Teresa Medhurst has announced she intends to retire next year, after more than 40 years in the Scottish Prison Service.
She was worked as an officer, governor, and for the last six years, chief executive, along with many other roles in the organisation.
Mrs Medhurst said: “It has been a huge privilege to lead this organisation, to serve our communities, and support the rehabilitation and recovery of many thousands of people who were all someone’s son or daughter, father or mother, sister or brother” she said.
“Most of all, I am grateful for all the incredible colleagues I have been fortunate to work alongside, learn from, lean on, and draw support from, in the good times and, even more so, the harder ones.”
She praised the hard work and achievements of staff, despite the pressures faced.
Mrs Medhurst said: “We talk a lot about the challenges we face, with our population having recently reached a record high, and this has undoubtedly been a challenging period for everyone.
“In my six years as chief executive, we have navigated a global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis, and for the last two years, an extremely high and complex population.
“Despite those challenges, there are so many positives and significant achievements which have been, and are being, delivered across the organisation – groundbreaking strategies, in areas like mental health, and alcohol and drugs; new state-of-the-art facilities, such HMP & YOI Stirling and our CCUs – as well as those soon to come in HMP Glasgow and HMP Highland – and the skill, compassion, and dedication shown by people working right across the SPS every day.”
SPS now have a settled and experienced leadership team in place providing a strong foundation for a smooth transition to a new chief executive.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Teresa Medhurst has made an outstanding contribution to the Scottish Prison Service throughout her career. A valued colleague and mentor to many, she has demonstrated leadership and dedication in tackling the considerable challenges facing the prison system.
"I thank Teresa for her commitment and dedication to SPS and public service and wish her a long and happy retirement.”