Shaun named as finalist in Interserve’s annual group awards for outstanding service

Congratulations to Shaun Anderson, a probation officer at Humberside, Lincolnshire & North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (HLNY CRC) based in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire who has been named as a finalist in this year’s Interserve annual awards as Social Capital Champion.

Shaun, who has worked in the probation service for the more than 22 years, goes through to the finals after being named regional winner in the awards which recognise individuals who excel at delivering offender management services in partnership with Interserve’s partner agencies.

The Interserve awards bring together colleagues from across the globe to celebrate our success and to share some incredible stories which have showcased the passion, commitment and ingenuity of our people.

Shaun works predominately in North Lincolnshire, where he has established an outstanding reputation as a key member of offender services amongst service users and criminal justice partners alike. He has organised reporting centres, group work delivery, worked consistently as a relief warden at local Approved Premises and held a demanding probation officer caseload over many years.

Shaun, who has overcome dyslexia and serious physical health issues, has established a reputation for innovation and change, embracing new opportunities with partners and for a cheerful manner when engaging service users.

Shaun says: “The management team has let us develop new ways of working and that is reflected in the way we engage with offenders. Under Interserve the shackles are off which has allowed me and my colleagues to feel that probation is part of the community again.

“We recognise it’s not instant change; we’re just planting seeds which will grow into a robust process – it’s all about being supportive and befriending. It’s about identifying service users’ needs and developing them as people.”

Martin Davies, chief executive, HLNY CRC said: “The work we do is important and it is right that it is celebrated. Shaun’s proactive approach to offenders with complex needs really shines out in a remarkable and impressive way. The award is richly deserved.”

Earlier this year Shaun was named Probation Champion 2016 in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) award scheme, which 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.

So, in this Olympic year, let’s send Shaun our best wishes in picking up the double.