Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has approved the introduction of a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal for prison officers.
The medal will be awarded to operational prison staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on completion of 20 years of continuous commendable service. This brings operational prison staff in line with other comparable organisations such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service and the Military, as well as other prison and correctional services within the Commonwealth.

The details were announced in Parliament today by Justice Minister David Hanson MP.

Northern Ireland Prisons Minister Paul Goggins said: “This is great news for operational staff working in both Prison Services and it is absolutely right that their work with prisoners has now been recognised by the award of this medal. Prison Officers do a difficult and dangerous job and it is right that they receive public recognition for this vital work”.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service Director Robin Masefield said: “This is welcome further recognition for operational staff working in the Prison Services. I know that many people within the Service have campaigned for this decision. It provides very public recognition for the work which operational staff undertake on a daily basis. In times of need, it is our operational staff whose professionalism and commitment is highly valued."

Notes to Editors:

1. The Long Service and Good Conduct Medal will be awarded to operational Prison Service grades, including Governor grades.
2. The medal will be awarded to eligible staff in Prison Services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3. The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) is currently preparing the medal design and detailed eligibility criteria will be formally agreed in due course.
4. The introduction of a new medal is a significant process. The detail of the eligibility criteria and the medal design has yet to be finalised and it will be some time before the first medals are awarded.

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