Shaun Anderson, a probation officer in Scunthorpe, has been named as Probation Champion 2016.

The prestigious award scheme, run by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), recognises outstanding achievements made by staff working in the National Probation Service and the 21 community rehabilitation companies (CRC), across England and Wales.

The accolade of Probation Champion of the Year is selected from the winners of the seven individual award categories and is awarded to the individual who has contributed the most to the work of the Probation Service in 2015.

Over the past years Shaun has worked creatively with partners to meet the needs of offenders with complex needs, and specifically those who are immersed in the rough sleeping culture trying to ensure that they are not discriminated against. He has endeavoured to ensure that they can access services in order to end a cycle of crime and a lifestyle that causes serious health and other social exclusion issues.

Martin Davies, Chief Executive, Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company said: “The work we do is important and it is right that it is celebrated. Shaun’s personal values and proactive attitude to engagement with complex people who have offended really shines out in a remarkable and impressive way.

“The award is richly deserved. I am delighted for Shaun and very proud of him, as I am of all the people who were nominated.”

The nomination was made by Shaun’s line manager, Adrian Evans, Interchange Manager, Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company. He adds: “A combination of Shaun’s pragmatism and approachable manner allows him to bring others together to find solutions for the collective good and make a real change to people’s lives.”

Shaun was also the winner of the Working in Partnership category. This award recognises individuals who excel at delivering offender management services in partnership with one or more agencies.

Shaun has worked for probation services for over 20 years, predominately in North East Lincolnshire. Shaun explains more about his work: “Where possible, my approach has always been to work directly in the communities we serve. Instead of people who have been convicted coming to me, I choose to work with them in their community. In doing so, I get to know their family and friends, and better understand their support networks.

“Instead of focusing on the negatives, I am passionate about using a strengths based approach to help people who have offended find purpose – and to take responsibility to develop and change.”

The winners were announced at an evening ceremony on Tuesday 5 July at Shrigley Hall, Cheshire and were presented by Michael Spurr, Chief Executive Officer of the National Offender Management Service.