Our CFO Evolution team on the Phoenix Wing at HMP Holme House has been awarded Team of the Year at the North East Prison Group Awards. The awards ceremony took place on 26th March 2026.
The award is a powerful recognition of a team who have reimagined what rehabilitation can look like. Recognising the exceptional commitment, innovation and impact the team has delivered in creating a hopeful and structured environment for the young men and veterans in their care.
Adapting and excelling through change
Originally developed on the former Endurance Wing, the programme transitioned into the new Phoenix Wing as Holme House evolved into a local prison. What could have been a challenging shift became an opportunity for growth.
The team embraced new expectations from day one. Redesigning delivery methods, adjusting to a more transient population and remaining flexible, person‑centred and solution‑focused throughout.
The award recognises a long list of achievements introduced and delivered by the CFO Evolution/Phoenix Wing team, including:
- Creation of a fully functional wing kitchen used for independence and life‑skills development.
- Opening of a dedicated gym space to support wellbeing and routine.
- Installation of new furniture and participant‑designed wall decals to create a calmer, more personalised environment.
- Transformation of the training room into an inviting, engaging learning space.
- A thriving gardens project, producing vegetables for the wing, trading post and even local wellbeing events.
- Ongoing links with national and local charities.
- Production of woodwork items - bird boxes, hedgehog houses, garden furniture and more - often using recycled materials.
These successes aren’t simply “projects”. They are building confidence, skills and a genuine sense of pride among participants. Many of whom are engaging in structured, purposeful activity for the first time.
Creating a positive and rehabilitative culture
Service users regularly describe the Phoenix Wing as a calmer, safer and more positive place to live, and this atmosphere is no accident. The team has created a culture built on respect, shared responsibility and personal growth, transforming the day-to-day experience on the wing. Their approach has helped to significantly reduce conflict, adjudications and drug related issues, while embedding clear expectations that promote fairness and accountability. This continuity of support extends beyond the wing itself, contributing to improved through-the-gate outcomes for men as they move on from the unit. Their work continues to influence prison stability, participant wellbeing and long‑term change.
Chris O’Connor, Regional Head of Delivery, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the team at HMP Holme House. Their enthusiasm, creativity and dedication to rehabilitation and those they support has transformed the Phoenix Wing and made a real difference to the lives of the men on the programme. This award is very well deserved.”
We are incredibly proud of the team and delighted to see their outstanding contribution recognised.
Find out more about CFO Evolution.
