Melissa Jenkins

I am a dedicated, reliable, and compassionate professional currently serving as a Band 4 Prison Officer Specialist Programmes Facilitator, where I deliver offending behaviour programmes to adult men in custody. I bring a strong work ethic, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work both collaboratively with colleagues and independently, using sound judgement and initiative. I am deeply passionate about Criminal Justice Reform, with a particular focus on reducing reoffending, youth justice, and early interventions. I am confident that my skills, enthusiasm, and commitment make me well-suited to a meaningful role within these sectors.

• Keeping fit
• Cooking
• Reading
• Learning German
• Music

I was honoured with a Governor's Recognition Award for my work as a Prison Officer, specifically for my 1:1 keyworking efforts in stabilising a complex prisoner with significant mental health and behavioural challenges. Through consistent support and a compassionate approach, I played a key role in improving the individual’s behaviour and overall stability, demonstrating my ability to manage high-risk cases and contribute positively to their rehabilitation.

ACCT Assessor: As an ACCT (Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork) Assessor, I am responsible for assessing prisoners identified as being at risk of self-harm or suicide. My role involves conducting in-depth interviews to evaluate their mental health, emotional wellbeing, and immediate needs. I work closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement tailored care plans, ensuring the safety and support of vulnerable individuals. This role requires empathy, strong communication skills, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure, contributing to the overall safety and wellbeing of prisoners in my care.

Kaizen: A high-intensity, accredited programme designed for adult males in custody who are at high risk of serious violent and/or sexual offending upon release. I successfully completed the training and now deliver this programme in my current role at HMP Aylesbury.

Thinking Skills Programme (TSP): A medium-intensity, accredited programme that uses a goal-oriented, strengths-based approach to equip adult men and women with skills to respond to situations in more pro-social ways. This programme is delivered both in custody and within community settings, such as Probation.

Working Responsively with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (WRWLD): This training equips programme facilitators with the skills and understanding needed to effectively engage and support service users with learning difficulties and disabilities, ensuring responsive and inclusive delivery.

Amend US (April 2023): I completed a two-week work placement at Stafford Creek Correctional Facility in Seattle, USA, where I shadowed correctional officers and gained insight into the implementation of the Amend US programme. This initiative, inspired by the Norwegian prison system, prioritises rehabilitation within the corrections framework.

During this placement, I acquired invaluable knowledge of international correctional practices and established strong cross-continental relationships with American and Norwegian prison officers.