Previous Article
News
CEO of Probation Board for Northern Ireland recognised in New Year Honours list
Chief Executive of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) Cheryl Lamont has paid tribute to her colleagues and family after being recognised for her work in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. The New Year Honours list for 2020 recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom. Cheryl Lamont was appointed Deputy Director of PBNI in 2007 and interim Director in 2013, before being appointed as Chief Executive in November 2016. She is also a recipient of the Winston Churchill Fellowship and is a qualified social worker.
Cheryl Lamont was speaking after becoming Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Ms Lamont said: “I am humbled and delighted to be the recipient of this award which recognises not only my role, but the work of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland. I would like to pay tribute to the colleagues that I have worked with in probation over the last 35 years and justice over the past 37 years. Those men and women have worked tirelessly to make Northern Ireland safer and prevent people becoming victims of crime. I am very lucky to have worked with such dedicated and committed public servants. I am proud to lead an organisation which works in every community delivering services that reduce reoffending and rehabilitate people.”
She added: “I also want to thank my partner and family for their invaluable support over many years. Indeed, that support alongside strong family values of community and helping others in need, have greatly assisted me on my chosen career path.”
Ms Lamont also wanted to pay tribute to colleagues across the Criminal Justice Sector with whom she has worked in partnership with. She said: “Working in partnership with colleagues in Ireland, Great Britain and across the rest of Europe has been a very important part of my role and I want to thank justice leaders for their support over many years.”
Congratulating Cheryl Lamont on her award, Chairman of the Probation Board Dale Ashford added: “This is a wonderful recognition of Cheryl’s leadership of PBNI and contribution to criminal justice in Northern Ireland. Over the last number of years Cheryl has played a key role in ensuring PBNI leads the way and innovates within the criminal justice system. The Probation Board and staff are delighted that Cheryl has been recognised with this richly deserved honour.”
Related News
Keep up to date with the latest developments, stories, and updates on probation from across Europe and beyond. Find relevant news and insights shaping the field today.
Recap
Probation in Europe
CEP at the Leadership Conference 2026
14/09/2026
CEP Secretary General Jana Špero Kamenjarin was delighted to participate in the Leadership Conference 2026 of the Norwegian Correctional Service, held on 9–10 September in Oslo.
Recap
Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation
Recap: Expert Group of CEP and EuroPris, on Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation (FNPP)
14/09/2026
On 7 and 8 September 2026 the joint Expert Group of CEP and EuroPris, on Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation (FNPP), came together in The Hague for a valuable exchange of ideas, experiences, and expertise on one of the most important challenges facing prison and probation services across Europe.
New
CEP
Newsletter August 2026 out now
27/08/2026
CEP’s latest newsletter is out now! It includes:
- Approaching deadlines for upcoming events (ITSCCS26, 14th EM and DG leadership training) and the Mental Health curriculum pilot)
- Call for European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation
- EU documents like SPACE II, revised Victims’ Rights directive and so on
- and much more!
New
Caseload and workload
Do you work in probation? We need your voice!
24/08/2026
As part of its long-standing cooperation with research, CEP invites its members to contribute to a special edition of the European Probation Journal on the topic of Workload in Probation.
New
Alternatives to pre-trial detention, Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation, Gender Equality, Probation in Europe
SPACE II report is now available
24/08/2026
The use of community sanctions and measures that allow individuals to remain in the community – also known as alternatives to imprisonment – continues to grow overall in Europe, although at a moderate pace, according to the latest Council of Europe annual penal statistics on persons under the supervision of probation agencies (2025 SPACE II survey).
New
Victims rights
Adoption of the revised Victims’ Rights Directive and call for evidence on EU strategy on victims’ rights
05/08/2026
The Council of the European Union has formally approved a new directive strengthening the rights of victims of crime across the EU. The updated law improves access to information, support, and protection by introducing an EU-wide victim support helpline (116 006), making it easier to report crimes through digital tools, strengthening safeguards for victims’ personal data, expanding child-friendly support services, improving access to legal aid, and helping ensure that victims receive compensation more quickly.
This directive updates the 2012 EU Victims’ Rights Directive and aims to ensure that victims receive more consistent and effective support across all Member States. Following its publication in the Official Journal, Member States will have 24 months to transpose the new rules into national law. For more information, see the Council of the European Union’s press release: Council greenlights law reinforcing protection of victims’ rights and check out the revised Victims’ Rights.
Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!
- Keep up to date with important probation developments and insights.