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.

COMMENDEE 2022-23: Jim receives a Commendation for his remarkable talent and tenacity, and his warm and caring approach, as a Youth Justice Social Worker in Inverness, putting “his heart and soul” into everything he does, and “going the extra 100 miles” when needed on behalf of the young people in his care.

COMMENDEE 2022-23: “A fantastic ambassador”, Abdi is Commended, as a Health and Wellbeing Officer with Southwark Youth Justice Service, for the passion, warmth, and kindness he brings to the role, and for his exceptional ability to form effective relationships with young people, their families, colleagues, and partners.