Celebrating the achievements of our Hidden Heroes

Each and every day across the UK, thousands of dedicated prisons officers, probation workers, security guards, immigration officers and court staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our communities safe. They are the unsung heroes of our justice system, and this National Hidden Heroes Day is our chance to recognise their vital contributions and thank them for keeping us safe.

Our members across the justice, custodial and immigration sector work in challenging and demanding environments, from prisons and courts to immigration centres and border points. Their roles are by no means glamorous, however they are essential to keep our society functioning. They are responsible for maintaining order, supporting rehabilitation, and upholding the rule of law.

At Community, we are proud to champion our members working across the sector, not only during National Hidden Heroes Day, but year-round. Community National Secretary for Justice, Gavin Miller said:

“Community always recognises the work of our members working across the Justice and Immigration sector, we have held the view for a long time that the public perception of our members is not always where it should be.  I always make a point of thanking our members for their work as their contribution to society by working in tough conditions in a hard job keeps the public safe, they manage difficult and dangerous situations on a daily basis and truly are invaluable in the view of this union.

 “This year we ran our first Justice Worker Week campaign where we shone a light on our members and their day to day contributions, one thing that stood out was how proud people are to be contributing to the sector, our members commitment to engagement, rehabilitation and public safety is invaluable and was humbling to witness. We are proud to support Hidden Heroes Day as we believe that workers in the criminal justice and immigration system are just that – heroes. 

 “I want to thank you for your work keeping the public safe, Community will always pay a debt of gratitude to our Justice and Immigration workers.”

Community is a powerful voice for justice, custodial, and immigration workers. We fight for better pay, safe working conditions and fair treatment, including:

• Campaigning for better pay: Many justice, custodial and immigration workers are severely underpaid, and at Community, we negotiate to ensure that wages reflect the high levels of skill, danger and responsibility involved.
• Ensuring health and safety: We are at the forefront of protecting our members at work from violence and assault, and are campaigning for more legal protections to be put in place. We also advocate for better staffing levels, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safer working environments.
• Lobbying government: At Community, we use our voice to lobby for better funding for the justice, custodial and immigration sector, as well as for vital change.

Without the collective strength of Community and our members, the crucial work of many hidden heroes would be even more undervalued and under threat. So, on this day of recognition, let’s remember not only to thank everyone working across the justice, custodial and immigration sector, but also acknowledge the importance of justice workers being a member of Community to ensure we can continue to champion their rights at work.