Napo and the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies (CCJS) are proud to announce the launch of the Mike Guilfoyle Prize, an annual essay competition celebrating the values and professionalism that define probation practice.
Honouring Mike Guilfoyle’s Legacy
Mike Guilfoyle dedicated over two decades of his career to probation work in London. A stalwart member of Napo, Mike’s contributions at both branch and national levels reflected his deep commitment to the profession. Even after his retirement in 2010, Mike remained actively engaged in the probation and criminal justice community, becoming a magistrate in 2014 and continuing to write for the CCJS.
His insightful and often humorous articles evoked a probation service guided by the principles of “advise, assist and befriend.” In recognition of his service, Napo awarded Mike an honorary life membership in 2022.
Mike passed away peacefully at home in November 2023, aged 68, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. The Mike Guilfoyle Prize has been established as a tribute to his enduring impact on the field and to inspire others to reflect on the core values of probation practice.
The 2025 Mike Guilfoyle Prize
This year’s essay topic is: “What does professionalism mean in probation?”
The competition is open to:
- Serving and former probation staff.
- Individuals in training to become probation officers.
Submissions must meet the following criteria:
- Essays should be up to 1,000 words and engage directly with the topic of professionalism in probation.
- Entries should reflect the professional standards and values championed by Mike Guilfoyle.
- Essays must be original and unpublished, adhering to guidelines for accuracy and fairness.
- HMPPS employees should ensure compliance with employer policies on external commentary.
Deadline for submissions: 28 February 2025, 11:59pm.
Recognition for Winning Entries
Winning essays will be featured in Napo Magazine and on the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies website, ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. While there is no cash prize, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Mike Guilfoyle and spark meaningful conversations about probation practice.
A Tribute and an Inspiration
The Mike Guilfoyle Prize invites probation professionals to reflect on the principles and values at the heart of their work, just as Mike did throughout his remarkable career. This is more than a competition—it’s an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of probation and inspire the next generation of practitioners.
For further details and submission guidelines, visit Centre for Crime and Justice Studies.