AWARD WINNER 2024-25: Gerry’s Award is for his tireless professionalism as a Youth Justice Worker with Gateshead Youth Justice Service. His support for colleagues, and his commitment towards, and ability to engage with, young people and their families, is widely praised – as one young person puts it, “he’s the man”. [Gerry’s Award is supported by G4S Care & Rehabilitation Services.]

AWARD WINNER 2024-25: Described as “one of the most genuine, kind, and caring individuals you will ever meet”, Daniel wins an Award for his unstinting dedication as a Youth Justice Worker in Northern Ireland, and for his unique ability to reach and inspire young people, changing countless lives for the better. [Daniel’s Award is supported by the Hanley Trust.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Gill receives an Award for her “exceptional” leadership of Carmarthenshire Youth Justice Service – driven by an unstinting commitment to the needs of young people – turning a previously struggling service into one now widely acknowledged as an example of best practice across the sector. [Gill’s Award is supported by Serco Justice & Immigration.]

AWARD WINNER 2023-24: Justin’s Award is for all-round excellence as a Youth Justice Worker with North Tyneside YJS; for the boundless energy, passion, and positivity he brings to his role; and for his ability to build trust, and inspire hope, in those who others struggle to reach – ”every service should have a Justin”. [Justin’s Award is supported by Sodexo Government.]

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Kathy is Commended in her role as Manager of Wirral Youth Justice Service, for embedding the ‘Child First’ approach she exemplifies, and introducing a range of initiatives, such as ‘Operation Inclusion’ focused on those at risk of exploitation, and the ‘In the Zone’ outreach programme to schools.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Lisa receives a Commendation for her enthusiasm, skill, and compassion as Interventions Manager at Barton Moss Secure Care Centre – one of the many young people who supported her nomination called her “the best person I have ever met”, with another adding, “she changed my life”.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Debbie is the Quality Assurance and Performance Officer at Bridgend Youth Justice Service, and receives a Commendation for her instrumental role, and tenacity, in developing and driving forward trauma-informed practice for young people, both within the YJS, and across the Cwm Taf region.

COMMENDEE 2023-24: Alison’s Commendation is for her work as Head of Hammersmith & Fulham Youth Justice Service: driving up standards in the management and care of young people; forging strong relationships with partner agencies; and achieving an ‘Outstanding’ rating for the service from HMI Probation.

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Praised by colleagues, and the families of the young people in his care, as “a first class social worker”, “brilliant”, and “an inspiration”, Andrew receives a Commendation for the skill and dedication he has brought to his work in Northern Ireland’s Youth Justice Agency over almost four decades.

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Ian is Commended for the impact his talent and commitment has brought to all aspects of his work in Northern Ireland’s Youth Justice Agency, where his approach is widely admired by colleagues, and by the young people and families with whom he works.