HMP Hollesley Bay Tutor Recognised at National Awards
October 16, 2025Posted by:
We’re proud to celebrate the success of one of our colleagues at HMP Hollesley Bay, who has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to prison education.
Hospitality and Catering Tutor Mel O’Dwyer was Highly Commended in the Educator of the Year category at the Inspire Justice Awards 2025, run by Skills for Justice.
Mel’s training helps learners gain practical, accredited skills in hospitality, barista work and customer service. Her sessions combine qualifications with hands-on experience in the prison’s pop up cafe. This gives learners direct industry experience while in custody.
In 2024 alone, Mel’s courses led to 109 accredited qualifications with a 100% pass rate. Many learners have gone on to secure jobs in hospitality, both on Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) and after release, including one who went on to win an industry award of their own.
Mel continues to update her own skills to benefit learners, recently adding artisan bread-making into her curriculum after completing a sourdough course. She also brings in guest chefs and organises masterclasses, giving learners rare access to professional hospitality insight.
Reacting to her award, Mel said:
“When I started in the prison service in 2000 who knew that I would still be working within the prison system 25 years later. Through my experience, I believe that everyone deserves a second chance and with a helping hand they can enjoy the feeling of doing the right thing whilst picking up valuable life skills needed to prosper in society upon release.
I feel a great sense of achievement from watching our learners grow in confidence and ability, which in turn motivates me to give them the best that I can give. I’m honoured to be given this award, it really means the world to me. It recognises not only my journey, but also the commitment of everyone working to give people the skills and confidence they need for a fresh start.”
Her manager, Yvonne, Assistant Manager at PeoplePlus, added:
“I am very proud of Mel and what she has achieved. It’s no mean feat to be awarded Highly Commended Tutor of the Year. I was proud to attend on the day—hearing from the other candidates and their inspiring achievements was humbling. Mel is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to many more years watching her excellence.”
The Inspire Justice Awards shine a light on the people and teams who make a difference across the justice sector every day. We’re delighted that Mel’s dedication has been recognised on the national stage.
October 16, 2025Posted by:
