Official Report 857KB pdf
Good afternoon. The first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader today is Natalie Beal, who is a prison governor and chair of the Prison Governors Association Scotland.
Presiding Officer and members of the Scottish Parliament, thank you very much for the opportunity to address you this afternoon.
One of the reasons why I have spent the last 16 years in prisons is that, in 1991, I spent a summer sleeping on a church floor in Possilpark, Glasgow. To clarify, I did not break in; I did not trespass; I was part of a short-term missions trip. It was in that church that I first encountered an organisation called Prison Fellowship and spent time talking with men who were recently liberated from HMP Barlinnie. One thing really struck me about those conversations: it fascinated me just how much the men wanted to talk about their experiences, how much they wanted to be heard and the real value that they placed on feeling listened to.
Subsequently, I spent 18 years working in business and then, in a bizarre turn of events, I was recruited and appointed as a prison governor in 2008.
The thing about all our experiences is that, although they have, no doubt, shaped us, it is our reflection on those experiences that gives us insight. My reflection—my insight today—is that the very act of imprisonment not only strips a person of their identity but renders them voiceless. However, having a voice promotes active citizenship. Giving a voice helps people to feel valued and respected. It promotes fairness, justice, legitimacy, dignity and wellbeing. If we work to silence such voices, that is unjust. Having a voice is one of the pillars of procedural justice, whereby individuals are given the opportunity to share their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.
On 17 November, prisoners week will be launched, with the theme “Hear My Voice”. It will serve to raise awareness and encourage action among faith communities on the plight of prisoners, their families, their victims and those working in the justice system, whose voices often go unheard.
We are all called to act justly and, in doing so, to make fair decisions. I would contend that this is not merely about doing what is right; it is about restoring what is lacking. I agreed with the Rt Hon Lord Timpson when he said at the Prison Governors Association conference in October that good leadership, high standards and kindness really matter.
We are all in the business of people. Every person has a story and every voice deserves to be heard. Thank you.