Published date:
The Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) is continuing to strengthen its partnership with the High Sheriffs’ Association of Northern Ireland (HSANI), recognising the achievements of service users who have made significant and lasting changes to their lives while under probation supervision.
This partnership was highlighted at the HSANI Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2026, attended by PBNI representatives, Amanda Stewart CEO and Gillian Montgomery Director of Operations, and the Lady Chief Justice, Dame Siobhan Keegan. The Association, established in 2023, promotes and sustains the role of the High Sheriff, supporting the judiciary, law enforcement, crime reduction initiatives and voluntary sector organisations working across communities in Northern Ireland.
A key aspect of the partnership between HSANI and PBNI is the High Sheriff Award, which recognises service users who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to changing their lives. Only five awards can be presented annually, making them a significant and prestigious acknowledgement of personal achievement and rehabilitation.
Recognising Remarkable Personal Progress
In recent months, two PBNI service users have received High Sheriff Awards in recognition of their determination to overcome adversity and build positive futures.
Amanda Stewart, Chief Executive attending the award presentations said; “The stories are a reminder that people can and do turn their lives around when given support, encouragement, and the chance to be recognised for the positive steps they are taking. It also speaks to the importance of support, especially from families, and of partnership between Probation, the community voluntary sector and organisations like the High Sheriffs’ Association working together to create conditions where change is possible.”
The first service user has had to overcome significant challenges whilst on probation, including poor mental health, drug addiction and the effects of a domestic abuse relationship. Through determination and engagement with support services, he rebuilt his confidence, addressed his fears of leaving his home and embraced opportunities for change. He now lives independently, has reconnected with family members, secured part-time employment and volunteers with a local community fridge initiative.
His Probation Service Officer said “Change is rarely straightforward. It takes courage, honesty, and often a willingness to confront difficult issues and circumstances in people’s lives.”
Our second award winner has experienced the impact of significant trauma, including parental neglect, addiction within the family, bereavement, abuse and serious violence. Under probation supervision, he committed himself to recovery, remained drug-free and disengaged from negative influences. He fully engaged with addiction and trauma services, developed his victim awareness and successfully completed a part-time Diploma in Social Science at Ulster University. He is now completing a BA Honours degree in Theology.
Speaking after receiving his award, the service user said:
“I want to say how truly honoured and grateful I am to receive this award. Standing here is something I never would have imagined years ago, and I am deeply thankful for this recognition.”
His Probation Officer added:
“It is always a privilege to walk alongside a service user, and gain their trust, when they are committed to making positive changes to their life. It is humbling when they are able to sustain these changes, despite the many complex issues in their lives.”
PBNI Director of Operations Gillian Montgomery said:
“In PBNI, we recognise that people change, not because they are told to, but because they begin to see a different story and a different future for themselves. The acknowledgement of a High Sheriff’s Award is significant. It can strengthen motivation, boost confidence, and help people build a new identity based on hope rather than past mistakes. When someone shows determination, openness, and a willingness to move forward, their progress deserves to be recognised.”
Strengthening Understanding of Probation Services
The partnership between PBNI and the High Sheriffs’ Association extends beyond the awards programme. Recently, the Rural West Team in Omagh welcomed the High Sheriff of County Tyrone, Linda Brown, and the High Sheriff of County Fermanagh, Alison Annan, for an engagement visit aimed at increasing understanding of probation services and their impact within local communities.
Hosted by Gillian Montgomery, Director of Operations PBNI, and Area Manager Colum Duffy, the visit provided an opportunity for staff to showcase the breadth of work undertaken across the Rural West area. Discussions covered the preparation of Pre-Sentence Reports, Community Service, Brief Interventions, the work of the Aspire Team, and the supervision and support provided to individuals subject to court orders and licence conditions.
The team also highlighted its gender-responsive approach to supporting women through the Inspire programme and outlined plans for new interventions designed to address the specific needs of women service users. Wider discussions explored the challenges and opportunities of delivering probation services across a large rural area, including accessibility, partnership working and service provision.
Particular attention was given to the prevalence of domestic abuse, mental health difficulties and addiction-related issues among individuals engaging with probation services, and the importance of collaborative approaches to address these complex needs.
A Shared Commitment to Rehabilitation
Through award recognition, engagement visits and ongoing collaboration, PBNI and the High Sheriffs’ Association of Northern Ireland continue to promote rehabilitation, community safety and positive change. The stories of award recipients demonstrate that with support, determination and access to the right services, individuals can overcome significant challenges and build futures defined by purpose, contribution and hope.