A SOUTH WALES man has won a prestigious national criminal justice award.
Custody manager Ian Williams impressed an expert panel of judges and was recognised as highly commended in the Custody and Detention Staff Member of the Year Award at the third annual Skills for Justice – Inspire Justice Awards.
Ian, who has worked for G4S Community since 2006, has had a transformative effect on the treatment and support available for drug and alcohol users touched by the criminal justice system in South Wales.
Among his many achievements, Ian led on a pilot project which saw 2,995 people with substance use support needs identified and provided with harm reduction and support.
Ian and his team received praise for their work from the former Policing Minister, Chris Philp, who wrote to Police Constables in Wales to highlight this work as ‘an area of excellence’.
Accepting his prize at an awards ceremony held in London, Ian said:
“I feel quite humbled to be put forward for this award. It was very unexpected and it’s not just me who deserves this – it is a team effort.”
Congratulating Ian on his award Alison Fisher, Operations & Policy Manager at South Wales Police, said:
“It is recognised nationally that drug testing on arrest in South Wales Police is far more impactive here than in most other forces, as is our arrest referral service which sits at the core of how we deal with the most vulnerable people in our custody suites.
“All of this is largely down to Ian’s extraordinary, unwavering dedication in providing the best possible service to our police officers, our offenders, their families and our communities. Ian’s drive and determination is relentless, his energy is infectious, and his knowledge is endless”.
“We would never be where we are today without his uncompromising dedication and absolute belief in everything he does, and for this we say a huge ‘thank you’.”
The Inspire Justice Awards is the UK’s only awards programme dedicated to recognising the achievements of the entire justice sector. Organised by Skills for Justice, the awards are supported by BT, PeoplePlus, UNISON, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, HM Courts & Tribunals Service and SFJ Awards. To find out more visit: www.skillsforjustice.org.uk/inspire-justice-awards
