Lessons from prison
Why a prison governor is putting her leadership skills to the test on the board of a housing association
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Image: Istock
Emily Martin
Governor, HMP High Down
Emily Martin
Governor, HMP High Down
Issue 70 | February 2024
I have been working in leadership positions in the Prison Service for 16 years. But my working career started many moons ago in housing and I have retained an interest in the sector ever since.
I recently had the opportunity to return to housing on the board of Worthing Homes, which owns and manages nearly 4,000 homes in the Sussex coastal area. I was apprehensive about this as I worried I might find it stuffy and boring. But I wanted to push myself and am glad I did. Here is why I’d advise other leaders to seek these challenges.
Career path
I originally trained as a social worker and, while on placement, worked with the Exeter Homeless Action Group, which led me down a path of continuing in the sector when I landed a paid job. Through those early roles with REAP and Centrepoint I moved into mental health provision, substance misuse services and eventually into the Prison Service as I looked for a leadership challenge. I have to say the service has given me that by the bucketful, and operationally I would say that I have seen and dealt with most things.
I have been working as a Governing Governor in the Prison Service for five-and-a-half years. Before that I was Deputy Governor in several London jails, as well as holding national roles around security and as Parliamentary Private Secretary for a brief period to the Prisons Minister. I have also done a stint as a regional Director in Probation. Currently I am the number one at HMP High Down in the London region, and before that at Feltham Young Offenders Institution, one of the most complicated establishments in the country.
“Alongside my staff, I have diverse partnerships in my jail, from healthcare and education stakeholders, to pet therapy and a third sector choir.”
Life as Governor
I look after 1,200 adult men, although it is important to note that not all identify as men. I also have approximately 600 directly employed staff, although it is again important to note that I am not fully staffed and I am not sure I ever have been in my 16 years in the service!
Alongside my staff, I have diverse partnerships in my jail, from healthcare and education stakeholders, to pet therapy and a third sector choir and everything in between, that I manage relationships with.
More to give as a leader
I believe I have more to give in the leadership space and in 2022 began to look outside my day job to see what I could give time to. This has led me to be a speaker on the FA/UEFA Pro Licence course around leadership for those working towards their coaching badges and managing teams at the highest level.
My search for fresh leadership opportunities also led me to Worthing Homes, where I have been a board member since October 2022. So what have I found in returning to the housing sector?
Transferable skills
First, I can bring real transferable skills to the board. Both prison and housing environments are highly regulated, and governance, risk management and finances feature highly. As does leadership and culture, and those people who are our customers – the things I am inspired by and care about most.
Second, this experience has been a good one and has confirmed my passion and belief that little is achieved in the vast area of social care unless good, stable housing is present in people’s lives. Those coming out of High Down struggle in this area, especially as we release people predominantly into London and the surrounding South East. If they struggle with stable housing, the chances are we will see them back again, unfortunately.
Third, outcomes for those we serve are often at the forefront of my mind. A life in public service has taught me that the user voice is one of the most valuable soundings we take in our organisations, and we need to adjust and develop after taking those soundings.
Finally, I am enjoying working with my colleagues on the board who have rich and varied backgrounds and skill sets. Stuffy and boring? Not a bit of it! I have found it enriching and thought-provoking so far. And I hope I have busted a few myths for those around the table, because us Governors can be a thoughtful, considered bunch with plenty to give and I am glad to have dipped my toe back in the housing sector.
“This experience has... confirmed my passion and belief that little is achieved in the vast area of social care unless good, stable housing is present in people’s lives.”
