Ford – Do you know someone who deserves to be a Justice Champion?

The application process for the 2016 Justice in the Community Awards is open and Minister, David Ford, has encouraged people to get their nominations in by 1 February.

Minister David Ford is pictured with the judges of the 2016 Justice Awards, Jim Smith, Una McKernan and Brendan McGuigan.

The application process for the 2016 Justice in the Community Awards is open and Minister, David Ford, has encouraged people to get their nominations in by 1 February.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, provide an opportunity to acknowledge those within the voluntary and statutory sectors who have made a significant contribution to making their communities safer and better for everyone.

David Ford said: “There are many inspirational people in our society, from both statutory and voluntary backgrounds, who work tirelessly, to make our community a safer place. Much of this work is done quietly and without expectation of recognition. The Justice in the Community Awards provides us with an opportunity to recognise this valuable work.

“I met this week with Brendan McGuigan, Una McKernan and Jim Smith who will judge the nominations. I know from experience that a vast amount of excellent work is being done in communities throughout Northern Ireland so they will no doubt have a very tough job selecting the overall winners.

“I encourage anyone who is aware of an individual or group whose work has made a real difference to their community, to acknowledge that contribution by nominating them for a Justice in the Community Award. I look forward to meeting all the nominees and presenting the Awards at the ceremony in March.”

A top award of £1,000 will made to the overall winning team or individual to invest in their project. Highly Commended awards will also be made at the discretion of the independent judging panel.

Notes to editors: 

1. The awards are targeted towards those engaged directly with the community working alongside the criminal justice system to support the delivery of justice, with an emphasis on members of the public and volunteers/staff in voluntary and community groups, but also including outstanding work of statutory sector staff.

2. Previous winners have included a youth development worker using football as a medium to reducing anti-social behaviour; a community interface group working to rebuild communities affected by sectarianism; and an organisation offering community service placements to offenders.

3. Brendan McGuigan, Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Una McKernan, Deputy Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, and Jim Smith, Project Manager for the Book Reserve and Thinking Cup Café – a social enterprise initiative providing employment to motivated young parents who have offended - will judge the nominations.

4. Nomination forms are available from the NIDirect website.

5. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by 5.00pm on Monday 1 February 2016 to:

Justice in the Community Awards
Department of Justice
Massey House
Stoney Road
Belfast
BT4 3SX
Or by email

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