Geraldine O'Hara

Dr Geraldine O’Hara, director of rehabilitation at the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI), has been granted the BPS Award for Innovation in Practice.

She has spent over 20 years using her knowledge as a chartered, forensic psychologist to promote the rehabilitation of offenders.

Dr O’Hara was recently award a Winston Churchill Fellowship, allowing her to spend time in the USA researching problem-solving courts, which aim to tackle the underlying causes of offending.

She has now implemented the best practice from a number of US states in Northern Ireland, with the support of the Department of Justice.

Dr O’Hare said: “I am absolutely delighted and very honoured to receive this award from the BPS. I am also grateful to the Churchill Trust, the Probation Board for Northern Ireland, and the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland for all of their support.

“After spending time in the USA to research problem solving justice and problem solving courts, we’ve been able to work together to implement innovative and effective approaches to offender rehabilitation in Northern Ireland.

“My sincere thanks to my colleagues, who have enthusiastically embraced these new initiatives with a belief in changing lives for the better. I am touched that my work has been recognised and will continue to drive initiatives which reduce reoffending.”