‘Urgent Need for support’ – Academics Release Groundbreaking Book on Wellbeing Among Prison Governors
15 August 2024
Written by: Callum Thomas
Leading academics from the University of Lincoln and University of Hull have authored a new book offering an unrivalled analysis of the health and wellbeing of prison staff.
Leading academics from the University of Lincoln and University of Hull have authored a new book offering an unrivalled analysis of the health and wellbeing of prison staff.
Against a back drop of extreme pressures on the prison system, the book provides a focused and detailed exploration of the health and wellbeing of prison staff, with a particular emphasis on prison leaders and managers, and hopes to improve wellbeing and staff retention. The book is written by Karen Harrison, Professor of Law and Penal Justice in Lincoln Law School, Rachael Mason, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care in the School of Health and Social Care, Lauren Smith, Senior Lecturer in Psychology in the School of Psychology, and Helen Nichols, Reader in Criminology in the School of Criminology, Sociology and Policing at the University of Hull.
The authors bring together their diverse expertise to present an insightful and unique multidisciplinary examination of prison staff’s health and wellbeing, based on in-depth interviews with members of the Prison Governors’ Association.
The research reveals the significant challenges faced by prison governors, including dysfunctional culture, disenchantment and disengagement, the heavy weight of expectations, and high levels of professional uncertainty. Through their interviews, the authors highlight the urgent need for governor-specific support to enhance their wellbeing – arguing that such safeguards should be mandated in order to improve the overall health of the prison system.
Co-author Dr. Lauren Smith commented on the significance of their findings: “When we conducted our research exploring the health and wellbeing of prison governors, we felt a strong sense of duty to ensure these specific experiences were heard. This book provides a platform for these voices with the long-term aim of facilitating improved health and wellbeing for the staff responsible for managing prisons. We are extremely grateful to every person who shared their experiences and perspectives with us.”
The book’s recommendations aim to contribute to better health and wellbeing among the governor workforce, which is essential for addressing issues related to staff retention and the challenges of prison expansion.
In reviewing the book Professor James Woodall from the School of Health at Leeds Beckett University offered his praise, stating: “It seems obvious that for people in prison to experience good health and well-being, staff too must feel supported and their health promoted. This is an excellent contribution offering new and empirically informed ways of thinking and practicing workplace wellbeing in prisons.”