What’s it like working at HMP Isle of Wight?
Electrician Wayne Baker loves being locked up at HMP Isle of Wight every day where he manages the maintenance works for Parkhurst prison.
Originally a military hospital, Parkhurst is now a category B training prison alongside HMP Albany. Wayne manages 24 employees including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, handypeople, cleaners and admin staff for Ministry of Justice organisation Gov Facility Services Ltd (GFSL).
Wayne joined GFSL in early 2018 as an electrician and was quickly promoted to Site Supervisor and then Site Manager. He explains the difference working inside prison:
Working in a prison environment gives you a whole array of challenges to focus on, so not only do you need to think about your role as an electrician, but you also need to remember the security aspect along with the needs of the business as well as the stringent rules of the prison establishment.
Before joining HMP Parkhurst, Wayne was running his own business doing contracting works on fibre optics, network cabling and electrical installations across the island and in London. However, he has no regrets about joining GFSL to work within HMP Parkhurst.
I would absolutely recommend working in the prison. It’s daunting at first as you don’t quite know what to expect but you quickly realise that there are processes in place that make the prison a safe working environment. The establishment has a long and fascinating history and it’s great to be a part of that. You get a real sense of the importance of the work you’re doing and you also get the chance to work alongside many island and mainland businesses.’
Parkhurst, like everywhere else, has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic and the unprecedented times have brought new and unprecedented ways of working within the prison.
Wayne explains:
Social distancing and maintaining good personal hygiene has been key for staff. We have also adjusted our systems of working to ensure that staff safety is paramount and staff wear the correct protective equipment. I’m really proud of how my team have worked to ensure we keep a safe environment for each other and for prison staff and prisoners.
Wayne believes working at Parkhurst would appeal to someone who relishes challenges and is able to think sensibly and logically.
You need to be a person who doesn’t let complacency set in - you need to remember the kind of environment you are working in. But as long as you are following all the correct processes, it is a safe and great place to work. And we are not here to be judges. We are here to carry out maintenance within the prison. By doing this we create a safe working environment for prison staff and residents. And by maintaining a safe and secure establishment, we are looking after the general public. There is a great sense of satisfaction knowing that what you do here creates a safer world outside for your family and friends.
There are so many opportunities offered from GFSL and it’s a great chance to work for a new, modern, growing government-owned company. Not only that, but you work alongside the prison officers and other prison staff who all do an amazing job every day and they really go out of their way to ensure you have a safe working environment to be in.