The award is in recognition of “outstanding programmes which contribute to the safe reintegration of offenders into the community”.

ICPA president Peter Severin presented the award to Ronnie Armour, director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, and Maghaberry governor Dave Kennedy.

Mr Severin said: “The commitment shown by staff at Maghaberry in transforming the Prison from one of the most dangerous in Europe to an establishment that is delivering high quality outcomes for the men imprisoned there is both remarkable and exemplary. This was achieved in an impressive timescale and was delivered with ever reducing financial resources.”

Mr Armour said: “The staff at Maghaberry deserve the recognition they received and I want to congratulate everyone who works there on what was an amazing achievement. It is always to be welcomed when Inspectors make positive reports, but it is something really special when your peers, having assessed what is happening around the world, acknowledge what you have achieved.

“Everyone across the Northern Ireland Prison Service, our staff and partners, should be very proud because while the award was for the staff at Maghaberry, it also recognises how far we have come as a service and acknowledges the work we are doing to challenge and support those in our care.”