At this year’s AGM, members took a well-deserved pause to celebrate the remarkable service of Carole Doherty as she completed her term as s National Vice Chair (Finance). Ian Lawrence led the tribute, capturing Carole’s trademark spirit with humour and deep respect — from her early days accidentally soaking Ted Heath at a youth festival, to pioneering specialist sex offender work and later becoming one of Napo’s most knowledgeable voices on job evaluation.
Carole’s own speech was a reflection of everything she stands for: gratitude, determination, and unwavering belief in the profession she has served for over 25 years. She spoke with pride about safeguarding staff throughout the pandemic — “protecting staff was protecting the service” — and reminded members that probation and Cafcass practitioners are the quiet heroes of public protection and children’s safety.
She also issued a bold challenge: that probation must reclaim its identity and future outside the civil service, with Napo leading the fight.
Carole leaves her officer role, but not the movement. Her message was clear — stay active, step up, and continue the struggle for fairness, dignity, and professional respect. And that is a legacy worth celebrating.
One Response
I am so proud of you Carole. I feel blessed to know you and to have had your support. Marvellous speech. Can’t believe you have never told me the Ted Heath story! Much love