Police and Crime Commissioner's Commendation Scheme

After being inundated with strong, eye-catching nominations, PCC Jonathan Evison and deputy Leo Hammond are heading out across the region to present awards to those that have made a tremendous contribution to the community.

Below, we round up the visits made so far to present the Commissioner’s commendations.

FRANCIS AHIAKPA, HUMBER ALL NATIONS ALLIANCE

Francis Ahiakpa has been one of the major driving forces at the Humber All Nations Alliance (HANA) for a number of years.

The organisation advocates for minority groups in Hull as well as acting as a conduit for information between communities and authorities.

As HANA chief executive, Francis has built a strong team to ensure the best possible service from what has become a beacon for minority communities.

“I’m grateful that other people are looking at what we are doing,” Francis said of his commendation, after being visited by deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Leo Hammond.

“Over the years our job has been to help people settle and be happy here. We work with other organisations to help people understand where they are and how they can be supported.

“None of it could be done without a strong board to support me and a strong community. And our partners too, including the police, who help us learn how best we can support our community.”

Francis was nominated for a commendation by Carl Duck, who works as funding and partnerships officer for HANA, alongside his own business interests.

As part of his nomination, Carl wrote: “Francis works in a hugely challenging environment to keep HANA operating. He works behind the scenes and much of his work goes unseen.

“He advocates for minority groups in Hull and is facilitating long term change.  His role, networking and personality is supportive and engaging.   Whilst HANA as an organisation has had issues in the past before Francis was in the chief officer role, he is now recruiting highly qualified people which augurs well for the future.”

ANDY WILLIAMS, BUBWITH AGAINST SPEEDING

Andy Williams has overseen efforts to reduce speeding in Bubwith for close to a decade and his work has been recognised with a commendation from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Humberside.

Deputy Commissioner Leo Hammond visited Andy during a day of activity for the Bubwith Against Speeding group to hand out the commendation.

He said: “Andy leads the local Community Speedwatch group in Bubwith and crucially has been a big help to our office and the work I’ve been doing about developing and expanding AutoSpeedWatch as a scheme across our police force area to make our communities safer.

“Andy’s work has made the roads in Bubwith safer and we thank him for that.”

The group carries out roadside speed checks in the village and works with Humberside Police to provide education to those who are caught speeding.

Their efforts have helped to reduce the average speed through the village, near Selby.

Andy said: “The speeding problem in the village is something I really, truly believe in and I was only too happy to take on this commitment.

“It was a problem that I was aware of from walking around the village with the high volume of lorries, the speeding vehicles. I just felt that something had to be done.

“We were able to show conclusively that there was a speeding problem at the entrance to the village, with the average speed well over 40mph. I believe we have made a difference. The volume of speeding vehicles has reduced. 

“It’s about the team that supports me. If I’m not supported by the 11 volunteers I have, then I wouldn’t be able to do this.”

KAYLEIGH JACKSON, TIGERS TRUST

Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison paid a visit to the Tigers Trust to surprise Kayleigh Jackson with a commendation for her incredible work with the organisation.

Initially a participant in Tigers Trust activities in Hull, Kayleigh joined the staff and rose through the ranks to her current position as head of community, engagement and safeguarding.

Using her own lived experience, Kayleigh has made a significant impact on individuals and groups through her work with Tigers Trust, an independent charity associated with Hull City.

“I’m massively proud,” Kayleigh said. “But it’s not just me – it’s the fantastic team that we’ve got at the organisation. Everybody is in it for the right reasons, everybody wants to make a difference in the local community.

“We’re just in the fortunate that we’re employed by Tigers Trust and able to live and breathe the values of the organisation. The team do that day in, day out.

Kayleigh was nominated for her commendation by Olly Burdett of Future Humber, whose submission included: “She leads with empathy, consistency and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people who are often on the margins. 

“Through her work, young people are better supported to stay engaged, improve their wellbeing and make more positive choices. 

“Kayleigh’s impact goes beyond programmes and sessions, she sets the tone for good practice, puts people first and makes a lasting difference in the communities across our region.”

To watch a video of Kayleigh’s commendation presentation, click play below.

PAUL CASWELL, NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

North East Lincolnshire Council service manager Paul Caswell leads on the authority’s fight against anti-social behaviour across the region.

He was nominated to be recognised for his work by Kerry Hillman from The Trin Centre in Cleethorpes.

Kerry’s submission included: “Paul Caswell consistently goes above and beyond his role by championing preventative solutions, working collaboratively with partners, and placing young people at the centre of community safety efforts. His dedication, innovation, and sustained commitment have made a lasting positive difference to North East Lincolnshire, and he is fully deserving of commendation for his exceptional effort and service.”

To watch a video of Paul’s commendation presentation, click play below.

EAST RIDING COMMUNITY FOUNDATION TRUST

SOPHIE ROLLO, EAST RIDING YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICE

JOANNA RICHARDSON, HORNSEA TOWN COUNCIL