Michelle Jarman-Howe appointed Director General of Prisons

Michelle Jarman-Howe has been appointed Director General of Prisons following a recruitment process.

Michelle joined the Prison Service as a prison officer in 1995 and has held a range of operational leadership roles throughout her career including as a prison governor. She joined the SCS as a Deputy
Director of Custody in 2013 before serving as Executive Director for Public Sector Prisons South from 2019 to 2022 and then as Chief Operating Officer Prisons from 2022 to 2025. 

From 2022 to 2025, Michelle was Chief Operating Officer for Prisons. She has been serving as interim Director General of Prisons pending completion of the recruitment process. 

As Director General of Prisons, Michelle will lead prison operations across England and Wales, supporting the delivery of safe, secure and decent prisons, protecting the public and helping to reduce reoffending. 

Michelle Jarman-Howe said:

I am honoured to be appointed Director General of Prisons. It is a privilege to lead the Prison Service and the dedicated people who work every day to keep prisons safe and support people to turn their lives around. I look forward to building on the progress we have made together.