WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE

Amira Cochrane from HMP Hewell agreed to talk to Gatelodge about the supporting Women in the Workplace workshop

Hello, thanks for taking the time to talk to GATELODGE, could you introduce yourself and give us a bit of background in terms of your career history, job title and how long you’ve been in the role?

Hello, my name is Amrita Cochrane I like to be called Ami, I’m an OSG at HMP Hewell, I have been there around 4 years now, but I’ve also worked at HMP Wandsworth for about 2years.

For those of us that aren’t familiar with HMP Hewell, can you tell members a bit about the prison? How many prisoners does it house?

We can hold about 1000 men, its only about 30 years old, my prison is set in the countryside in Redditch, we are a remand prison cat B.

Are you a member of your local POA committee?

Yes, this year 2022 to represent the OSG group, which is amazing for us to have a voice and to be at POA meetings to talk on any issues myself and my colleagues may face.

How did you find out about the Supporting Women in the Workplace Workshop?

I was put forward by my committee plus I saw the course communication via email.

Why did you want to attend?

I was very interested to see how much thought had gone in to such a workshop called WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE? I felt the issues women face on a daily basis have never really been a focus, however, that being said things are moving so much forward now and women’s issues and concerns are being listened to. Sexual harassment has been around for years but women need to know that they will be listened to and there is support available and there is no place for it in the work place and they will be protected. Women going through the menopause need as much help and support and they need to know how policies are now in place for the employer and colleagues, they can help these women go through this stage of their lives and it’s no longer a taboo subject its being highly promoted now.

What were your first thoughts when you walked in?

That it looked like a professional set up and a lot of time and effort had gone into posters, material and information in the room. I felt confident the course would educate me so I can inform my colleagues on women in the workplace. Great first impression.

What did you think about the guest speakers?

I was very impressed, some top ladies and gentlemen speakers with some very impressive job titles but hearing these powerful women and knowing how much they support all women at work and are keen that women feel equal, respected, and safe while working, each of the speakers said they will be taking things we raised back to their offices and work on issues with great confidence I loved each of the speakers all so keen to support women.

Did the workshop meet your expectations?

Absolutely and more, it was full of information, and most importantly great network of women, this workshop needs to be very highly profiled within all workplaces.

How do you think attending the workshop will help you at work?

I am a lot more informed, I know now who we can talk to and knowing that polices are in place and women issues are being addressed and acted on, good to know there are loads of channels to refer women to help them, we have asked for posters so we can put them all over the prison where women work to keep the focus and to promote women issues.

Do you think that the Workshop should be a regular event?

Most definitely, I was so imported to hear those speakers and to learn so much help is out there and get more knowledge about women concerns and issues without a doubt, this was one of the best courses I’ve been on, Jackie Marshall and her team did an outstanding course. This course needs to be shared in every prison or workplace, I believe the management would learn a great deal from this course Thank you for making a course for women in the workplace.

Representing over 30,000 Prison, Correctional and Secure Psychiatric Workers, the POA is the largest UK Union in this sector, able to trace its roots back more than 100 years.