HMP Coldingley – Working & Training Is The Daily Routine

 

Not the usual message from one of Her Majesty’s Prisons, but HMP Coldingley is renowned for training specialism. Of course, ‘Coldingley Industries’ have to adhere to carefully arranged rules in terms of ‘fair trading’ with local competitors, but the fact that many of the 400 prison residents are able to use these well-equipped opportunities to potentially gain qualifications recognised in the external workplace (eg advanced IT skills are supported by CISCO), provides genuine incentive to embrace the world of work. I was able to join Dan Adams, Mayor of Surrey Heath (left), as we were welcomed by Governor, Jo Simms, Head of Industries, Alan, and Residential Officer (and Key Worker), Julian(centre), who provided an in-depth visit to both the industrial/work and personal aspects of prison life. We were also able to share the views of many inmates (one studying for a OU degree, and others sharing a real passion for the various trades they were learning). An order for some printing is imminent from the High Sheriff!

Many thanks to Chris for the photo, and to Darren for some great coffee!