Former soldier who represented prison colleagues at the Cenotaph, wants others to join her
A Lincolnshire-based former artillery soldier has spoken of her pride at representing her prison at the National Service of Remembrance Service and is now actively encouraging other military leavers to follow in her footsteps.
This Armistice Day (11 November), Tanya Derner, who is based in Louth, is championing the prison service as a rewarding second career for veterans - one that draws on their skills to protect the public and reduce crime.
Tanya, 44, has been with HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire for almost two years. Prior to this, as well as working in retail, as a bookmaker and the family pub business, she spent four years serving in the British Army with The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from 2000 to 2004.
As His Majesty’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery, the regiment’s role includes the firing of Royal Salutes to mark the grand occasions of State, including The King’s Birthday Parade, Royal Birthdays and Births and Remembrance.
Tanya marched with other former services colleagues representing His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) at the Cenotaph on Sunday.
Roles in HMPPS demand the very skills veterans bring - like organisation, resilience, and teamwork. Whether working in a prison, probation office or supervising a community payback initiative, veterans can make a real difference.
Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: "Our armed forces and their families give everything to protect our freedom. Their courage and sacrifice inspire us all.
"I am honoured to see that many armed forces leavers choose to begin new careers in our prison and probation roles. Their sense of duty and discipline helps us cut crime and deliver the safety and security the British people deserve."
In her current position as a prison officer, Tanya has taken extra training and qualifications as a neurodiversity champion, is a mental health ally and is training to qualify in trauma risk management. She is also a trained negotiator and often takes calls to return to the prison when off duty, to help deal with an incident. She says: “Life experience is vital for this role. Being able to take control in a situation and remain calm, is something I’ve brought with me from my time serving with The King’s Troop.
“Working in prisons is well suited to people leaving the forces. The camaraderie, the regime and discipline, taking care of yourself and others. There are lots of transferrable skills.
“I was extremely honoured to be invited to represent HMP Lowdham Grange and the prison service at the National Service of Remembrance. It was great to see some old chums. It’s important we continue to remember those who have fallen for us.
“I would 100% recommend this career to people leaving the military. It’s been a really rewarding career for me so far and I wish I had joined sooner. Even my children want to follow in my footsteps.”
For veterans, HMPPS is a place to continue serving the public and positively influence offenders’ lives, whether in custody or the community.
Veterans who opt into the Government’s Great Place to Work scheme and meet the job role’s minimum criteria, will secure an interview. A total of 382 Veterans secured jobs in the Ministry of Justice – including prison officer and probation roles - between October 2023 and September 2024 through the scheme.
Those who would like to take the first step towards a rewarding new career can apply or find out more by visiting Prison and Probation Jobs.