Becoming fluent in "StandOut"

StandOut’s new Communications Lead, Hannah Stevens, reflects on her first six weeks in the role. She’s finding that an organisation’s values are easy to learn, when they’re woven into everything.

After just six weeks in my role, if you were to ask me what StandOut’s values were - without looking at the website - I could quite comfortably list them for you. This isn’t because I’ve studied the staff handbook intently over the last month or so, but because I’ve experienced all four of them, repeatedly. Although it might sound cliché, StandOut really is an organisation that is driven by its values.

What drew me to StandOut in the first place was its promise to support people leaving prison for as long as they need. Not for six weeks, or six months, but for however long each person wants to engage. The journey to rebuilding a life after prison is neither straightforward nor smooth, and so it’s important for someone who has left prison to know that there is someone at the end of the phone, based at their prison, or at an office in Vauxhall, who has their back. StandOut is committed (1) to the people it works with, for the long-term.

One of my highlights has been attending a graduation ceremony at HMP Wandsworth, to which family members were invited. It was a special day, and an opportunity for course participants, their loved ones, prison staff, and the wider StandOut team – all of whom play a role in the programme’s success – to be connected (2).

The coaches presented participants with certificates and shared positive affirmations about each of them in front of the group. Several of the men made short presentations about what they had gained from the past three weeks and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity. One man’s presentation particularly stood out for me. He stood in front of the audience of around 20 people to share his reflections and told us that – although he still felt uncomfortable – doing this less than a month ago would have been unthinkable.

The courage required to push yourself to be so vulnerable – in a prison of all places – is enormous. And this is what the StandOut programme is based on; championing (3) people – believing the best in each other and believing that change requires courage.

After the ceremony, there was time to talk to participants and their families over lunch. Speaking with one participant that day, he told me how coaches Amrit and Amy had at times arrived at the prison early in the morning, soaked by the November rain, having cycled across London for a full day’s coaching.

It was clear to me that he admired the professionalism and dedication of the coaches. But he failed to mention how dedicated he and the rest of the cohort had needed to be, to make it to graduation day. The prison regime, and movement around the establishment, is complex. Many participants will have had to forfeit attending work or education, accessing the gym, or even showering – to attend what is a completely voluntary activity. The days are long, the course material is intense, and the men are expected to meaningfully engage. The coaches and participants expect a lot from themselves, and each other – and to be first class (4).

And that’s all four. StandOut is committed, it is connected, it champions people, and it is first class. And I’m really looking forward to applying all of them to my new role, and to being part of this great team.