A custodial manager from HMP Elmley – a category B local prison on the Isle of Sheppey – is hoping she can encourage others from the LGBTQ+ community to join her in keeping the public safe and guiding offenders to turn their backs on crime.
The percentage of public sector prison staff self-identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Other (LGB) has risen from 6.6% in March 2020 to 7.5% at the end of March 2023 – meaning numbers have increased by over 580 in three years. As of earlier this year 2,099 members of prison staff who declared their sexual orientation identified as LGB or other.
Michelle Morley, 36, lives locally and joined the service as a prison officer 12 years ago after previously working as a carer in a nursing home. She’s worked her way up the ranks and is now a custodial manager, overseeing a number staff and prison activities.
“I’ve always felt so comfortable and welcomed for being who I am.”
She says: “There are so many stereotypes about what a prison officer looks or acts like, and it couldn’t be further from the truth. Since I joined in 2011, I’ve seen a noticeable difference in the number of staff coming forward and self-identifying as LGBTQ+. I think society recognises it to be so much more acceptable and it’s brilliant that people are happy to be who they are – that’s the kind of emphatic and understanding people we need.
“The prison service also recognises and celebrates those differences and so people are more comfortable to be themselves – which is important. In the past, groups of prison staff from HMP Elmley have even attended Brighton & Hove Pride together, and we were given rainbow-coloured epaulettes to wear.
“HMP Elmley and the wider prison service has systems and policies in place to help those with protected characteristics so you’re looked after should you be discriminated against in any way although it’s not something I’ve personally experienced. We also have amazing care teams – they make you feel so comfortable and supported should you ever need to go and talk to them although I’ve always felt so comfortable and welcomed for being who I am.”
Pride Month is currently celebrated every June to remember the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in America. Michelle, who has also been the LGBTQ+ representative for staff at HMP Elmley, continues: “It is so important that we have people from all backgrounds across the south east who can be positive role models for the prisoners here. It can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding, and there’s no shortage of support and guidance.
“You can work as part of a close-knit and supportive team, with access to great benefits and training, all while helping to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce reoffending.”
“There are so many stereotypes about what a prison officer looks or acts like, and it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Officers help to maintain safety standards on the inside, while also ensuring ex-offenders leave with the skills and experience they need to live crime free lives on the outside. It is a rewarding role where no two days are alike, allowing you to work with a diverse group of prisoners and staff, developing a wide range of both practical and interpersonal skills.
You don’t need qualifications to become a prison officer or to join in a support staff role. HMP Elmley is looking for people with good communication and influencing skills, effective decision-making, care and understanding.
Applications for prison officer roles at HMP Elmley are now open. People who would like to take the first step towards a rewarding new career can apply or find out more by visiting here.