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| Caring
for the welfare of prison officers |
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| Prison
officers helping to set up
a mini vegetable garden
at the Singapore Convalescent
Home (The Children’s
Society). |
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The
Prisons Department’s
efforts to promote work-life harmony are certainly
paying off. In fact, the Department was the only
public agency among the 23 organisations which
won the Family Friendly Firm Award in 2002.
The Department values its workforce and has introduced a spate of initiatives
to help staff strike a healthy balance between work and family life.
Programmes have been organised to increase staff volunteerism. Said ASP Letitia
De Zilva, Head Welfare, Prisons Department, “Teamwork, respect for one
another and the community are two of our core values. We believe that volunteerism
is a good platform for prison officers to develop such values and we would like
to inspire our officers to extend their roles as Captains of Lives beyond their
work.
“In this way, they will not only find satisfaction and meaning in contributing
to the community but also make an impact on other lives.”
The prison officers help out at various welfare homes. In 2001, 15 officers even
went on a social service visit to Cambodia.
Other work-life initiatives include outdoor activities, self-interest programmes
like a basic vehicle maintenance workshop, talks and seminars on various topics,
and corporate card memberships for places of interest.
In touch with officers
A working group, headed by the Assistant Director, Staff Development, was formed
to review the strategic framework for providing staff welfare.
To ensure that the programmes meet the needs of staff, regular feedback sessions
are organised. The feedback from a recent survey on the welfare needs of staff
is also invaluable to programme organisers.
Staff response has been very positive. Recent survey results indicate that the
work-life initiatives have helped to strengthen the bond between the staff and
the Department.
The officers are also pleased with the various activities organised. Said ASP
Norman Mohd Zain, OC Housing Unit, Moon Crescent Prison, “My family and
I have attended the annual Prisons Family Day, children’s educational tours
and seminars, to name a few. These activities were tailored to our needs and
were simply fantastic because they enhanced family togetherness.”
In the pipeline
The Department aims to develop two new initiatives every quarter. In the next
quarter, it is looking to introduce programmes that focus on building strong
family ties, enhancing
racial harmony and promoting teamwork amongst staff.
Plans are also underway to organise programmes that will help older staff to
prepare for retirement.
The Department recently co-organised a trip for single officers to Pulau Tioman
with the Singapore Police Force. The Department also looks forward to more collaborations
with other agencies in future. |
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By
ASP Letitia and ASP Norman, Prisons Department
Next: The joys of
achieving work-life harmony
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| Related
Articles |
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“As
Captains of Lives, our prison officers
are responsible for steering positive
change in offenders. From experience,
officers are most productive and inspired
when they are not distracted by family
problems.”
Mr Chua Chin
Kiat, Director, Prisons Dept |
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