Awards

Team Durham Community awash with commendations  

Team Durham Community Department last week received a share of the spoils at regional and national criminal justice awards.

The team were already celebrating being recommended by Chief Superintendent Eric Suddies for a Certificate of Commendation at the County Durham and Darlington Criminal Justice Board. This board, however, then recommended the department to the National Criminal Justice Awards. Travelling to London with the distinction of being the only university represented, the team came in the final three of the 'Team Award for Outstanding Contribution to Working with Offenders.'

Established in 2004 by the Attorney General, the Rt. Hon. Baroness Scotland of Asthal QC, the then Minister of State for the home office, the awards 'recognise dedication, courage and outstanding achievement in a variety of fields,' according to their website. It was held at the Banqueting House in Westminster, and panel of judges include the Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith MP and the Rt. Hon. Jack Straw MP, former Home and Foreign Secretary, and now Secretary of State for Justice.

Emma Hall-Craggs, Sports Placement Officer, said 'We are very pleased to be recognised for our work with offenders. We are proud to be the only university recognised and hope this raises the profile of our outreach work. We also hope to provide an inspiration for other community centres across the country.' Katie Metcalfe of Sports Development was equally proud: 'It was nice getting recognised for the work we do, and a great experience seeing all the other projects going and the strides being made across Britain.'