interview
Island Life - April/May 2010
Photo: Vicky at her passing out parade - Royal Military Police training centre, Chichester, 1979
of institutions, but came into the prison
model.” She adds, thoughtfully. “I also think
service after being in the army for six years.
that Public Service is very underrated in our
The disciplined hierarchy in both institutions
society and I am very proud of being a public
‘Having a laugh is not something
you readily associate with the
cheerless institutions where people
are forcibly detained’
servant and working with difficult and isolated
groups of people to help make a difference.”
Not for her the distant governor figure holed
up in her office. Vicky is constantly accessible
to prisoners and staff alike. “One of the
mantras is that you manage by walking about,”
she says. “I spend as much time as possible out
appealed to her, she says: “I like the way staff
and about talking to staff and prisoners, and in
rep