Teresa Clarke 2024 Perrie Award Winner

Since 1995, the Perrie Award has been presented annually during the day of the lectures. It has been given by the Perrie Lectures Committee to recognise someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the work of the Prison Service, and pushed forward the development of penal policy.

Teresa Clarke was the winner of the 2024 Perrie Award. Throughout her time working in the prison service and in HMPPS, Teresa has been a role model for decency and sought to achieve high standards within a framework of strong values, always acting with integrity.

It was in the East of England that Teresa laid the foundations of a distinguished career in prisons. She began as an officer at HMP Chelmsford, at a time when there were relatively few female officers in male prisons and conditions were not good.

She is supportive, positive, creative and nurturing of those who work with or directly to her. Her governors and staff are all extremely appreciative of the guidance, leadership and encouragement she provides. She has huge integrity, authenticity and compassion. She is enormously well-respected across all grades and roles, including those in operations, policy and central teams. Her reach has been far greater than simply the West Midlands or indeed the wider Midlands.

Teresa was awarded the CBE especially for her work championing the needs of care leavers. The awakening across the service to the needs of care leavers, and activities across so many prisons to support them, owe their origins to Teresa’s impressive dedication in a national leadership role to raising awareness and stimulating action for this group. This work has been typical of her: never prepared to be silent, championing decency and care for prisoners, making a real difference to the life of prisoners and their chances to turn their lives round.

‘Grounded, realistic and brave’ is how Teresa is described by one who has worked with her. Our committee has had no hesitation in agreeing unanimously that she is a worthy recipient of this year’s Perrie Award.