Celebrating Legacy and Excellence: The Inaugural David Ramsbotham Award Ceremony

Established under the patronage of the late Lord David Ramsbotham, the Zahid Mubarek Trust (ZMT) has been a steadfast advocate for racial justice in prisons. Operating across more than 60 establishments, the ZMT is committed to transparency, accountability, respect, and fairness—values that Lord Ramsbotham embodied and championed throughout his life. We are thrilled to announce that the inaugural David Ramsbotham Award Ceremony took place on 24 October to honour excellence and inspire lasting positive change in a challenging custodial environment.

The David Ramsbotham Award will be presented annually to a staff member from the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) who exemplifies these four core values in their daily work in prisons. In addition, a second award will honour a prisoner excelling in the ZMT’s Equality Advocate Project—a flagship initiative that instils positive cultural change through peer-led advocacy.

The first award ceremony, hosted by the ZMT’s Patron Baroness D’Souza at the House of Lords, was attended by many former friends and colleagues of Lord Ramsbotham and his family members. The event opened with remembrances shared by the guests, painting a portrait of his unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, respect and fairness in the prison system. This award recognises and celebrates those who demonstrate resilience and commitment to these fundamental values of transformative change in prisons.

The ceremony was an important reminder that even in challenging environments, there are individuals—staff and prisoners alike—who exemplify shared values. By celebrating their achievements, we not only honour their dedication but also inspire a culture of growth and hope throughout the prison system. This event was a testament to the potential for positive change and the resilience of the human spirit.

Sev Bikim MBE, Regional D&I Lead for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Norfolk Prison Group, won the David Ramsbotham Award for Outstanding Commitment to Transparency, Accountability, Respect and Fairness in the Prison System. In her acceptance speech, Sev said: “Today is one of the most stimulating and rewarding moments of my long career in the prison service. It serves as a catalyst for my vision for change, not only in the BCN region but across the prison service. I accept this award not just for myself but for everyone who has chosen to stand up for transparency, accountability, fairness, and respect in the prison system, often without recognition or reward. To all those who uplift others by treating their colleagues and people in their care as they wish to be treated—this award is for you.”

JPL, ZMT Equality Advocate at HMP Wayland, whose family accepted the award on his behalf, said: “Together, I hope, we can be a beacon of change. We don’t make light of the challenge ahead or the mountain we are asking to climb, but all change starts with small steps. Every innovation begins as a ‘crazy idea.’ This award is not just for me; it’s for every Equality Advocate and every prisoner who believes in the light at the end of the tunnel and continues their custodial journey with hope, purpose, and determination for a better future for themselves, their families and the society.”

We proudly congratulate both recipients of the 2024 David Ramsbotham Award.