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About Us
We are incredibly humbled and grateful for the support and recognition we receive from so many people.
We wanted to capture this in a celebration of what we do and hope to achieve and to make sure that we can say THANKS VERY MUCH!
If you would like to add your comment please email us HERE
“We enjoyed every minute of the well orchestrated event.”
“The awards ceremony was packed full of emotion, inspiring stories and real testimonials from pioneers and local heroes in our criminal justice system. Thanks and see you next year!”
Simon Fulford | Khulisa
“If you have the chance to attend – don’t miss it!”
“An exceptional event showcasing the efforts of many unsung heroes.”
Paul Harrison | Brunel’s ss Great Britain
“There was a genuine feeling that everyone’s work had been recognised.”
“The 2015 Redemption and Justice Awards was a well organised and truly inspirational event. It is rare that this sector of work goes recognised and the positivity in the room was refreshing.”
Nicola Hughes | Nicola Hughes Consulting
“a unique celebration of humanity”
“The No Offence Awards are a unique celebration of humanity- of people making a real difference to one another!”
Ruth Francis | Threshold
“such a fantastic Awards Ceremony”
“I have been to many Awards ceremonies over the years, whilst working for multinational organisations (such as EE, RSA Group and Barclays) and I can honestly say that your event was superior to anything I have attended before. From the venue, to the catering (what a treat to have piping hot, delicious food at such a large event!) and the entertainment, the event was just fantastic.”
Kelly Coombs | Census Data
Something for everyone”
“A great conference with interesting and thought-provoking speakers”
Stephen Robinson | The No Way Trust
“No Offence bring the right people together to discuss the right issues”
Diane Curry | CEO, POPS
“the conference yesterday was great”
“I can say that I went away learning something different from each key speaker – especially from Ruth!”
Ashley Thomas | n-ergy
“A multi functional event”
It was good to go to a multi functional event where the resettlement journey was discussed. Also a great networking opportunity. Thanks.
Nick Leader | Director, HMP & YOI Peterborough
“I really enjoyed the conference”
“A refreshing format, in a great location, with real people sharing candid personal accounts.”
Dr Alan Barrett | Military Veterans Service
“I can’t do this; We can!”
“Great day all round, learned a lot and great networking.”
Howard Craven | HMP Parc, G4S
“Yet again, a No Offence conference hits the spot”
“brings together a range of contributors that light up the topic.”
Rob Donath | Chief Executive, Fry Housing Trust
“Get involved”
“Add your voice to their voice and support No Offence…. I will be.”
Jane Walsh | Carers Federation
“they’re a team you want to work with”
“NoOffence are a partner; a critical friend; and work in a strategic alliance with whomever they work with. Commitment, energy and insight are just part of the package – they’re a team you want to work with!”
Adam Simmonds | Police and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire
“One of the things I love about NoOffence, it’s the whole system.”
Colin Salmon | Actor & NoOffence! Patron
“thought provoking”
“Very well structured, very informative and definetly thought provoking on how to improve current practices”.
Vickie Yardley | CRC/GMP – Neighbourhood RJ
“event speakers were excellent”
“A very well planned and organised conference that was in a central and easy to access venue from the train station. The event speakers were excellent and very informative. Thank you for a great line of speakers I look forward to further opportunities.”
Aneela Asim | Changing Lives
“I left feeling inspired”
“I was really impressed by this event and would definitely attend further No Offence! events. I left feeling inspired and having furthered my knowledge in this area.”
Alison Thorne | Together for Mental Wellbeing
“Interesting and informative”
“This is the second ‘NoOffence’ Conference I have attended. Both events were well organised, interesting and informative.”
Greig Knox | Scottish Prison Service
“a truly excellent event”
“It’s not often you will sit in a focus group with prisoners challenging SPS staff on current practice and planned changes – a truly excellent event.”
Debbie Nolan | CYCJ
“I left feeling motivated, ready to challenge”
“I attend events, seminars, network meetings and conferences reguarly as part of my role but I can honestly say that this conference was one of the most inspirational ones I have attended in a long time. I left feeling motivated, ready to challenge and clearer in my aims.”
Maria McNicholl | St Giles Trust
“showed a great deal of passion and commitment”
“This was a good and helpful conference with speakers who showed a great deal of passion and commitment for their subject.”
