COMMENDEE 2025-26: Described by one colleague as “the best manager I have ever had”, Janice is granted a Commendation for her supportive and inspiring leadership, and for her contribution to improving professional practice throughout the region, as Assistant Chief Officer for Bury & Rochdale PDU.

This nomination was drawn up by Bob Donald – Staff Engagement & Communications Officer, Greater Manchester Probation; and signed off by Chris Edwards – Regional Probation Director, Greater Manchester.

Introduction

Jan France, Assistant Chief Officer for Bury & Rochdale PDU, is a rare and remarkable leader whose impact is both personal and profound.

While it’s uncommon practice for us to nominate senior leaders for this award, Jan’s leadership is special. She leads with heart and purpose and champions her team through adversity, celebrates their successes, and never shies away from difficult moments.

Whether supporting staff through significant losses in recent years or shaping regional practice, Jan’s leadership is transformative. She creates a culture where people are valued, and inspired to give their best.

Reasons for the nomination

Jan is widely regarded by her colleagues as the best boss they’ve ever had. It’s a sentiment echoed time and again, and one that’s hard to argue with. She’s not only an exceptional leader but also a deeply valued colleague. While it’s uncommon practice for us to nominate senior leaders for this award, Jan’s leadership is the driving force behind her team’s success, and she fully deserves recognition as an “Unsung Hero.”

Jan’s intellect is remarkable—razor sharp and seemingly limitless. She’s the go-to person for information, always ready with answers and insight. Despite her demanding role leading a large and successful Probation Delivery Unit (PDU), she somehow balances professional excellence with a rich personal life, supporting her family and recently completing a master’s degree in 2024.

Her compassion and humanity shine through in everything she does. When Greater Manchester sadly lost Linda Byers, a colleague of 45 years, and Darrell Thompson in December 2024, Jan’s response was deeply personal and heartfelt. She ensured Linda had regular visitors during her illness and personally delivered the sad news to her management team across Greater Manchester. Jan’s emotional openness, often expressed through tears, hugs, and smiles, is part of her charm and strength. She doesn’t hide vulnerability; she embraces it, supporting her team through difficult times with authenticity and care.

When Bury Office was subjected to an arson attack in September 2023, Jan was a pillar of strength, not only in the aftermath but in the transition back to the office, ensuring colleagues’ were informed, supported, and allayed their concerns.

Jan’s ability to remember the small details that matter to her staff is inspiring. She treats everyone with dignity and compassion, and even when delivering difficult feedback, she ensures people feel heard and respected. Her leadership fosters loyalty and pride—people want to work for Jan and do their best because of her.

Her empathy is matched by strategic intelligence. Jan’s contributions have shaped regional practice guidance, helping place her team at the top for performance. Her integrity stands out most—she challenges gently but firmly, always striving to do what’s best for staff, People on Probation, victims, and the wider community.

Bury & Rochdale have faced immense challenges: tragic losses, an arson attack, and high-profile cases. Through it all, Jan has led with quiet strength and unwavering resolve. She’s faced public and painful inquests, choosing not to shy away but to sit with families, listen, and learn. Her experiences have driven improvements across all teams in how deaths under supervision are handled and how colleagues are supported through coronial proceedings.

Jan’s leadership is not just effective—it’s transformative. She embodies the qualities of a true leader: empathy, intelligence, integrity, and resilience. Her impact is felt not only within her own team but across the region. She leads with heart and purpose, making a real difference every day.

This nomination is for Jan—not for a project, but for a person who exemplifies excellence in her role. She is the kind of leader who inspires, supports, and uplifts those around her. People around her want to be better because of Jan. That’s why she deserves this recognition.

Support for the nomination

No one highlights better why Jan deserves recognition than those that she leads:

“I have been a Civil Servant for 40 years and Jan is the best manager I have had. She is the first to volunteer and is generous and kind, often going above and beyond to ensure staff’s welfare is prioritised; making home visits, proactively suggesting adjustments, or volunteering her own time to help. Despite being a Senior Leader, she covers reception to ensure others get breaks.
She supports you despite what is going on in her personal life, never bringing anything of her own to work. She brings in pastries, chocolates, and makes bacon and sausage butties on 4 days to ensure all teams are included.
She has supported the whole team following Linda’s passing. She came to my home to share the news as she did not want me to come into work or hear via e-mail.
I want to do a good job for her. She is so intelligent and smart, thinking of things others wouldn’t have even considered, making things happen and always thinking of innovative ways to support staff. I deal with her diary and emails and she does not get a minute’s peace but no matter how busy she is, she still makes time for you.”
Julie Loftus – Diary Manager

“Jan has been the most supportive manager when I experienced a couple of significant family tragedies. She is an incredibly thoughtful individual and leads with an empathy and care that makes a difference. I am certain that she has been impacted by most with the impact of Linda’s death, yet her focus has been supporting the teams as a whole. I am very grateful for her kindness and the care we experience under her leadership.”
Diane Hird – Senior Probation Officer

“Senior leaders are often perceived solely as problem-solvers—expected to have all the answers, resolve complex issues, and ensure the safety and wellbeing of their teams. Yet, what often goes unrecognised is the emotional intelligence, authenticity, and values-driven leadership that underpin truly effective leadership.
What makes Jan exceptional is her unwavering trust in her instincts and ability to lead with integrity. She embodies the values of HMPPS—Purpose, Openness, Together, and Humanity—not as a checklist, but as a natural extension of herself. As an Assistant Chief Officer, Jan holds significant responsibility, overseeing one of the largest Probation Delivery Units in Greater Manchester and managing the service’s reputation across the Bury and Rochdale local authority areas—no small task.
As a fellow senior leader, I deeply admire Jan’s approach. She leads with honesty, brings people with her, and creates a culture of trust and inclusion. Her warmth and approachability should never be mistaken for people-pleasing; she makes difficult decisions daily with clarity and conviction. It is her authentic, values-based leadership that sets her apart—and from which I continue to learn and draw inspiration.”
Rebecca Harris – Head of Corporate Services

Sign off

I’m sure these awards are peppered with nominations for great staff doing their job well – Jan is one of these, but lifted above the pack in my view for steering the staff in Bury and Rochdale through unique crises. The death of two colleagues in Rochdale office – one with 40 years plus of local service – and an arson attack at Bury, hit the confidence and wellbeing of her staff. Jan’s leadership through crisis – compassionate, resilient, pragmatic – kept the wheels on. A special person to whom we owe a lot.

Chris Edwards, Regional Probation Director, Greater Manchester Probation