Guest speakers included – Lord Herman Ouseley, the Rt. Hon. Paul Boateng, Beverly Thompson of NACRO, Colin Moses of the POA, Roger McKenzie representing Trade Union Support (PSTUS), Ravi Chand of the National Black Police Association, Shahid Malik of the Commission for Racial Equality, Tarique Ghaffur of the Metropolitan Police.

Speaking for the Prisons Service Management Board was the then Director General Martin Narey and the recently appointed Prison Service Race Equality Advisor Judy Clements OBE. Speaking for RESPECT was the Chair, Paul Haughton.

The day was a landmark in Prison Service history. As well as being a very well organised and well-planned event, the message was sincere and forthright, “Racism will find no home in the Prison Service”.

Below are some reviews and lasting memories of this magnificent day.

My impression of the launch was one of sheer delight, and admiration for all those who made it happen. From those who were there on the day and those who were there well before we were called RESPECT. The speakers were all very good especially Shahid Malik whose words were wise and powerful. Sir Herman Ouseley was a credit to RESPECT, his sense of humour was just right for the day. The RESPECT montage video was touching and made people want to do something positive about the racism.

It was great to see so many people in one place, singing the same tune. In a nutshell the whole day was a success, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m sure everyone else did too. The day is still very vivid in my memory, which I find a pleasure to reflect on even now.

By Patricia Cresswell

It was a day graced with the presence of Britain’s first black minister of state Rt Honourable Paul Boateng, the first black chair of the Commision for Racial Equality, Lord Herman Ouseley, directors, senior civil servants as well as the rank and file that make the Prison Service tick from AA’s, industrial grades, and Prison Officers from almost every establishment.

For me it was a truly fulfilling experience. The many passionate, serious, funny and inspiring messages that it delivered to the sceptic, the converted, and to those who were there in hope. Hoping that the Prison Service was seriously committed to the change that was necessary and overdue to realise the many benefits of its diverse workforce.

I was enthused by the positive frame of mind that washed over colleagues. The realisation that it wasn’t just managers responsibility to make a difference (although it is theirs to provide the right environment) but ours as well, to say when we see wrong doings, to challenge if necessary and to take more responsibility for developing ourselves.

It is evident to me that RESPECT has contributed to a climate in the service where more and more staff, without fear are happy to challenge inappropriate behaviour. I’m certainly not saying that things are all fine and dandy because I know they are not, but I think since that day when Martin Narey committed his board and himself to personally lead this change from the top we are slowly but surely moving in the right direction.

I was very proud on that sunny but cold day in the midlands and I believe through the continuous dedication and hard work of the many committed staff we will achieve the positive change we seek.

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