The environment within prisons plays a crucial role in rehabilitation and well-being, influencing both staff and prisoners' interactions and experiences. Serco prisons use trauma-aware approaches, focusing on a Rehabilitative Culture that encourages a hopeful future for prisoners while enhancing staff job satisfaction. This approach includes bespoke, psychologically-informed units based on the Good Lives Model, which foster a collaborative and therapeutic atmosphere rather than punitive measures. These units help address institutional misconduct, promote positive behavioural changes, and inspire optimism.
Research shows that these units reduce aggression, hostility, and criminal thinking, while also decreasing antisocial behaviour. The environment is designed for stability, enabling prisoners to reconnect with their core values and regain a sense of purpose. Additionally, studies on staff well-being reveal that officers working in high-risk areas don’t experience higher burnout levels when provided with adequate support. This presentation shares the continued emphasis on monitoring and development of staff well-being in prisons.
Additionally, the management of medication within prisons was improved through qualitative research and the introduction of medication distribution lockers, enhancing the experience for both staff and prisoners. These innovations underscore the importance of the entire prison environment in strengthening rehabilitation and well-being, ensuring both staff and prisoners benefit from a more supportive, rehabilitative setting.
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Natalie Parrett CPsychol, AFBPsS
Director of Psychological Services, Justice and Immigration, Serco, United Kingdom
Natalie Parrett is a Principal Forensic Psychologist with nearly 25 years’ experience working in prisons and secure hospitals in the UK. She is now the Director of Psychological Services for Serco prisons and immigration centres in the UK. She is responsible for clinical governance and provides consultation to senior leaders. She has a particular interest in innovating and developing psychologically-informed prison practice and culture. Natalie is a peer reviewer for academic journals and her authored/co-authored research includes: “Who’s holding the trauma? ‘RE-ACT’: Increasing Prison Officer insights and reducing violence in prisons”; “Assessing female sexual offenders’ motivations and cognitions: An exploratory study” and “An interpretative phenomenological analysis of prison officer experiences when working with personality disordered offenders with intellectual disabilities.”
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Hayley Peek
Integrated Services Director, Serco, England, United Kingdom
Hayley Peek is the Integrated Services Director across Justice and Immigration within Serco. She is responsible for a range of functions including Health and Social Care, Drug Strategy, prisoner education, skills and work, Staff Wellbeing and staff training. Hayley started her career as a Registered General Nurse and has over 20 years clinical and operational experience working in roles in both public and private organisations. She has a particular interest in innovating, aligning pathways and improving access to services through access to technology.
