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Head of Prison and Probation Service retires after distinguished career

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Alison Gomme

When Alison Gomme received a letter from home while studying at university, she had little idea that the contents would help to determine her future career path.

The mail sent by her mother included a clipping of a newspaper advertisement highlighting employment opportunities with Her Majesty’s Prison Service.

Alison successfully applied to join the Direct Entrant Assistant Governor programme in 1980, a move that was to prove the starting point for a career spanning 34 years, including 6½ years as Governor of the Isle of Man Prison.

Alison hangs up her prison keys for the final time on Friday 27 March, with former HMP Altcourse Governor Bob McColm set to succeed her as head of the Island’s Prison and Probation Service.

Commenting on her retirement, she said: ‘Having devoted my life to my career, I am looking forward to spending time with my family. At some point in the future I’d like to give something back to the local community through voluntary work, but first I am going to focus on my garden and enjoy what will hopefully be a lovely Manx summer.’

Alison was appointed as Governor of the Isle of Man Prison in 2008 following a distinguished career in the UK.

One of her first tasks was to manage the transfer of the Island’s prison service from the Victoria Road site in Douglas to the new facility at Jurby.

‘It was a unique experience,’ she recalls.

‘Transferring an entire prison population in one day does not happen anywhere else. The fact that everything progressed so smoothly and safely is testament to the professionalism of the staff and some meticulous planning.’

Another major milestone occurred in 2011 when the Island’s prison and probation services were merged to achieve a more strategic approach to offender management.

In partnership with her staff, Alison has continued to develop the combined service in line with the Isle of Man Government’s commitment to safeguarding local communities and protecting vulnerable people.

She has also worked tirelessly to promote a deeper understanding of the complex and challenging work of the Prison and Probation Service. She has accepted many invitations to speak to community organisations over the past 6½ years to provide a personal insight into what goes on behind the walls of the prison.

‘There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about life in prison’, Alison said. ‘It’s often referred to as the Jurby Hilton, but it is most definitely not a hotel. While it is cleaner and more humane than Victoria Road, it is still a tough and disciplined environment. Prison often marks the low point in a person’s life and a big part of our role is focused on rehabilitation. One of the most satisfying aspects of this job is to see people turn their lives around and become law-abiding and productive members of the community.’

Alison arrived in the Isle of Man with a strong track record of professional achievement. She was awarded the prestigious Harkness Fellowship in 1990, which enabled her to spend a year in America reviewing the care and management of prisoners with HIV.

She served in a variety of UK establishments, including two spells at HM Prison Service Headquarters, and became the youngest Prison Governor of her generation when she took charge of HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire in 1993. She went on to serve as Governor in charge at three other UK prisons - HMP Chelmsford, HMP Hewell Grange and HMP Brockhill.

As one of the first women to achieve promotion to the senior ranks, Alison has also acted as a mentor and role model for other women entering the prison service.

Reflecting on her career, Alison said:

‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with some fantastic people over the past 34 years. My colleagues in the Isle of Man Prison and Probation Service really want to make a difference to people’s lives. Our best staff do just that; they are committed to working with people whatever their circumstances and don’t give up in spite of challenges and setbacks. The relationship between staff and prisoners has been recognised in independent HMP inspections as one of our greatest strengths. It has a positive influence on behaviour within the prison.’

She added:

‘Many of our staff are keen to contribute to the continued improvement of the Prison and Probation Service. We are also very fortunate to have volunteers from a range of organisations who are generous in the time, effort and expertise they devote to further develop our services. I liken my role to conducting an orchestra and giving people an opportunity to develop their areas of responsibility and show what they can do. I am very proud of what we have achieved together.

‘I will be leaving behind lots of good friends, but I am looking forward to tackling some creative projects and to spending more time with my husband and daughter.’

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