Graduate Excited to Start Career of ‘Culture of Change & Rehabilitation’ at HMP Berwyn

A university graduate says she is ‘excited to begin a culture of change and rehabilitation’ within HMP Berwyn after being appointed as one of the new officers at the North Wales prison.

22-year-old Emma Morgan, from Wrexham, is part of the first intake of prison officers at HMP Berwyn, which opens next year.

Emma applied for the post during the final year of studying for a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, which focused on the work of the Police, Probation Service and Prison Service.

“I am extremely grateful of the opportunity to be in the first intake of officers at Berwyn,” said Emma, a former Castell Alun School and Coleg Cambria student.

“It was announced that the prison was being built in Wrexham shortly after I started studying at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

“I was fascinated with the idea of working in a brand new prison and as I had little previous knowledge about the prison service I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn new skills and challenge myself.

“Myself and my colleagues are very excited to begin a culture of change and rehabilitation within the prison and look forward to the opening in February.”

Emma spent time during her studies volunteering for COSA, an organisation which helps with the rehabilitation of sex offenders, as well as continuing to work as a Special Constable.

She will be responsible for the supervision and rehabilitation of men in custody in her new role at HMP Berwyn.

Emma added: “Studying locally meant I could continue my work as a Special Constable while I was at university. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Wrexham Glyndwr University and gained a lot of valuable skills which are transferable to my role at HMP Berwyn.”

Caroline Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Criminal and Youth Justice at Wrexham Glyndwr University, said: “Myself and the team are delighted that Emma has obtained a post at HMP Berwyn.

“Emma was a hard working student who maximised all of the learning opportunities made available to her while studying on the programme.

“We wish Emma the best of luck in her new career at HMP Berwyn.”

HMP Berwyn was announced as the name for the new prison in February this year. The name reflects the rich history and culture heritage of North Wales.

It will provide the opportunity for prisoners from across North Wales to be held closer to home.

In mid-October the first people recruited to work in HMP Berwyn graduated at Wrexham Glyndwr University.

The prison is set to open in February and become fully operational by the end of 2017.