Breaking Barriers Exploring education, skills & work at HMP Thorn Cross
Join us for an exclusive IoD Cheshire Behind-the-Scenes event at HMP Thorn Cross on Tuesday, 8th April, offering a unique opportunity to understand how education, skills
training, and employment opportunities are transforming lives within the prison system.
This insightful visit will provide business leaders, directors, and decision-makers with first-hand exposure to the innovative rehabilitation and workforce development programs in place at Thorn Cross. We’ll explore how prisoners are upskilling through vocational training, securing work placements, and preparing for long-term employment upon release.
We’ll be hosted by Fergus Morris, Head of Education, Skills & Work at HMP Thorn Cross, who will share the prison’s mission to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to break the cycle of reoffending and become productive members of society.
This event will also provide an opportunity to discuss how businesses can play a role in supporting rehabilitation, including the potential benefits of engaging with ex-offenders as part of a future workforce strategy. Limited spaces are available, so register your interest early to avoid missing out on this exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience with IoD Cheshire.
Speakers
Fergus Morris – Head of Education, Skills & Work, HMP Thorn Cross
Fergus is the Head of Education, Skills, and Work at HMP Thorn Cross. In this role, he oversees all learning, training, and employment opportunities available to prisoners within the facility, including those on ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence) and those being released from custody.
Fergus’s main goal is to ensure that every prisoner passing through Thorn Cross has the opportunity to improve themselves through programs that offer long-term challenge, fulfilment, and earning potential. He works within the Reducing Reoffending department and is proud to collaborate with a dedicated team, all focused on creating a better future for the prisoners.
With many years of experience in the education sector, including in schools and universities, Fergus is excited to take on the challenge of helping HMP Thorn Cross become one of the most progressive and successful prisons in the country.
Governor Jade McDonnell - Head of Reducing Reoffending, Drug strategy & Families Lead
Jade is the Governor at HMP Thorn Cross, currently serving as the Head of Reducing Reoffending. In this role, she supports prisoners through all seven pathways of reducing reoffending: Accommodation, Drugs/Alcohol, Health and Wellbeing, Education, Skills and Work, Debt/Benefits, Family Ties, and Attitudes/Thinking and Behaviour. A key part of her job is helping prisoners secure work while on ROTL and living at Thorn Cross, ensuring they have a steady income to support their release and prepare for life after prison.
The team’s vision is to have 300 out of 429 prisoners leave the prison daily to engage in training, education, or paid work to better themselves before release. Since May 2024, the team has made significant progress, increasing the number of prisoners leaving to improve themselves from 95 to 200, the highest number in any Cat D prison in the country.
In addition to her work in the prison, Jade is a qualified Sports Therapist and holds a degree in Operational Leadership and Management. She thrives on new challenges and is set to complete her next stage of the Governor journey exam in May
Stuart Waddington, Chair, IoD Cheshire & Founder, TDL Group
Stuart is a leadership development specialist and business connector, dedicated to supporting directors, business owners, and professionals in their growth journey.
As Chair of IoD Cheshire, he fosters collaboration and drives initiatives that create stronger business networks and leadership communities.
He is also Founder of TDL Group, which operates in two key areas:
TDL Performance – Specialising in leadership development, coaching, and culture transformation, working with organisations to enhance high-performance leadership.
TDL Future – A Microsoft tech company that focuses on AI-driven automation, business transformation, and cutting-edge intranet solutions for modern workplaces.
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