Article 3: Unlocking Potential: Enacting Effective Change Within Hydebank Wood

Advancing Corrections Journal - Edition #21 - Effecting Change in Corrections | Article 3 (ACJ21-A003)

https://doi.org/10.65264/KEJA9423

Abstract
This paper provides an example of how positive change can be achieved by examining the transformation of Hydebank Wood in Northern Ireland from a poorly rated prison in 2013 to a highly successful Secure College model by 2024. Drawing on practitioner knowledge and research undertaken during the early stages of the change process, why the changes were initiated, the obstacles encountered during the process of change and the changes achieved are discussed. How these changes helped to improve wellbeing, reduce stigmatization and enhance the potential for the people detained there to desist from crime is also explored.

Keywords: Corrections; Penal Reform; Secure College; Hydebank Wood; Northern Ireland.

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Authors

Keira Flanagan

Lecturer in Psychology, South East Technological University, Republic of Ireland

Dr Keira Flanagan is a lecturer in Psychology at the South East Technological University in Waterford and a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society. Keira's has published work on criminological psychology focusing on penal reform, desistance and social integration. Her research revolves around identity development exploring the interplay between education, trauma and space.

Richard Taylor

Governor in Charge, Hydebank Wood College, Northern Ireland Prison Service, United Kingdom

Richard Taylor is a career Prison Officer having joined the Northern Ireland Prison Service in 1988. He has experience of working with all categories of offenders through a variety of multi-disciplinary roles from Prison Officer through to Governor In Charge. Previous roles include the Governor In Charge of the Prison Service College with responsibility for the introduction of the new Custody Prison Officer role and the design, delivery and evaluation of a comprehensive induction learning program for new recruits. Richard is currently the Governor In Charge of Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison having returned to the role in 2021 following his term as Governor In Charge at Magilligan Prison.

Richard holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Ulster in Human Resource Management. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personal Development and over the last thirty years has held posts as the NI Treasurer, Committee member and Employment Law Advisor. In 2014 he was awarded a Professional Fellowship from the United States of America State Department following his secondment and studies on the ‘Rule of Law’, correction facilities, rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. In 2007 his work was recognized in London with the presentation of a Senior Butler Trust Award & Bursary for an outstanding contribution to the effective care of offenders

In 2024 Hydebank Wood underwent a full unannounced inspection of both the Female and Young Offender facilities and achieved top marks (16/16) for each inspection, resulting in Hydebank Wood now being recognized as a model of good practice.

Richard’s personal interests include restoration of vintage vehicles, trial motor cycling and long distance running.

Michelle Butler

Professor in Criminology, Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom

Michelle Butler is a Professor of Criminology at Queen’s University Belfast and Co-Director of the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Her primary research interests include imprisonment, penal reform, desistance and criminological psychology. She has a consistent track record of conducting research in prisons, including prisons in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Uganda and Colombia. In recent years, she has investigated prison misconduct, the outcomes people experience in prison, penal policy and prison-based parenting programmes. She has also been involved in projects assessing how a history of conflict may affect penal reform, desistance and reintegration.

Article 3: Unlocking Potential: Enacting Effective Change Within Hydebank Wood

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