INTERVIEW WITH DANIELLE PIPER

Gatelodge talks to Danielle Piper about her time at the 2024 POA Supporting Women in the Workplace Workshop

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO TALK TO GATELODGE.

CAN YOU PLEASE TELL OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? CAREER HISTORY, WHERE YOU WORK ETC.

My name is Danielle Piper, I have been an Officer at HMP Elmley for nearly six years. Before starting my career in the prison service, I was a stay-at-home mum to my six children.

FOR THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR ESTABLISHMENT? CATEGORY, NUMBER OF PRISONERS, ANY SPECIAL UNITS ETC.

HMP Elmley is a CAT B local remand prison that currently holds up to 1,043 men. It is located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

WHERE DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE WORKSHOP?

I heard about the workshop when my POA secretary sent out an email about it. I thought at first it was just for POA committee members, but was pleased to discover it was open to all members.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO ATTEND?

I wanted to attend because I thought it would be interesting and I wanted to learn more about how to better support my female colleagues.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT THE WORKSHOP?

I really enjoyed hearing from the speakers about their experiences and how they have come to be in the positions they are in now.

I found the speeches by Sarah Woolley, General Secretary of Bakers, Food & Allied Workers Union, and Amy Rees, the Director General Chief Executive HMPPS, especially refreshing. These are both strong women who have trailblazed to the top of their respective sectors at the same time as raising their families. Hearing their candid stories about their own struggles and success was very eye-opening and left me feeling inspired to progress within my own career.

WHAT DID YOU EXPECT TO GET FROM THE WORKSHOP?

I expected to gain more understanding and information on women’s issues within HMPPS.

DID THE WORKSHOP MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS?

The workshop exceeded my expectations and was a very positive experience. It was a perfect balance of serious conversations, that I know were seeds planted to create positive changes within our industry, and lighthearted fun and connections with like-minded women. We were also very well looked after; the accommodation and facilities were very nice, and the food provided was exceptional. The evening quizzes and games were also a lot of fun.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNT?

I think the most important thing I learnt was the in-depth information regarding menopause and the struggles women within the prison service, and other sectors, are having. It isn’t something I had much knowledge on, but learning about the support systems that HMPPS is starting to put in place was reassuring. I have come away with information that I know I can use to better support my colleagues and me in the future.

DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE POA CONTINUES TO HOLD THE WORKSHOPS?

Absolutely; in fact I think it should be open to more delegates.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHERS THINKING OF APPLYING TO ATTEND?

I would highly recommend this workshop. I came away feeling informed and inspired, I know many of my female colleagues would find the workshop enjoyable. I wasn’t sure I could bring much to the table, as I haven’t been in the prison service that long compared with others, but I discovered everyone had different experiences to share and everyone’s testimony was very welcomed.