Prison Service appoints new Director of Operations

The Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced that Phil Wragg has been appointed as the new Director of Offender Policy and Operations.

Announcing the appointment NIPS Director General, Sue McAllister said: “The focus of the Northern Ireland Prison Service over the last three years has been to work with offenders, reduce their risk of re-offending and to help build a safer community in Northern Ireland. As we enter the next stage in that work it is vital that we have an experienced Director of Offender Policy and Operations.

“Phil Wragg has over 25 years experience working in prisons, including governing Belmarsh which houses some of the most challenging individuals in custody. He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.”

In recognition of the challenges currently identified at Maghaberry, Phil will initially govern the Prison.

Sue McAllister added: “Maghaberry is a complex and challenging prison and having the right senior team in place will help to deliver a safe, secure and decent facility for staff and prisoners. I have asked Phil to lead Maghaberry through the challenges it faces to support our staff to deliver better outcomes for prisoners.

“Over recent months a plan has been implemented to support and strengthen the leadership at Maghaberry. This appointment will further strengthen the team and I am confident the right people are in place to build on the good work at Maghaberry and to improve performance where it is needed.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Phil Wragg will take up his new role as Director of Offender Policy and Operations on 27 July 2015. He replaces previous Director Paul Cawkwell who left NIPS in June, at the end of a two year secondment from the National Offenders Management Service (NOMS).
2. Phil joined HM Prison Service in 1987 and the majority of his service has been in high security prisons.
3. He has governed four prisons:

• Nottingham from 2002 to 2003;
• Ranby from 2003 to 2005;
• Sheppey Cluster from 2005 to2008 (as Chief Executive); and
• Belmarsh from 2008 to 2014.

1. For all media enquiries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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