A trio of colleagues from across Interserve’s justice business are finalists in this year’s Butler Trust Awards in recognition of their efforts supporting offenders to make positive changes to their lives.

Senior probation case manager Mike Ward, Integrated Through the Gate manager Sonia Leake, and volunteer Ian Sparshott have all made it through to the final round of judging.

The Butler Trust promotes best practice in the prison, probation and correctional facilities sectors. Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal is the organisation’s patron and each year the awards receive more than 350 nominations.

Mike is part of the Integrated Offender Management team in Bradford and works closely with police colleagues with offenders considered to be at a high-risk of re-offending. Sonia is responsible for a resettlement team at HMP Humber and HMP Hull. Ian volunteers supporting services users at Southampton’s Service User Network group.

Interserve runs five Community Rehabilitation Companies (CRCs) that deliver rehabilitative services to low and medium risk offenders in England.

Kim Thornden-Edwards, Director of Justice, Interserve, said: “The standard set by the awards is extremely high and so I am absolutely delighted that we have three finalists from across our CRCs. I also congratulate everyone who was nominated.

“Probation is challenging at the best of times, but what makes their achievements all the more remarkable is that they are delivering work to the very highest of standards despite the complications created by COVID-19.

“I wish them well in the final round. They are all worthy winners.”

Judges meet in November and winners will be announced early in the New Year.

Interserve CRC colleagues who were nominated and those who receive Butler Trust certificates in recognition of their efforts include: Sandra Todd, Sharon Reddy, Mary Kirby Helen May, Ellyn Dyer Mundy, Marion Meakin, Robert Donald and Kevin Corlett.