Commendation for Ford Prison worker

A painting, decorating and tiling instructor at Ford open prison has been presented with a prestigious Butler Trust Commendation by patron Princess Anne.

Sian Hawes was praised for her ‘inspiring dedication’ to her work at HMP Ford by the chair of the awarding panel, Sir Michael Harrison, who added she had ‘consistently impressed everyone’.

He said: “The awarding panel were particularly struck by her enthusiasm and humanity, and her approach to her job and the prisoners she works with. As she told us herself, ‘we use many tools in the workshop, but I have learnt that the most valuable tools in my toolbox are: Kindness, Patience, Respect and Humour.’”

The awards, which are now in their 32nd year, aim to honour outstanding work by staff and volunteers working in prisons, probation and youth justice across the UK.

This year’s ceremony was held at St James’s Palace, with The Princess Royal presiding, as she has each year since the charity’s launch.