Nominations for the 2027 Inspire Justice Awards are now open, and SFJ Awards is proud to once again sponsor the Apprentice of the Year category.
Delivered by our sister organisation Skills for Justice, the Inspire Justice Awards are the UK’s only awards programme dedicated to recognising the achievements of the entire justice sector. The awards celebrate the individuals, teams and initiatives whose dedication, professionalism and innovation make a positive difference every day across policing, courts and tribunals, custody and detention, community safety, rehabilitation, education and beyond.
As long-standing champions of skills development and apprenticeships in the protective services, SFJ Awards is proud to support a programme that shines a spotlight on the people helping to strengthen the justice workforce and improve outcomes for communities across the UK.
Categories for 2027
This year’s awards feature 12 categories:
- Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by SFJ Awards
- Civil Contingency and Resilience Award
- Community Safety and Rehabilitation Award
- Courts and Tribunals Service Staff Member of the Year – supported by HMCTS
- Custody and Detention Staff Member of the Year
- DEI Initiative of the Year
- Digital Innovation Award
- Educator of the Year – sponsored by iCQ Awards
- Inspectorate Staff Member of the Year
- Lived Experience Champion (New)
- Policing Staff Member of the Year
- Voluntary and Community Impact Award
Celebrating the next generation of justice professionals
The Apprentice of the Year award recognises apprentices who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, achievement and impact within their role. From developing new skills and knowledge to delivering meaningful contributions within their organisation, the award is designed to showcase the outstanding talent emerging across the justice sector.
David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, said:
“Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and ambition to organisations across the justice sector. Through their dedication to learning and development, they are helping to shape the future workforce and ensuring the sector continues to evolve and thrive.
“We are proud to sponsor the Apprentice of the Year category once again and encourage employers, mentors and colleagues to nominate the apprentices who are making a real difference within their organisations and communities.”
Make a nomination
Nominations are open from 1 September 2026 and will close at midday on Monday 2 November 2026.
We encourage submissions from across the justice community. Whether you’re recognising a colleague, team member, apprentice or initiative, the Inspire Justice Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements and acknowledge the people whose work goes above and beyond expectations.
Following the judging process, finalists will be invited to attend the Inspire Justice Awards ceremony in March 2027, where winners will be announced and celebrated alongside peers from across the sector.
To submit a nomination, visit the Skills for Justice website:
Submit a nomination
