Hero Awards 2023 - The Winners
The 18th CTSI Hero Awards took place at the House of Commons, London on Wednesday 22 November 2023. Below, you'll find a list of the individuals, groups and organisations that won an award in each of our categories (plus any notable mentions).
Our roll call of CTSI Heroes
Diversity and Inclusion Award :
Some of our most at risk communities (and businesses) are those that often find themselves excluded from accessing the protections that are available to others. Trading Standards can play a critical role in breaking down these barriers both in terms of embracing diversity and inclusion through the provision of inclusive services. CTSI is introducing a Hero Award that recognises individuals or teams who have done something positive around inclusivity and diversity, either within their organisation, in the community or across the profession. This may include projects or initiatives, involving engagement with all the communities/businesses we serve, by going above and beyond.
Best Product Safety Initiative Award :
Supported by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, the Product Safety Award celebrates individuals, projects or initiatives that demonstrate commitment to ensure products in the marketplace are safe. From electrical product safety to dangerous chemicals, we’re looking for nominations that put the safety of consumers above all else.
- Winner - Child Accident Prevention Trust
- Highly Commended - Sophie Leney, Norfolk Trading Standards
Outstanding Trading Standards Project Award :
From collaborative raids between multiple authorities, to joint-enforcement action on a particularly high-priority area, the award for Outstanding Trading Standards Project recognises fine examples or effective and well-executed initiatives and projects led by or involving trading standards. Please note, the winner will feature in press material, so ensure any ongoing projects nominated are not confidential.
- Winner - North Lanarkshire Trading Standards and Police Scotland
- Highly commended - Daniel Lowbridge, Lincolnshire Trading Standards
CTSI Brian Smith Individual Heroes Award :
In honour of the late Brian Smith, we would like to recognise the bravery of scam victims and the officers that work on these difficult cases. Falling victim to a scam can devastate someone’s life, and it happens to even the sharpest of us. The Individual Heroes award is given to those who look out for vulnerable neighbours, volunteer within their communities, and those who may be a victim, but refuse to be defined by it. From mail marshals and friendly faces, to those affected by scams, the Individual Hero Award is your chance to recognise members of their public for the vital role they play.
- Winner - Andrew Turner, Lincolnshire Trading Standards
- Highly commended - Sally Wilson, Age UK Cheshire East
CTSI Megan Lee Hero Award :
New for 2023 we are introducing a category in memory of Megan Lee, who sadly lost her life after suffering a severe allergic reaction to nuts contained in a takeaway meal in 2016. We are inviting nominations for individuals or teams that showcase projects or initiatives that recognise those that strive to make food safety a key priority. This could be someone from Trading Standards, Environmental Health, someone working at a food charity or perhaps the Food Standards Agency.
- Winner - Alison Richardson
Business Award :
The Business Award recognises businesses, or individuals within a business, or outstanding projects and initiatives that have demonstrated their commitment to consumer protection, going beyond regulatory duties to make sure products are safe and customers are satisfied. We’re looking for nominees that have either worked closely with trading standards, or have made significant contributions to the field of consumer protection.
- Winner - BBC Scam Interceptors Team
Intellectual Property Award :
We are looking for nominations for individuals or groups of people that have worked on a project to combat intellectual property. The nominations could be a trading standards or law enforcement officer working in this important area to stop these products entering into the UK marketplace.
- Winner - Doug Love, Hammersmith and Fulham Trading Standards
- Highly Commended - Rochdale Trading Standards
The Institute’s Hero 2023 Award :
The Institute’s Hero is a special award given by the Institute to the individual we believe has made an unrivalled impression on consumer protection in the UK. This award is chosen by CTSI staff directly, will not necessarily be awarded every year, and is not open to nominations. It is included here for reference.
- Winner - Caerphilly Trading Standards
- Highly Commended - Justin Miller, Southwark Trading Standards.