Skip to content

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.

New

Probation outside Europe

Honouring Community Volunteers: CEP and Japan Hogoshi Federation sign new Affiliation Agreement

17/04/2026

On the occasion of the International Day for Community Volunteers (17 April), the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) highlights the significance of community engagement in supporting rehabilitation and social reintegration across the world.

New

Communication and Awareness-Raising

Call to take part in the Yellow Ribbon Run in Prague

16/04/2026

As part of its ongoing cooperation and support for the Yellow Ribbon project, CEP is pleased to invite nominations to support two participants wishing to join the Yellow Ribbon Run, taking place on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Prague, Czech Republic. 

Recap

Probation outside Europe

Day 2 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, Indonesia.

16/04/2026

 brought further reflection and exchange on the role of probation and community-based approaches in supporting rehabilitation and social inclusion.

CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades continued their daily coverage on Division_Y, sharing key insights from discussions at the Congress.

A central theme highlighted during Day 2 was the importance of focusing on what works in practice, and how effective integration requires active participation in society. As discussed, professional probation practice is not only about systems and structures, but about placing the person at the centre, responding to individual needs, and recognising rehabilitation as a journey within the community.

CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades also reflected on the role of community-based approaches such as the Japanese Hogoshi system, underlining the value of strong volunteer engagement in supporting reintegration.

The World Congress on Community Volunteers, held as part of the World Congress on Probation and Parole in Bali, was also highlighted during the day, with the session moderated by CEP Vice-President Daniel Danglades. This further underlines CEP’s commitment to strengthening the role of community volunteers at an international level.

CEP continues to follow the Congress closely and will provide daily updates throughout the week until 17 April.

👉 Watch the English-language video here: https://youtu.be/VqfSwnvJQuw

👉 A German-language reflection from Day 2 by Laura Schneider (Bewährungs- und Gerichtshilfe Baden-Württemberg) is also available on the Referat_Y YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/GOSOogfHleo

More information about the Congress: https://www.wcpp2026.id/

Recap

Probation outside Europe

Day 1 of the 7th World Congress on Probation and Parole is underway in Bali, Indonesia

14/04/2026

Representing the Confederation of European Probation CEP, former board member Jo Tein, CEP President Annie Devos and Vice-President Daniel Danglades are on site, sharing insights and reflections from this global gathering of probation and parole professionals.

Recap

Mental Health

Recap: CEP Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation Meets

14/04/2026

On 8–9 April 2026, the Expert Group on Mental Health in Probation convened in Dublin, Ireland, hosted by the Irish Probation Service. The meeting brought together 7 expert members from 7 European jurisdictions, Portugal, Ireland, Türkiye, Germany, Poland, Northern Ireland, England and Spain (Catalonia), alongside distinguished external speakers from international and academic institutions.

Chaired by Ana Cristina Neves, Head of Service at the Directorate-General of Reintegration and Prison Services (DGRSP), Portugal, the meeting provided a focused and collaborative space to reflect on the group’s progress, consolidate key outputs, and define strategic priorities for the upcoming 2026–2028 mandate.

New

Mental Health

Webinar Announcement: Mental Health in Probation

13/04/2026

We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming CEP webinar on 21st of May titled: “The European Mental Health Curriculum for Probation Officers”

Subscribe to our bi-monthly email newsletter!