Steve Scott | GEO Group UK Ltd
“not pushing a specific viewpoint but encouraging thinking and debate”
“Having followed NoOffence! CIC for a while now on twitter, I felt compelled to get in touch to thank you for the really useful and informative tweets that have enabled me to keep up-to-date with the criminal justice world. Without these, I certainly would have missed many things that are happening locally, nationally and internationally. What I think is great is how such a simple platform can be used to raise awareness in such a positive way, simplifying what is a very complex area, not pushing a specific viewpoint but encouraging thinking and debate. Of all the organisations that I follow on twitter, this is by far the most useful that I have come across to date, and I am sure many other followers would agree with me. The fact that it is a social enterprise fits with its ethos and reassures me that there is no hidden benefit to its work, just empowered people really wanting to promote and help shape the future of criminal justice. Thank you.”
Karen Barford
“I fully commend NoOffence! for its innovative and unique approach”
“NoOffence! has a really important vision of bringing criminal justice organisations together in one place to effect positive change. As PCCs, we need to look at how we can apply these ideas as we move forward.The criminal justice system needs to work differently, better and more cost effectively for all of us with local solutions for local people. It needs to fit the people it serves, rather than people having to fit the system. I fully commend NoOffence! for its innovative and unique approach.”
Matthew Ellis | Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire
‘Brilliant event for sharing ideas and gathering information”
“A structured and great event to bring all authorities and organisations together, share best practice and information to assist with key objectives. Speakers were excellent, audience engaged throughout. Brilliant event for sharing ideas and gathering information to assist with meeting overall aims”
Darren Bradley | Red Snapper Group
“spaces for people with convictions were free”
“I contacted Richard regarding attending a conference. I stated I had a criminal record and he told me the spaces for people with convictions were free which shows the uniqueness of NoOffence!”
Tadge Sulich | St Giles Trust
“exactly the right people in attendance”
“Another great conference with exactly the right people in attendance, a great way to network with other like minded individuals, forge better links and improve your own knowledge”
Nick Buckley | Mancunian Way
“NoOffence! are a breath of fresh air”
“They bring together ALL sectors across justice and focus on how organisations can work together for the offenders’ benefit”
Lee Whitehead | 3SC
“a really useful day”
“The range and combination of speakers and presentations at the gave me a really good overview of the current situation and the issues faced by different stakeholders in TR and it got the tensions of the contracting environment on the table for open discussion. The break out session enabled me to dip into the detail most relevant to me as a Funding and Contracts Manager in a voluntary sector organisation. A really useful day”
Louise Kilbride | SIFA Fireside
“Starting to work with NoOffence! has been a really positive experience”
“Their knowledge of the subject area and their open and welcoming approach makes partnership working enjoyable and productive. I am really looking forward to working with them in the future.”
Sarah Sharlott | Realise Futures CIC
“The presentations were of a very high standard and were informative”
“In particular the one by Gary – ACC from Greater Manchester and for the workshop I attended on the development of a regional approach, the exercise he used was excellent at identifying the issues. Both of them were motivational and extremely well delivered”
Paul Hindson | Interserve Justice
“I really enjoyed the NoOffence! Awards”
“It was great to share and hear about the amazing successes and talents of others working in the criminal justice sector and I was struck by everyone’s passion and commitment. Thank you NoOffence! for arranging these awards and for holding the event. I was also deeply touched to win an award – I have been proud to work for Langley House Trust these last 12 years and see so many people with convictions lives changed. It’s a real privilege and honour – even in the tough times. Thanks again NoOffence!”
Carolyne Van Agen | Unsung Hero Award Winner
“What an amazing evening it was on the 3rd of October”
“The atmosphere at the award ceremony was electric. My wife Ellen and I met so many incredible people that night. What made it so special was being under the same roof with 200 or so people with the same passion and similar dreams. I was honoured, and humbled to receive the mentors award. For me this award also honours all our volunteers, supporters and the agencies that we work so closely with in North Nottinghamshire. It also honours the men and women who have risen to the challenge and allowed themselves to be guided by us on their journey. The men and women who are now doing this very work themselves. Thank you NoOffence! for an incredible night that I will never forget.”
Lawson Main | Mentoring Award Winner
“Keep up the great work NoOffence!”
