A visit from the ‘governor’
At a meeting of Soroptimist International of Cannock and District held on 28th January, the speaker, Simon Cartwright, Governing Governor of Featherstone Prison, gave a most interesting and informative talk regarding all aspects of prison management and duties, where the environment of reform could lead to fewer prisoners re-offending.
Governor Cartwright began his career as a prison officer by moving through all grades of work and prison management, one stage at a time, until through promotion he reached his present high office. He explained that at Featherstone all prisoners are expected to work. This gives many of them the opportunity to learn new skills which can then lead to employment on their release. Education also plays a central role at the prison with prisoners undertaking training which can lead to NVQ certification. It is the work and education aspects of prison life at Featherstone which has the biggest influence on the reduced likelihood of prisoners re-offending once released.
Many Soroptimist members are in professions which have some link with prisons; they had pertinent and probing questions relating to the prison service which were answered comprehensively by Governor Cartwright.