WOMEN IN DEFENCE AWARDS 2022

The Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) is proud to announce that two members of the Authority have been recognised in the prestigious Women in Defence Awards 2022. The awards, open to all in the Defence community, aim to promote the value of women in Defence, as well as to inspire women to succeed, share their experiences, build networks and encourage talent at all levels to join the sector.

WO2 Yvonne Angus, Service Police Liaison Officer for the SPA, is one of the Finalists in the running for “Most Collaborative Award”. This recognises an individual whose collaborative approach has made a real impact on an initiative or business output.

An experienced member of the Royal Military Police, WO2 Angus was shortlisted in recognition of the enormously positive impact she has had in building and supporting collaborative working between prosecutors (civilian and military) and the Service Police in a busy tri-service environment. This was achieved whilst successfully completing an honours degree and becoming a new mum.

Her line manager, Colonel Grant Davies, said, “WO2 Angus constantly acts as an honest broker between prosecutors and Service Police from all the services; going above and beyond what is expected, in a role which demands patience, knowledge and large amounts of diplomacy.”

WO2 Angus has also taken forward several initiatives that have enhanced the performance of service prosecutions, including the revitalisation of the Service Police Liaison group and the launch of an enhanced sexual offences advice system. Commenting on being shortlisted, WO2 Angus said “I was extremely pleased and honoured to have been nominated in the first place and then to find out I was shortlisted for the final was a wonderful heart-warming surprise. To know that my work is assisting the Service Justice System makes me immensely proud and this award has reaffirmed to me that my work is valued and appreciated at all levels. The culture in which I work has striven me to lean in and challenge areas that has required refining and development, and I thank everyone at SPA, particularly my line manager, for all the continued support and encouragement.”

Helena Burman was shortlisted in the “Outstanding Contribution Award”. The award recognises those who have gone over and above the expectations of their role to deliver an exceptional contribution to the output or mission of an organisation.

An experienced prosecutor, on secondment from the Crown Prosecution Service, Helena is the RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offending) Lead in the SPA. Evidence of Helena’s positive influence can be seen in every sexual offence case that the SPA handles. She has used her expertise to help create a specialist team of rape and sexual offence prosecutors at the SPA and influenced the formation and execution of MOD and government policy in this important area of business. Helena has also successfully engaged with Service Police forces to raise the standards of their investigations.

The Deputy Director of Service Prosecutions, Captain James Farrant RN, said “Helena is a master at bringing people with her, whether a Corporal investigating a sexual offence, or a 1* civilian policy colleague. Helena only came to Defence in early 2021, but swiftly mastered Defence and Service culture and structure, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.”

After attending the Shortlisting Ceremony Helena said, “I was very honoured to be shortlisted and very much enjoyed the day where I was able to meet many impressive women from very different backgrounds and was humbled to hear about their experiences and contributions. I have very much enjoyed my secondment at the SPA and want to thank the senior leadership team and all my colleagues at SPA, and all the many stakeholders in Service Police, MOD and Military Court Service who I have had the privilege to work with.”

The Director of Service Prosecutions, Jonathan Rees KC, said “Recognition for Helena and WO2 Angus is very well deserved. Both have made an exceptional contribution to the SPA, the wider Service Justice System, and the MOD. Their work has had a significant impact on operational effectiveness across the armed services. However, I know that they would be the first to say that their efforts are representative of the many women across Defence, at all levels, who are constantly making a positive difference through their talent and hard work.”

The Women in Defence Awards Ceremony will be held on 24 November 22. As one of the Finalists WO2 Angus will be attending and we wish her the best of luck.