“Enterprise Exchange were lucky enough to be finalists for the innovation award as part of NoOffences’ first Awards Ceremony. For us the evening exceeded all expectations. The event was organised extremely well on every level and we did not expect there to be so many interesting speakers and so much raw talent on offer. Many different people from all walks of life were bought together in a safe and inspiring environment, enabling them to express their true emotions with regard to their individual journeys. It seemed to be a particularly emotional event for many, due to the fact that we had all come together to support the same cause. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved and especially Richard and Sue for all their hard work and determination. We are very much looking forward to attending next year and are sure it will be even more successful.”
Benna McCartney | Enterprise Exchange
“NoOffence: an organisation that works tirelessly to promote discussion, new solutions and good practice”
As founders of the Re-Unite Project Commonweal are delighted that it has been recognised for the inaugural Partnership Award at the NoOffence! Redemption and Justice Awards 2013 – a huge honour especially being recognised from a sector where so many fantastic services rely on partnership working. The Re-Unite Project is all about partnership with delivery partners across the country helping to reunite mothers coming out of prison with their children. Our Re-Unite network including Together Women Project, Anawim, Isis, Threshold, The Cyrenians, Solas Cymru and Housing for Women housing association work day in and day out with prisons, probation services, social services, private and social sector landlords along with drug treatment and other support agencies to help provide the mothers and their families with the chance of a brighter future. To have this recognised by the award judges and by NoOffence! is a huge boost – and especially so from NoOffence: an organisation that works tirelessly to promote discussion, new solutions and good practice across the criminal justice sector.”
Ashley Horsey | Chief Executive, Commonweal Housing
“a celebration that is likely to stay in the memory of many for years to come”
“The moment that I walked into the reception I knew that we would be in for a real treat tonight. Richard and Sue have worked tirelessly to ensure that the NoOffence! Redemption and Justice Awards 2013 would be a momentous occasion. They certainly did not disappoint – a celebration that is likely to stay in the memory of many for years to come. I was delighted to play a part in this especially as I would never have imagined that my nomination would go on to win his category. This has provided him with a huge boost in confidence and will be forever grateful. I look forward to continuing my affiliation with NoOffence!and hearing about your plans for the 2014 awards. NoOffence! provide a key and crucial platform for criminal justice agencies to network and build effective partnerships. It really would be criminal to miss out! Well done to you all.”
Russell Symons | Impressionable Minds Founder
“Thank you for an inspirational evening”
“To Sue, Richard, all at NoOffence! and to all the category nominees and award winners – thank you for an inspirational evening. It was a real privilege to be at the inaugural NoOffence! Redemption & Justice Awards and to be able to take part in an evening that was defined by commitment, passion, innovation and justice – often taken forward through the most challenging of circumstances for many of the people and organisations recognised by the Awards.”
Richard Broughton | Ansel Group
“NoOffence! are leading the way”
“For Streets of Growth to be independently chosen in the top three finalists for the the ‘NoOffence!’ International Award – proves you do not have to be a large organisation to be globally impacting. NoOffence! are leading the way in how to bring innovative and often isolated practitioners together to shine a much needed light on their cutting edge front line approaches.”
Diane Peters | CEO, Streets of Growth
“NoOffence! connect people in the most powerful way possible”
“Two days after the AWARD evening I am still deeply touched inside. Together with three other people who made a positive difference in the world of before, during and after crime. NoOffence! makes it possible to bring all these beautiful people together on a beautiful evening, to honour them for the constructive and positive work they have done and what they still mean today for all involved in the crime that happened: victims, people with convictions, family, professionals, and other important persons and the society as a whole. NoOffence! connect people in the most powerful way possible: by direct human contact, feeling again, being part of good things, leading a meaningful life for themselves and others.”
Toon Walravens | International Award Winner
“One inspiring story after another”
“I have been a regular user of the NoOffence! website for over a year now. I find it invaluable in a number of ways. It brings relevant news items from around the sector to my attention that I might otherwise miss. It provides the opportunity to debate such matters with other professionals and contributors in the sector. I’m always learning! I find it refreshing that contributors tend to stick to the threads rather than going off track to push their individual agendas. I also feel that, with very little tweaking such as a simplified user skills audit, it could provide an invaluable networking resource for like-minded organisations with a common aim in any given geographical area to information share, consider potential mergers, collaborative bids, etc. As for the first NoOffence! awards evening itself, it was, without question, THE best event of its kind that I have ever attended in over 20 years in the voluntary sector. Too often, such events are populated with mutual backslappers and self opinionated do- gooders, often not doing very much good! This event recognised the sheer talent, passion and commitment of many young people, small organisations, dedicated professionals and caring sponsors who had made the evening possible. One inspiring story after another. Coming from a small two-person charity myself, I cannot commend NoOffence! and its dedicated team of Sue and Richard too highly – a small, hugely effective and much needed organisation.”
