International Women’s Day: Meet one of the female HMP Berwyn prison officers helping break the cycle of crime

A female prison officer from North Wales is sharing what it’s really like to be a woman working inside a male prison this International Women’s Day.

Despite public perception that it’s a male-dominated profession, there’s now officially more women working for the prison service than men. Currently, 55% of staff in post are women.

Steffi Lakes, 30, joined HMP Berwyn as a prison officer in 2016 having previously worked as a chef.

Two years later she was promoted to supervising officer and more recently she became a New Colleague Mentor at the prison, which involves supporting new staff to settle into their roles.

She said:  “I Initially joined the prison service because I wanted to work in a uniformed service of some kind.

“I had originally looked at joining the Royal Navy, but as soon as I started working at HMP Berwyn I knew I was suited to the prison service.

“To be a good prison officer you must be massively resilient and flexible – you’ve got to understand that each day is going to present different challenges.

“I also think that if you are a positive person, you’ll have a better day on the wings.

“I like to think that I can speak to people from all walks of life, which is also hugely important.

“Having good communication skills helps to break down issues with prisoners before they can get out of hand.”

As well as being passionate about helping to rehabilitate prisoners, Steffi is also a dedicated fundraiser for her local charities.

She added: “I really enjoy supporting my local community and in my role as New Colleague Mentor, I have organised for our prison officers to help local organisations.

“For example, our officers often volunteer at a local day centre for older people, and we also raise money for them as well.

“At the moment I am also training to run the London Marathon in support of Shooting Stars – Wrexham hospital’s cancer charity, which has supported our prisoners and staff who have had chemotherapy.

“I have done half marathons before, but this will be my first full marathon and I am really looking forward to it.”