The Trustees of the Butler Trust are pleased to congratulate our Director, Simon Shepherd, on his being granted an OBE in The Queen’s Birthday Honours, for services to the criminal justice sector over more than 30 years.

Commenting on the award, Michael Spurr, Chair of Trustees, said:

“Simon has dedicated his working life to Criminal Justice making a huge contribution as a Prison Psychologist and latterly as an outstanding Director of the Butler Trust. His passion for recognising excellence and spreading good practice is infectious. Initiatives such as #HiddenHeroes and The Good Book of Prisons have made a real difference – celebrating the very best in Prison and Probation work across the country. We are fortunate to have Simon as our Director and so proud that his work has been recognised by Her Majesty – an honour he richly deserves.”

Responding to the news, Simon said:

“I am thrilled to have been made an OBE for doing a job I love – recognising, promoting, and celebrating the #HiddenHeroes working in UK prisons, probation and youth justice. They are truly outstanding public servants, and I would like to dedicate this award to them.”