Ian Ross | Outside Chance
“The NoOffence! Award evening, superbly organised, was re-invigorating”
“Working with young people in care (statistically) many of whom it seems are serving an unwanted apprenticeship in crime can be soul destroying; not because of the children but the odds against which they are fighting. The NoOffence! Award evening, superbly organised, was re-invigorating. Such a massive lift to know just how much can be achieved with hard work and commitment and to meet ‘strangers’ of like mindedness who will never give in to the odds and individuals who have been remarkable enough to overcome, succeed and are now fighting for others to have the opportunity to follow them. We are all just people, no better or worse than the next person who need someone or something to help us believe first in ourselves and then others. Sue and Richard in spearheading the bringing together of like minded people deserve our gratitude and wholehearted admiration.”
Ed Nixon | Family Care Associates
“Central and local government need to know and support the Redemption & Justice Awards”
“First of all, I would like to say a big thank you to NoOffence! Sue and Richard for an amazing breath-taking evening to bring professional across the country in the CJS and change makers together to celebrate and give recognition to the change makers. I may have won the inspirational category award but, every nominee was a winner on the night. Central and local government need to know and support the Redemption & Justice Awards with all the major TV channels fighting to win who will air the event on National TV – that is how important and relevant the event was on the night of 3rd October 2013. The NoOffence! inspirational award has given me another hope and ‘spring in my step’ that my efforts and the early intervention work I am doing to reduce young people offending is recognised and add stock to my human and social capital of desisting from crime. I hope the Redemption & Justice Awards continue to grow each year and more sponsors, celebrities’, government and grant makers get behind NoOffence! change and celebrate change makers. I am absolutely ‘buzzing’ for winning the Inspirational award not only for myself, family, son and friends but also for all the organisational bodies behind my success including Kent Probation, Outside Chance, The Tudor Trust, Kent Police and Kent Prisons”
Francis Osei-Appiah | Restore Reform Respect
“The stories we heard were thought provoking and inspirational”
“The first NoOffence! awards event provided an opportunity for people from all sectors, from criminal justice and communities to come together and celebrate the work of people and partnerships who are doing so much to transform the lives of others. It was a privilege to be a Judge for the Mentoring award, to hear about people who really go ‘above and beyond’ in giving their time to support service users. It was good to meet all the finalists at the event as well as the awe inspiring winner, Lawson Main! The stories we heard were thought provoking and inspirational and a reminder at this time of significant change for supervision of people with convictions that change is really about an individual and their commitment and passion to make a difference…”
Frances Flaxington | Catch22
“NoOffence! has more impact than almost every organisation I know”
“After joining the Award Evening last Thursday I would like to make a few specific remarks about NoOffence!. The first one is that NoOffence! is a organisation, but it does not feel like that. It feels like family: Sue as the mother of us all and Richard as my younger, so loyal and hardworking brother. The same goes for all the people connected to them, like us: we are not institutionalised but connected as the people they really are, by our passion and wish to choose for optimism, change for the better and a meaningful life! All this means that NoOffence! has more impact then almost every organisation I know. They inspire, connect people and give everybody, like me, the support to do the right thing. Working in the depersonalising world of prisons it means I triple my energy to try to follow the example of NoOffence!: support people to be the unique and valuable person they really are. No matter where they come from.”
Frans Douw
“They are a truly transparent organisation”
“NoOffence! conferences attract key figures and stakeholders within the criminal justice service world. They are a truly transparent organisation which thrives on sharing learning and best practice and bringing organisations together to make positive change.”
Gill Arukpe | Penrose
“NoOffence! helps staff to network”
“Crimes, the law and criminology change every year – NoOffence! helps staff to network with those at the frontline of essential services and support network. The prices of training are very reasonable and you really should not miss it. I found out a lot by attending.”
