A long-serving member of HM Prison Service in the United Kingdom has been appointed as the new head of the Isle of Man’s Prison and Probation Service.
Bob McColm brings a wealth of experience to the role having held senior management posts in a number of UK establishments.
He will take responsibility for the management of 140 members of staff across the combined Prison and Probation Service, succeeding Alison Gomme who retires at the end of this month after a distinguished 34-year career.
Mr McColm said:
‘This is an exciting chapter in my career and I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues to lead the development of the Isle of Man’s offender management strategy. I intend to build on my predecessor’s good work and will place a strong focus on meeting the rehabilitation needs of prisoners to keep them from returning to custody. I’m aware of the work taking place to reform the Island’s criminal justice system and the important contribution to be made by the Prison and Probation Service.’
Mr McColm has served as Governor at HM Young Offenders Institute (HMYOI) Lancaster Farms, HMP Garth, HMYOI Thorn Cross, HMP Kirkham and HMP Altcourse, working with both adult and young offenders. He also led the transformation of HMP Risley from a failing prison into one with significant performance improvements.
During almost three decades in the UK prison service, Mr McColm has gained vast experience of heading change management and performance improvement programmes and has led a project in Lancashire examining how probation services are delivered in a prison setting.
Mr McColm’s appointment has been welcomed by Department of Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK who said:
‘Alison Gomme has made an outstanding contribution to the Prison and Probation Service during her time in the post. We needed an exceptional candidate to continue that work and believe that Bob McColm has the qualities and experience to drive forward what is a diverse and complex organisation.’
He added:
‘Home Affairs is committed to protecting vulnerable people and the Prison and Probation Service has a fundamental part to play in that. We are determined to achieve further modernisation of the criminal justice system and deliver meaningful results for offenders, victims and the general public.’
Mr McColm will start work in the Isle of Man on 23 March and have a short handover period before taking over as Prison Governor and head of the Probation Service.
Michael Coleman MLC, Member of the Department with responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service, commented:
‘During his career in the UK, Mr McColm has demonstrated the ability to lead significant organisational and cultural change and to motivate and develop a multi-disciplinary team. I am confident he will be a great asset to the Department.’
