Everyone who works, often has to make difficult decisions. How many have challenging decisions on a daily basis? Decisions often based as much on quotas and political agendas, as much as qualifying criteria. Resolutions that can and will be maligned and open to much criticism. Spare a thought then, for those who work for the HM Prison and Probation Service.
Today I was at the Merthyr Tydfil Offices of HM Prison & Probation Services to present awards to staff at the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Staff Celebration Event. I greatly admire the staff working in Probation Services. They do so much good in supporting ‘People on Probation’ to get their lives on-track, even if the service users never really experienced a conventional life in the first place. Their support and guidance also helps contribute to keeping our communities safe.
It was yet another informative and eye-opening day for me. In what is usually a slow and painstaking process of planning and guidance towards successful outcomes, it is a great shame more people are not fully conversant in the specifics the work entails. Bizarrely, it is the same in the spheres of health, policing, education et al, we only hear of events taking place in the Probation Service when things go wrong.
Today was an opportunity for HM PPSW to put that right; recognise, thank and demonstrate how much staff are valued. I am extremely pleased to show the Shrievalty’s and my personal appreciation of the Probation Service’s efforts and the invaluable work they do.
There were long service awards, Team of the Year and a Probation Champion Award. Thank you for the invite from Emma, Guy, and Jon - it was great to meet you all.
Congratulations, Llongyfarchiadau to all the staff and please accept a sincere 'Thank You' for all that you do.