Barbara Roymacauley | Women in Prison
“NoOffence! organised an excellent Criminal Justice Agenda Conference in Barlinnie – Scotland’s busiest prison”
“Speakers included those from across Scotland’s agenda, probably as broad as you can get. But doing all this in Barlinnie was a brilliant idea. I hope there will be more.Thank you again. Look forward to the next one.”
Les Huckfield | Les Huckfield Research
“a great networking opportunity”
“The conference provided a great networking opportunity and brought me up to date with a wide range of initiatives in the field of criminal justice in Scotland.”
Lisa Mackenzie | Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Howard League Scotland
“This was a first rate conference”
“Delivered and attended by policy makers and authorities in their field. The opportunity to participate has benefited me personally and the organisation I represent, and I’m better informed and better connected for it.”
Alan Forgie | Team Manager, Includem Transitional Support Service
“NoOffence! gives us all a platform to help make good things happen.”
“NoOffence! pulls no punches in stirring debate about how we really do achieve this much needed rehabilitation revolution. Their ability to help opinion formers see the wood from the trees is very refreshing. Never has there been a greater need for better partnership working, effective use of all too often limited resources and the ability for us all to play to our unique strengths and skills. NoOffence! gives us all a platform to help make good things happen.”
Rob Owen OBE | Chief Executive, St Giles Trust
“NoOffence! giving ‘grass-roots’ organisations the chance to present alternatives”
“Streets of Growth is an award winning community-led Youth Intervention Charity. And yet, despite being internationally recognised in Gang Prevention, we have never been invited to speak on the national stage to help improve the UK practices – until NoOffence! gave us the break at their Gang, Gun and Knife Crime event in London. Attendees at the event were shocked to learn that many of our approaches even existed, let alone find that we have been doing this work for nearly 2 decades. Following the event, we were inundated with professionals visiting our leadership factory and offering us consultancy work, training their staff in innovative and community sustained interventions. We have also been asked to make a documentary for TV as well as consult in Europe. Most certainly, we would not have had this level of exposure had it not been for NoOffence! giving ‘grass-roots’ organisations such as ours the chance to present alternatives to complement wider mainstream practices.”
Darren Way | Founder, Streets of Growth
“the sum of the parts is amazing but ‘the whole’ is unbelievable”
“When I was asked to be a member of the group and then to run a sub group I had had no experience of social networking and was relatively new to justice work, it being a sub set of what my organisation does. I was upfront that I needed to learn from others experience and good practice and was not sure what I personally could offer. It did not take more than a few days 1) learn more than I could have done in months in day to day work to inform my work and practice and 2) to meet some of the most informative and experienced people in the world of offending work from every background possible. What it provides for me is the bank of experience and knowledge that I can learn from – what I can give I hope will grow over time. Well done all involved the sum of the parts is amazing but ‘the whole’ is unbelievable.”
Dom Wood | Chief Executive, 1625 Independent People
“Receiving and hearing information about other organisation is a bonus in itself”
“First of all it’s not just joining the group but for me the benefit and support began immediately because being asked in the first place is an honour for someone with my background. For me personally it shows there are alternative level of communication that can be reached and utilised from a variety of sources. Some direct and (as I’ve become aware) as many in-direct as well. Having the opportunity to discuss various topic & comments and, having an input into the discussions has enabled me and the services we offer to be publicised in a totally new field and also, almost direct contact can be achieved. Receiving and hearing information about other organisation is a bonus in itself. I would recommend joining such groups & take advantage of good practice, free knowledge and advice, the opportunity to share views, opinions and comment with likeminded people folks and, you get to meet with some interesting people.”
Derek Jones | Managing Director, EMAP
“a tremendous opportunity to connect with many people”
When I first accepted the invitation to Join the Reducing Re-offending group I didn’t really know what to expect. What I found was a tremendous opportunity to connect with many people across a wide range of sectors all with an interest in changing lives, and to discuss, and debate current issues affecting us all. I have made some very valuable personal connections within this group and am a member of a number of sub-groups. As a result of my experience I have recommended the group to many of my senior team and they are all involved in lively debate as well as networking and collaborating. I am absolutely convinced that my organisation can only benefit from these connections.
John Biggin | Director, HMP Thameside (SERCO)
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