Winners of Mike Guilfoyle Essay Prize

This annual competition honours the legacy of Mike Guilfoyle, a dedicated probation officer and active Napo member, by encouraging reflections on all that is valuable and important in probation.

This year’s essay question was What does professionalism mean in probation?

We received many insightful and thought-provoking essays. The judging panel comprised of Ben Cockburn (NAPO National Chair), Ruth Bloomfield (MOPAC), Paul Weatherstone (Probation Service), and Jake Phillips (University of Cambridge).

After careful consideration by the panel we are delighted to announce the following results:

• Winner: Anne Burrell
• Highly Commended: Jamal Hylton
• Commended: Ben Entwistle, Christine Munn

These four essays are due to be published in Napo Magazine and on the CCJS website.

Reflecting on the competition, judge Jake Phillips stated:

Judging these essays was a real delight – they all captured something about Mike and his approach to probation and professionalism; congratulations to everyone who submitted and especially to the worthy winner.

And judge Ruth Bloomfield stated:

It was an enormous pleasure to read all of the essays submitted, particularly the reflections on the importance of the values driven practice which underpins what is means to be a probation professional.  Congratulations to all of the entrants for their contributions to this debate.

While Judge Ben Cockburn also reflected:

Thanks to all those who entered the competition. The passion and commitment of those involved was clear from the essays and the time and care that clearly went into writing them is greatly appreciated.

Finally, judge Paul Weatherstone remarked:

What I liked the most was the theme of placing a return to humanity and relationships at the heart of Probation and questioning of what might be seen as the process driven culture that seems to prevail at the moment.

We wish to extend our congratulations to the winners and our gratitude to all participants for their thoughtful essays. Thanks to the strength and quality of the submissions, this first year of the competition has been a success—one we look forward to building on annually.