The first black officer to serve at HMP Maidstone in years is calling for more people from diverse backgrounds to join the prison service.

Chibuike Ekeiwu, 34, believes progress has been made since his time working in the sector, but that more is needed.

He said when he first joined he wasn’t aware he was the only black officer working on the wings at the time.

But he soon received a hugely positive reaction to joining the prison service.

“For some [inmates], it was their first time seeing a black prison officer at Maidstone and I think there was a level of excitement but also maybe relief to see someone with their skin colour,” he said.

“In those first weeks, I remember coming across a black prisoner and he was asking me lots of questions.

“He ran and told some of his friends about our conversation, there was an instant respect and understanding there, which I could feel.”

Maidstone is a foreign national prison and sees a large number of convicts from different ethnic backgrounds.

According to recommendations made by the Lammy Review in 2017, 14% of new recruits into the prison service should come from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Latest statistics show that the prison service is on track, with 16% of formal offers for prison officer roles being accepted by ethnic minority candidates between July 2021 and June 2023.

The prison governor, Graham Spencer, says it is key to have a workforce that reflects the prison population.

Chibuike said: “It’s so important to have that diversity across the service – there’s just a level of understanding there that you won’t get if you don’t have a mix of languages, backgrounds, and skin colours amongst the staff.”

The officer's daily duties are to ensure prisoners and the public are kept safe, but also to be a role model for the convicts and someone they can talk to.

Mr Spencer says a spectrum among staff is also integral to breaking the cycle of crime.

He said: “Having a diverse team means we are able to bring a wide range of perspectives to the table, which often results in better decision-making and better outcomes.”

Recent steps being taken by the prison have included celebrating black history last month by screening documentaries and serving cultural food.

A podcast produced and presented by prisoners was also launched to commemorate Black History Month 2023.

Since working there, Chibuike says he has witnessed change but would still welcome more at HMP Maidstone.

Mr Spencer said: “We still have a long way to go but we’re taking steps in the right direction.”