A senior prison officer who left his job in education to work on the frontline at HMP Woodhill is calling on other local people who are looking for a rewarding career to consider joining the prison service.
Kenneth Tangie, aged 51, taught French and English in Cameroon before studying a PHD in educational research at Cambridge University whilst working with young people with challenging behaviours - but wanted a more stable career after deciding to start a family in Bedford.
After finishing his PHD and publishing a book, the father-of-three wanted to help change people’s lives and use his teaching skills to work with prisoners and break the cycle of crime.
Since joining the prison service in 2006, Kenneth has climbed the ranks to become one of HMP Woodhill’s governors.
He supports governing Governor Nicola Marfleet by leading day-to-day operations and managing staff to ensure the prison is safe and secure for prisoners and staff.
Kenneth says: “During the last few years of university, I was an educational research assistant on a fixed term contract but I was keen to get into full-time employment and start a family. I also started working in a residential home with young people with complex emotional and behavioural problems between and really enjoyed it, which is where my interest in working with those in the crime cycle began.
“I knew I wanted to work with people where I felt I could break the cycle of crime and help people get onto the straight and narrow. That’s when I spotted an advert for prison officer jobs, so I contacted the Governor at the time, who explained that I had so many transferable skills from my role as a teacher and in the residential home such as working with challenging people.
“He also explained how communication skills were important because you can often get into difficult conversations with people but my role as a teacher and in a classroom with different behaviours meant I already had the necessary skills.
“I love the job and being able to work with prisoners. I learnt straight away that there were so many opportunities for progression too so I’m so glad I made the career move.”
Officers and other staff at HMP Woodhill help to maintain safety standards on the inside, while also supporting prisoners through their sentence helping them to gain the skills they need to live crime free lives once released. It is a rewarding role where no two days are alike, allowing you to work with a diverse group of prisoners and staff, developing a wide range of both practical and interpersonal skills.
Kenneth, adds: “You need resilience to be a prison officer and have good conversation skills. It’s a challenging career and it can sometimes be demanding but I always say to new starters not to give up at the first hurdle. We play a key role in turning people’s lives around.
“It’s a rewarding career and you can pick up so many new skills every week. You can move into lots of different roles such as intelligence, working in workshops, security or becoming a physical education instructor to name a few.”
Applications for prison officer roles at HMP Woodhill are now open.
Applicants who successfully complete an online application by Friday 4 August will be invited to an assessment day on the 8, 9 or 10 August – thanks to a new recruitment scheme.
Anyone who would like to apply or find out more here.
