Universal Defence and Security Systems (UDSS) has established an impactful partnership with HMP Lowdham Grange to address the needs of veteran prisoners, support prison management, and inspire inmates to enhance their skills and literacy levels. This initiative underscores UDSS' commitment to combining military experience with practical solutions to overcome challenges within the prison system.
Neil Thomas: A Veteran Turned Prison Leader
Neil Thomas, the Governor of HMP Lowdham Grange, brings a wealth of military leadership experience to the prison system.
Having served as a Captain in the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) on Challenger 2 and Scimitar vehicles, Neil understands the values of teamwork, leadership, and resilience. After leaving the military in 2007, he struggled to find purpose but rediscovered his skills and passion when he joined the Prison Service.
Neil’s military training equipped him with the tools to excel in his role as a prison leader. He quickly rose through the ranks, proving that the principles of the army - such as leading from the front, overcoming adversity, and balancing task, team, and individual needs - are just as applicable in prisons as they are on the battlefield.
In his words, “The concept that everyone is a soldier first, and that a leader's role is to resolve the tension between task, team, and individual needs, worked as well in a prison as it does on a tank park.”
Neil’s achievements speak for themselves. At HMP Stocken, he expanded the prison, successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and received national recognition for his leadership. Most notably, he transformed Lowdham Grange - previously the UK’s worst-performing prison - moving it up the national rankings by 32 places within just nine months and returning it to state control.
The Role of UDSS in Supporting Veterans and Driving Change
Neil’s military network introduced him to UDSS, whose involvement has been instrumental in strengthening support for veterans within Lowdham Grange. Many prisoners and staff have military backgrounds, but veterans often face unique challenges, such as mental health struggles, difficulty reintegrating, or reluctance to identify their service due to stigma.
UDSS, understanding these struggles, has partnered with the prison to:
- Enhance Literacy and Skill Development: Through book donations and mentorship, UDSS members have inspired inmates to improve their literacy and engage with personal development.
- Provide Veteran Support: UDSS leaders, including Major General John Craig Lawrence CBE, have directly engaged with veteran prisoners. General Lawrence offered guidance on writing while donating signed copies of his novel "The Legacy," and his historical work "The Gurkhas: 200 Years of Service to the Crown".
- Advise on Employment and Rehabilitation: UDSS Joint Chairman Peter Hewitt and his wife Fidelma toured Lowdham Grange workshops, sharing their expertise on commercial contracts and employment opportunities for prisoners upon release.
These initiatives align with the broader mission of UDSS: to apply military principles, leadership, and expertise to improve operational standards, foster resilience, and create opportunities for growth - even in challenging environments like prisons.
Lowdham Grange: A Model for Veteran Rehabilitation
A key success story has been the establishment of a monthly breakfast support group for veteran prisoners and staff, in collaboration with Care After Combat.
The group provides a space for camaraderie, mutual support, and personal challenges. For example, participants rowed the equivalent of the English Channel on Concept 2 machines to raise money for veteran charities, marking D-Day with purpose and teamwork.
This focus on rehabilitation, physical challenge, and personal growth mirrors the values instilled through military training. By fostering these opportunities, UDSS and HMP Lowdham Grange are helping veterans reclaim their sense of purpose and resilience.
How UDSS is Making a Difference
The collaboration between UDSS and HMP Lowdham Grange highlights the profound impact of military experience in leadership, rehabilitation, and overcoming adversity.
Peter Hewitt, Co-Chair UDSS;
"A few months ago we had a call from the Governor of HMP Lowdham Grange, Neil Thomas OBE a former army officer asking for books that were authored by Universal Defence and Security Solutions members.
I was delighted to visit HM Prison Lowdham Grange before Christmas to present these books to the Governor. A heartfelt thank you to the generous UDSS authors who kindly donated their work—it’s evident that these books will be greatly appreciated by their new readers.
Lowdham Grange gained media attention for the wrong reasons a year or two ago. However, under Neil’s leadership, the prison has transitioned back to public sector management, achieving a remarkable turnaround. The atmosphere during my visit was notably positive, thanks in no small part to the dedication of the staff and the exceptional leadership team.
Looking ahead to 2025, I hope we can continue supporting the prison by donating more books. If any authors are interested in contributing, please send your donations to our UDSS offices—we’d love to include them in future deliveries."
By supporting Governor Neil Thomas and the prison’s veteran cohort, UDSS demonstrates the power of military values to drive change, inspire personal growth, and build a brighter future for veterans within the justice system.
COMMENTS