Prison Officer Lauren Brogan of HMP Low Moss has received a prestigious Butler Trust Award from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Patron of the Trust.
Established in 1985, the Butler Trust Awards recognise the extraordinary and often unseen work of individuals across prisons, probation and youth justice services
Lauren received this recognition for her exceptional leadership in creating and developing K.C.L Radio, the prison’s in-house radio station.
Recognising that traditional paper-based communication was no longer meeting the needs of the prison population, Lauren spearheaded the development of a modern, accessible alternative. Working in partnership with Fife College, she actively involved prisoners in naming and branding the station - now known as K.C.L, representing the Kelvin, Clyde, and Lomond residential areas.
She established a dedicated prisoner work party, giving individuals hands-on experience in broadcasting, technical production, advertising, and programme development. Through this initiative, participants have gained communication qualifications, built confidence, improved their mental wellbeing, and developed valuable skills to support rehabilitation and future employment or volunteering opportunities.
Since its official launch in 2023, K.C.L Radio has become an integral part of daily life at HMP Low Moss. Broadcasting 24 hours a day via in-cell and communal televisions, the station delivers a varied mix of educational programmes, health information, music, interviews, and creative content designed to inform, support, and inspire those in custody.
Notable collaborations have included the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Samaritans while its popular ‘Added Time’ podcast has welcomed a range of guests from the sporting world.
K.C.L Radio has played a key role in public health engagement, working with the NHS and the Hepatitis Trust to raise awareness of blood-borne viruses (BBVs).
The campaign achieved a 92% turnout at a BBV clinic - the highest level of engagement across any Scottish Prison Service establishment - highlighting the station’s communication power.
During the festive period, the station also hosted a special request show, enabling families to send messages and music to loved ones in custody via a dedicated email service.
Prisoners involved in the radio station have shared powerful testimonies highlighting Lauren’s positive influence. Many credit her with helping them manage anxiety, build trust, develop new skills, and find purpose during their sentence. Her supportive, person centred approach has fostered a safe, collaborative environment where individuals can grow in confidence and creativity.
Supporting her nomination, Governor in Charge Karen Norrie, said “This has been an exceptional piece of work that has changed the culture of communication in the prison. Lauren has been innovative, determined, and resilient, challenging norms to ensure this service reaches as many people as possible. She is an excellent Officer.”
Lauren accepted her award at a special ceremony at Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh. Speaking of her experience, she said: “I am really proud of what we’ve built and the work we do in K.C.L Radio and it was an extraordinary honour to be recognised at the Butler Trust Awards. Hearing the stories of the other winners and standing alongside them was incredibly inspiring and I know I’ll carry the experience with me for a very long time.”