Sally Scott: A journey of learning, compassion, and empowerment at Otago Corrections Facility
Sally Scott has spent the past 15 years shaping lives at the Otago Corrections Facility in Milton, but her journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. A qualified chef by training, Sally initially pursued hospitality with passion, completing a two-year polytechnic apprenticeship at 17.
Yet, after years in the kitchen, she yearned for a change. “At that point, I was sick and tired of chefs and that side of hospitality,” she recalls. A chance move into Corrections would ignite a new calling; a career built on education, mentorship, and community service.
It was her Principal Instructor (PI) early on who encouraged her to get involved in training others, first through an assessor’s certificate and then through adult education qualifications up to Level 7. “I’ve always loved education, bettering myself, and understanding new areas,” Sally says. “It opened my eyes, especially around mental health and holistic support. I realised I could make a difference in people’s lives.”
Learning and growth: Careerforce Apprenticeship opportunities
Sally recently embarked on a Whānau, Community, and Social Services apprenticeship through Careerforce, a step that has deepened her skills and empathy. “It’s made me think in different areas, to have more sympathy and better understand where the men have come from,” she explains. The learning has been as personal as it has been professional. Sally particularly enjoyed the te reo module on colonialism. As someone who is dyslexic, she embraced the challenge of learning a new language, diving into library research and online study. “It was slow, but I loved it,” she says. “When my assessor told me I had ‘knocked it out of the park,’ I was stoked.”
Pictured: Sally Scott
Sally’s commitment to respect and values-based practice is evident in her everyday interactions. She prefers addressing people by their first names, modelling politeness and kindness in every encounter. “My mum always said it doesn’t matter whether you are pink, purple, polka dots, we treat everyone with the same respect,” she says. Whether discussing the weather, sport, or day-to-day life, Sally ensures the men know they can trust her and that she genuinely cares.
One powerful example of her empathy in action involved a man grappling with trauma after a conflict with another inmate. Sally’s training equipped her to listen without judgment, guide him through the process, and even support a change of cell. “He’s come out of his shell so much,” she beams. “Now he’s doing Careerforce cleaning courses, has passed Level 2, and now moving onto Level 3; he just absorbs everything.”
Observer role and cleaning qualifications
As an observer for the Level 3 Cleaning qualification, Sally’s work is hands-on, patient, and meticulous. She guides the men through unit standards, observes their practical tasks, and provides one-on-one feedback. Her approach is nurturing yet structured: she ensures the men fully understand each task, she researches additional resources if needed and motivates them through recognition and simple rewards like treats or laminated certificates.
Sally’s personal experience with learning difficulties informs her approach. “I was put in the ‘too hard basket’ at school,” she says. “But once I left, I excelled. I see the same traits in these men. If they see someone enthusiastic about education, they start enjoying it too.” The environment she fosters encourages participation, growth, and confidence. She maintains a “wall of achievement” to celebrate progress and motivates her learners through peer recognition and tangible rewards, including small pay increases.
Her feedback style is always respectful, delivered privately so as not to embarrass anyone, and aimed at guiding rather than criticising. “I want them to see education as an opportunity, not a punishment,” she explains.
Supporting change and rehabilitation
Sally’s work extends beyond qualifications; it’s about preparing men for life beyond prison. By providing industry skills in cleaning and hospitality, she equips them with the tools to succeed in employment post-release. “These men are motivated, keen, and very capable,” she says. “All they need is the opportunity, and these qualifications give them that.” She also ensures the learning environment is safe, trusting, and supportive, intervening when necessary to prevent harm and maintain dignity.
Reflection and personal growth
Through her apprenticeship and observer role, Sally has learned about her own patience, passion, and commitment to lifelong learning. “I’ve realised you can teach an old dog new tricks,” she laughs. She’s deeply committed to improving her own practice, ensuring timely responses, and reflecting on her workflow to maximise effectiveness.
Success, for Sally, is seeing the men achieve formal qualifications, secure employment, and reintegrate into society without reoffending. “One of the most rewarding things is seeing a man I’ve supported get paroled, get a job, and enjoy life,” she says. “Hearing them say, ‘Thank you, Sally,’ reminds me why this work matters.”
Whānau, values, and motivation
Sally’s dedication is rooted in her own whānau. Her family, including her husband whom she calls her “dictionary and walking calculator,” provides unwavering support and strength. Her mum, she says, instilled the values of patience, respect, and love, which now guide her interactions with the men at the Otago Corrections Facility. “If you want respect, you have to show respect,” she reflects. Sally’s open-door policy, enthusiasm, and loyalty have made her a trusted figure among staff and prisoners alike.
Outside work, Sally maintains her wellbeing through exercise, healthy eating, hobbies, and asking for support when needed. She recognises that caring for others requires balance and self-awareness, especially in a demanding environment.
A career of impact
From chef to corrections officer to career mentor, Sally Scott’s journey is defined by growth, empathy, and dedication. Through Careerforce, she has turned her love of learning into a tool to empower others, combining knowledge, patience, and compassion to make a real difference in people’s lives.
For Sally, success is not just about certificates; it’s about seeing transformation, building confidence, and creating opportunities that last long after the men leave prison.
Interested in completing a Whānau, Community and Social Services Apprenticeship?
The Whānau, Community and Social Services apprenticeship programme enables apprentices to develop skills, knowledge and behaviours required in community support roles to work alongside people, family and whānau by using tools to support autonomy, identify goals, reduce vulnerability, and build resilience or achieve aspirations.
Employers may also be eligible for Apprenticeship Boost payments of $500/month for eligible first-year apprentices, up to $6,000 per apprentice.
Pictured from left to right; Loi Lam (Careerforce), Jess Hannah (Careerforce), Sally Scott (Corrections) and Sarah Orr (Careerforce)
For all media enquiries please contact Paul Williams, Senior Manager Marketing, Communications & Insights on 027 600 7395, or at [email protected].
Careerforce supports employers across New Zealand’s health and wellbeing sectors to run workplace training programmes, allowing staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications on the job. For more information, please see: www.careerforce.org.nz
Daisy Hemmingson-White