Ahead of Armistice Day this Saturday, a former serviceman who joined the prison service is encouraging others to follow in his footsteps.  

Chris Summerhayes, 51, served in the Army in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 13 years before taking a job as a driver, but knew this wasn’t to be his long term calling. 

He found his perfect second career when he became a prison officer in 2016 and now works as a Residential Officer at HMP Berwyn.

He said: “When I left the Armed Forces in 2002 to become a fuel tanker driver, it was clear something was missing. 

"I missed the camaraderie and togetherness you get from being in the Armed Forces and the prison service appealed to me because those things are also vital here – you have to work together as a team and move together as one unit.

“There are many transferable skills that are applicable in both the Armed Forces and the prison service – but communication is the most important tool in your toolbox. 

"When I was in the military on peacekeeping tours in Kosovo or Bosnia, you had to be able to talk to people from different backgrounds on a daily basis. 

"These skills have been invaluable on the Wings at HMP Berwyn – being able to talk to and empathise with people from all sorts of different backgrounds is so important.”

This Saturday, November 11, prison staff at HMP Berwyn will be joined by a number of military charities - including the Royal British Legion (RBL), Help for Heroes, SSAFA and Woody’s Lodge – at an event to remember those who lost their lives serving their country.

Officer Summerhayes added: "HMP Berwyn is a really welcoming place to work for Forces Veterans. 

The Leader: Chris Summerhayes (MOJ)Chris Summerhayes (MOJ) (Image: MOJ)

"There are at least 30 ex-service men and women here at all levels that I am aware of and we regularly get together to hold events with partner organisations like RBL and SSAFA. 

"Senior staff from non-military backgrounds are very supportive of our ideas, and together we work hard to make it a great place to work for those who were serving in the Forces. 

"Like the Armed Forces, some days at HMP Berwyn can be challenging but it’s often rewarding. Overcoming issues as part of a team is the part that I enjoy the most.” 

Armed Forces Veterans who opt into the Government’s Great Place to Work scheme and meet the job role’s minimum criteria will secure an interview. 

Around 500 Veterans secured jobs in the Ministry of Justice – including prison officer roles - between April 2022 and March 2023 through the scheme. 

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Working within prison or probation is not your average job. 

"From putting out cell fires to helping improve the literacy of prisoners, taking the time to listen or rehabilitating some of the hardest-to-reach members of society, the everyday of this job is extraordinary.    

"No two shifts are the same, and officers have to make on-the-spot decisions to keep themselves and those around them safe. 

"There is no typical day on the job – and there’s also no such thing as a typical prison officer. They come from different walks of life, just like the offenders they work with, to form one team in the prison service.   

"With no specific qualifications required to become a prison officer, the most important qualities are being able to communicate and be team players.   

"HMP Berwyn is looking for officers to join Chris and the team. New recruits start on a salary of £30,902 and full training will be given."