On 9th July, HMPPS Creating Future Opportunities (CFO) was proud to host another successful Veterans in Custody and Community Support Officer (ViCSO) Forum and Awards, bringing together colleagues and partners from across government, academia, policing, prisons, probation and the voluntary sector to celebrate the outstanding work being delivered in support of veterans.
ViCSOs play a crucial role in helping veterans navigate their rehabilitation journey. Alongside their primary responsibilities, they go above and beyond to ensure veterans are identified, connected to the right services and supported both in custody and the community. Their commitment helps create pathways to positive change through collaboration with internal departments and the extensive network of veteran-specific charities and support organisations.
The forum provided a valuable platform for sharing best practice, strengthening partnerships and identifying innovative solutions to improve outcomes for veterans. Attendees heard from an impressive range of speakers, including Matt Grey, Executive Director for Rehabilitation and Change, as well as representatives from the New Futures Network (NFN), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Nacro, Anglia Ruskin University, the Scottish Prison Service, Welsh Probation, Op NOVA, the Forcer Protocol and Warwickshire Police.
A central theme throughout the day was the importance of collaboration. By bringing together like-minded professionals from across government and the third sector, the event reinforced a shared commitment to providing seamless support for veterans and addressing gaps in provision wherever they arise. The forum also provided an opportunity to recognise Armed Forces Day and celebrate key achievements across HMPPS, including prisons and Probation Delivery Units (PDUs) being able to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
The evening awards ceremony extended that recognition to colleagues across both prison and probation services, reflecting the One HMPPS approach to supporting veterans from custody through to successful resettlement in the community. Although awards were presented to individual winners, the event was fundamentally a celebration of the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by all those working to support veterans within the criminal justice system.
This was only the second time CFO has hosted a national awards ceremony for veteran support, making the occasion particularly special. For the first time, Community ViCSOs were included in the awards programme, reflecting the growing importance of support provided beyond the prison gate.
Awards were presented by Matt Grey, Executive Director for Rehabilitation and Change, and Alice Adamson, Deputy Director for Rehabilitation Strategy and Interventions. Guests also heard inspiring speeches from Derek Hardman, Founder of the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Clubs, and Nick Wood, who originally established the ViCSO role. Both highlighted the unique needs of veterans and the profound impact that dedicated support can have on individuals rebuilding their lives.
The awards recognised excellence across a wide range of categories, celebrating those who had developed strong partnerships, created veteran-friendly environments, improved wellbeing, driven innovation and used lived experience to shape service delivery. Together, these achievements are helping to improve outcomes for veterans, strengthen rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
One of the evening’s most significant moments was the presentation of a Special Recognition Award to an individual whose work delivered a long-requested resource for staff. After more than a decade of demand, this guidance was finally brought together and written specifically with frontline staff in mind. The overwhelmingly positive feedback received has demonstrated its value, providing colleagues with a practical and accessible tool to support their work with veterans.
The highest honour of the evening, Outstanding Veteran Support Officer of the Year, was awarded to James McMillain for Custody, and Danielle Crozier and Paul Smith for Community. Through their exceptional dedication, consistency and impact, they have demonstrated the very best of veteran support. Their work has helped veterans access essential services, progress through their rehabilitation journey and achieve better long-term outcomes. They have also championed support for staff who have served in the Armed Forces, further strengthening the veteran community across HMPPS.
The event was a powerful reminder of the difference that committed individuals and strong partnerships can make. Through the dedication of ViCSOs and their colleagues across prisons and probation, veterans are receiving the support they need to rebuild their lives, reintegrate into their communities and create brighter futures.
Congratulations to all the ViCSO Award winners:
Partnership and Collaboration
Custody – Jon Simpson and Ruth D’All (HMP Guys Marsh)
Community – Yvonne Sidaway (Dudley and Sandwell PDU)
Creating a Veteran Friendly Environment
Custody – Cheryl Torrington (HMP Sudbury)
Wellbeing & Rehabilitation Champion
Custody – Lee Foster (HMP Hull)
Community – Stacey Calver and Natalie Merenda (East of England Probation – Military Corrective Training Centre)
Innovation in Veteran Support
Custody – Nicholas Woodland (HMP Altcourse)
Community – Christine Brand (Kent Surrey and Sussex PDU)
Lived Experience Allyship
Custody – Steve Elliott (HMP Kirkham)
Community – Kate Lewis (Pennine PDU)
Special Recognition
Winner – Natalie Williams (HMPPS CFO)
Outstanding Veteran Support Officer of the Year
Custody – James McMillain (HMP Gartree)
Community – Danielle Crozier and Paul Smith (East and West Lincolnshire PDU)