COMMENDEE 2025-26: Leila’s Commendation, as Health & Justice Partnership Co-ordinator with West Mercia Probation, is for conceiving and driving forward an innovative, data-driven approach to improving healthcare for people on probation, by mapping their needs and health inequalities across the country.

This nomination was drawn up by David Grieveson – Staff Engagement and Communications Officer, Probation Service – West Midlands; and signed off by Jamie-Ann Edwards – Regional Probation Director, West Midlands. It followed an initial recommendation from Health & Justice Partnership Lead, Debbie Edwards-Jones.

Introduction

This nomination is for Leila Cannon, who is the Health and Justice Partnership Co-ordinator for West Mercia. Leila has held this role for two and a half years, with a core aim of reducing recidivism by improving health outcomes for people in contact with the Criminal Justice System.

Whilst there is growing recognition that people in the CJS experience disproportionately poor health, there is little data relating specifically to people on probation. To address this, Leila has initiated an NHS Number Data Project—the first to capture real-time health profiles of the probation population—to improve commissioned services for this group.

Reasons for the nomination

Imagine being unwell and feeling invisible to the very system designed to keep you healthy. That is the reality for thousands of people on probation, whose health needs continue to be hidden.

Despite a growing awareness that people in contact with the Criminal Justice System (CJS) experience significant health inequalities – influenced by the wider determinants of health – most data sources are primarily linked to the prison population. There are few dedicated health pathways and services for people on probation in the community, and accessing healthcare remains a key challenge.

Leila brings a wealth of experience from the criminal justice sector and is passionately committed, in her health and justice role, to improving the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Moreover, enjoying good health plays a vital role in desistance and the prevention of crime.

Drawing on nearly twenty years of frontline probation experience, Leila conceived and is now delivering the NHS Probation Health Data Project – the first initiative in England to link community probation records with NHS data. By collecting anonymised NHS numbers (with consent) and providing them to public health analysts, Leila is building a national picture of the physical and mental health inequalities faced by people on probation. This insight will inform smarter commissioning, targeted services, and ultimately better life chances for those in contact with the CJS.

Leila was fortunate enough to meet Professor Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer for England, to discuss this idea. He has shown a great deal of interest in the project’s outcomes. The CMO’s thematic review into health in the CJS is due to be published later this year, and this project will feature in it as the first of its kind nationally.

Getting to this stage has required immense tenacity and heart. Leila is knowledgeable, determined, dedicated, and incredibly talented. She has spent countless hours in probation offices, engaging with individuals and explaining the project. Many have expressed real positivity about the prospect of services that meet their specific needs. Leila has organised raffles for offices participating in the data collection and put together hampers in her own time – on weekends and with the help of her children – simply because she wants to make a difference.

Even when unwell with shingles, Leila continued to ‘log on’ to track the project’s progress and facilitate discussions (we did tell her to rest, but she covertly sneaked back online!). Her excellent partnership skills have enabled her to bring multiple agencies on board, helping to overcome significant barriers—such as navigating the complex DPIA and ISA processes.

The final technical steps are now being completed before the data is shared for analysis, and Public Health partners are ready to act. Leila is not just collecting numbers—she is redefining what it means to care for people on probation. In doing so, she is helping to break the cycle of offending and giving a voice to an often-forgotten group.

Support for the nomination

“Leila has been a driving force in this work, committed to finding solutions and keeping all parties engaged and updated on progress. She is committed to the principles of increasing the understanding of the health needs of our population and the benefits this will afford in evidencing need and informing commissioning opportunities. Leila has also offered support to her peers in other areas. Updating on her progress, sharing lessons learned and supporting other Regions with their efforts to develop their own health and probation information sharing agreements, Leila has maintained a positive approach to this work despite the challenges encountered in founding this approach.”
Jess Helmer-Pedley – National Services Manager, HMPPS Health and Social Care Partnerships Team

“Leila’s expertise and commitment to the field of health and justice are extraordinary. She brings clarity to what is often a complex area of work and always manages to bring partners with her. Our work in Worcestershire has been greatly advanced by Leila’s input. This has been appreciated not only by local stakeholders, but also during a visit by Professor Chris Whitty to Worcestershire. During his visit he expressed particular interest in the work being led by Leila and requested more information so the he could disseminate it nationally.”
Lisa McNally – Director of Public Health for Worcestershire

Sign off

Leila has been able to find solutions to a wicked problem between Probation and Health services; the outcome having significant positive impact on the wellbeing and access to services for people on probation. I know how hard Leila has worked to make this project a success and hope the panel see the brilliance in this nomination too.

Jamie-Ann Edwards, Regional Director, West Midlands Probation