To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the key learnings from the transformation of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women’s Prison during the last ten years.

ORAL QUESTION No 8 - AQO 2071/22-27

ANSWER

The transformation of Hydebank Wood to a secure college shows the importance of having a clear vision; determined leadership and strong partnerships when delivering successful fundamental change on this scale.

The vision began with the recommendation made in the Prison Review Team report in 2011. This provided the drive and authority to do something that was boldly different at Hydebank.

The Hydebank College Implementation team, led by the Prison Service, took the recommendation to establish a secure college and turned it into reality. This team, and successive leadership teams at Hydebank, have provided strategic direction, navigated the complexities of change, fostered a culture of innovation, and inspired staff to embrace the vision for the establishment - Changing Minds and Changing Lives.

The success of Hydebank Wood is also a testament to the power of working in partnership. Hydebank has worked closely with Belfast Metropolitan College to deliver educational provision that is directly relevant to the needs of the people who live there. The College has also been supported by strong collaboration with a wider network of dedicated individuals and organisations which have all contributed to its development.

In May, Hydebank Wood celebrated 10 years since it transitioned to being a secure college, that successful model was built upon and continues to operate with these key learning points in mind.

In 2013, Hydebank was criticised by Inspectors, last year it became the first prison in Northern Ireland to achieve the highest possible inspection outcomes.