Probation award for innovative work

A member of staff working on a groundbreaking partnership project which tackles domestic violence has been honoured in an award from the Probation Service.

Penny Hennessey, Programme Manager on the Community Domestic Abuse Programme (CDAP), received an award for Most Innovative Project in the first annual Probation Awards.  The programme is a partnership between St Giles Trust and Kent Probation Service.

Penny was honoured for her vital role in developing the programme, which is the first of its kind where both convicted and unconvicted men are able to join a programme which tackles offending behaviour.  It aims to improve the safety of victims through addressing the behaviour of men who perpetrate domestic violence.

Penny has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of domestic violence and increase referrals to the programme. The work not only heightens awareness of domestic violence but sends out a strong message that abuse is an unacceptable means of resolving conflict.

St Giles Trust Chief Executive Rob Owen said: “Many congratulations to Penny on winning this award.  It is a testament to the hard work put in by her and the CDAP team in tackling a complex issue in a way that makes a real difference. We are extremely pleased to be working with Kent Probation in delivering such an important project.”

The awards were open to probation staff across England and Wales and were made in seven different categories.

Kent’s Chief Probation Officer Sarah Billiald said: “Penny should feel extremely proud of herself.  There are over 200,000 probation staff working across England and Wales so being honoured is a great achievement in itself.”

Also honoured in the awards was Donna Leigh from Kent Probation Service for Working in Partnership.