and advises government and prison
authorities. Both the host companies support the PET via their charitable arms
and in 2018 an award to honour educational excellence was set up to recognise
the immense contribution education makes to the potentially blighted lives of
prisoners. The evenings events were designed to allow us to hear from the three
2019 award winners and to learn more about the work of the Trust and the issues
it faces.
But first we were warmly welcomed in the Banqueting Hall by
the Prime Warden of the Fishmongers, David Robertson who confirmed the arrangements
for the evening. He then introduced our two principle speakers, Mr Rod Clark,
CEO of PET (who also acted as MC for the evening) and Dr Jennifer Somerville,
Chairman of the Worshipful Company of Educators Trust. Both gave excellent
presentations as to the objectives of the PET and their various successes. And
there are plenty of these, which was heartening.
Attention then turned to the three award winners themselves,
each of whom gave a short presentation of their work. They were Jose Aguiar
(HMP Pentonville), an educational consultant for the Ministry of Justice;
Shirley Boslem (HMP Downview), their Commercial Projects Manager and Frances
Findlater (HMP Brixton), CEO of the charity ‘Bounce Back’. To say that the
current prison system is in something of a crisis at present would be an understatement
but each of the award winners was able to explain how they are making a
difference and helping some – not all – but some prisoners find a way out
through education. It was very encouraging to hear, albeit tinged with a
realisation that with increased resources, much more could be done.
The speakers were then joined on the stage by four others
professionals including Lady Tessa Brewer, Chairman of the Sheriffs’ and
Recorders’ Fund – a key supporter of PET - and by Emily Thomas, Governor of HMP
Isis in London. This highly experienced and articulate panel took questions
from the floor and a very lively debate ensued. It is clear that much work has
been done through education but there are still some major obstacles to
overcome, all of which will require greater political intervention and funding
and some changes in societal norms. But at least these issues are being
discussed.
In closing, the Master Educator Dr Lis Goodwin thanked all
those who had taken part and for making this such a fascinating evening. Further
light refreshments were offered before it was time to depart.
The Fishmongers’ Hall is a wonderful setting and the Prime
Warden and his teams are to be congratulated for their hospitality. But the biggest
thanks must go to all those who work so tirelessly on behalf of our (growing)
prison population in giving them a chance via education to reclaim their lives.
All power to their collective elbows.
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