Founded 1980
Chair:        
Secretary: 
Treasurer: 

Graham Smith
Jan Thompson
Graham Mumby-Croft


Michael Selby
GRENDON HAS SURVIVED

My last 8 years as a governor were in charge of Grendon Prison. I was aware of the opposition of certain sections to the continuation of the Grendon ethos. Indeed a Principal in P2, unaware of my ambition, spoke disdainfully of Grendon and the advantage in the overcrowding situation for it to revert to normal identity. 

So, after the death of the Medical Officer in charge in March, there was an uncomfortable hiatus. Nobody was posted in as a replacement. There was the Deputy Governor and the Senior Medical Officer both self regarded as uncomfortably in charge. That Grendon survived was very much to the loyalty and competence of the staff . 

Where was I? Doing penance for the Brixton escape as supernumerary in South East Region, under the benign Keith Gibson. So to the task. In May, it was given to me to design the job description of the next person in charge of Grendon and I submitted the proposal that this could be either a Medical Officer OR a Governor. This was accepted. 

But nothing happened! The staff asked about their future but not a murmur from the Home Office. The future of Grendon is under surreptitious debate. 

Then , a whole year goes by and finally a selection process is initiated. On one day 4 Medical Officers are interviewed, the next day 3 Governors - including me. Then, unbelievably, the result takes another 6 weeks for the choice to be announced. 

So what now? A month or so ago I have the most heartening experience. There is a broadcast, one of the Reith Lectures which takes place in Grendon, followed by a fascinating discussion with the lecturer by the inmates. Suddenly I am back over 30 years, the place has not changed. Grendon has survived. 


MICHAEL SELBY