The Governor
 

In 2023, over 3,000 men passed through Winchester Prison. Governor James Bourke was responsible for every one of them. 
 

“It’s my job to ensure that the prison runs in a well-ordered manner and meets its objectives of punishment by depriving liberty, protecting the public from harm and doing what we can to reform prisoners.”
 

Prisons are regularly inspected – very few positive findings ever make the news.

“Around 1,200 prisomers arrive every year with serious mental health needs, about two thirds of arrivals. 600 have attempted suicide or regularly self harm. Time spent trying to help individuals, time spent with the mental health team, the drug or alcohol rehab team has meant less than one per year take their own lives. That success of course is eclipsed by the tragedy of suicide. But we save many more lives than we lose. That is great work that is often not recognised”.

Doing a difficult job in a difficult place is not without its challenges. 
 

“A prison officer can be a peace-keeper, mental health worker, social worker and an emergency medic all within 15 minutes. You don’t take on the role of governor expecting to lead from a boardroom.”

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