Joe Chapman’s career spans over thirty years in the criminal justice system. He began working as a prison officer at HMP Grendon and remained there for 18 years, during which time he qualified as a counsellor and group therapist. He was a legal aid officer for four years and also became a Control and Restraints Instructor at national level. 

In 1993 Joe received The Butler Trust award, which is given to prison staff that make an exceptional contribution to prison work. Joe was awarded for his work with violent offenders and their families. This paved the way for a period of research around the women’s prison system to look at the extent to which therapy was made available to female offenders. As a result of this research he founded and developed a national charity housing male and female ex-prisoners and offering support and accommodation to high risk offenders.

Joe’s prison experience lasted 24 years and in recent years he was a drug and alcohol counsellor at HMP Bullingdon and worked in the Community as a Primary Care Mental Health Worker with Rethink and Oxfordshire Mind. He qualified in prison law, with distinction three years ago, but has been involved in prison law as a caseworker for over 12 years.

Joe’s prison service experience and sound knowledge of prison law provides an ideal balance for clients who are looking for an advisor who has first-hand experience of life behind bars.