Lilli Newton was just a baby when her father joined the prison service nearly 20 years ago and thanks to his career they spent a few Christmases apart. But this year they’ll be together, working side by side at Christmas at HMP Highpoint in Suffolk.
Lilli, 19, and her dad, Scott Newton, 45, have prison work in their blood. Scott’s father, Stuart Newton, retired recently after working for 43 years in the prison service. Scott had been working in hospitality but, inspired by his dad, he applied for the role after seeing an advert in his local newspaper, and he hasn’t looked back. He’s worked his way up from prison officer and has been a custodial manager now for five years.
Scott said: “As well as my dad and step-mum, my uncle and brother had been in the prison service too, but I really didn’t think it was for me. I was working in hospitality at the time but I realised having a family and living above a pub wasn’t the best thing. My best friend had joined the year before and he told me about the job and it actually sounded really good.
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“I’m really proud to be a prison officer, and I’m proud of my dad’s career, and now I’m proud my daughter can join me and we can work together in the prison at Christmas. I’ve basically grown my own colleague!”
Lilli joined him at the prison in the summer, where she works as an Operational Support Grade (OSG). OSGs help keep a prison running smoothly and safely and perform a variety of tasks, including security and searches at the gate, managing deliveries, supervising visitors, and monitoring phone calls and CCTV.
Lilli said she was looking forward to working with her dad on Christmas Day, and said she was happy to work that day if it meant colleagues with young children got to spend the day with their families. She said: “I like talking to people and I knew I didn’t want to go to university. I’ve worked in hospitality and had been offered an assistant manager’s job in a pub, but when I heard about the OSG role I was really interested in it. Work is interesting and I never get up and think ‘I don’t want to go to work.’
“I’m more than happy to do my bit and work so other colleagues can see their families, and obviously it’s nice to still see my dad on Christmas Day. Working in the prison means working shifts, but it’s a really rewarding and interesting job. It can be challenging but if you’re resilient, enjoy a fast-paced environment and want to give something back, it’s definitely the career for you.”
Scott said staff at HMP Highpoint mark Christmas together, but it could be a difficult time for prisoners. He added: “The nature of our job means we need to have staff working every day, all year round. Working on the frontline does mean sometimes having to work days when friends or family may not be, but we’re here to protect the public and it’s our duty to make sure the prison runs as normal as any other day.
“We try and enjoy the day as much as we can, but working Christmas isn’t for everyone. I’m really proud to have the job I do working on the frontline and will celebrate Christmas after I’ve finished my shift. My family are used to my job and are really proud of me, so they understand.
“Although it’s a 365-day operation in a prison, the support you get from your colleagues is brilliant and it makes working over Christmas so much easier. We have such a unique bond and camaraderie at HMP Highpoint and we’re always willing to help each other out if needed.
“Every day is a different day and even after 20 years, I’m always learning new things.”
New prison officer recruits start on a salary of £34K and full training will be given. Operational Support Grades (OSG) roles start at £27K. To find out more go to Prison and Probation Jobs.