Championing Independence and Integrity: Recognising the Judges of the CIVEA Excellence in Enforcement Awards

The CIVEA Excellence in Enforcement Awards shine a light on the people, partnerships and innovations that raise standards across our sector, and behind every finalist announcement and every winner's trophy sits a vital element of the process: the independent judging panel.

This year, we were privileged to be supported by a group of respected professionals from across the wider credit, debt, legal and vulnerability sectors. Their collective expertise, impartiality and commitment to fairness ensured that every nomination was assessed on its merits — with no influence from commercial interests, organisational affiliations or sector politics.

Our judges brought decades of experience in consumer protection, legal practice, enforcement operations, vulnerability support, financial wellbeing and customer engagement. Their insight evaluated not just what organisations and individuals achieved, but how they achieved it — with professionalism, ethical practice and a focus on positive outcomes.

Each judge reviewed entries independently before coming together to discuss, challenge and refine their assessments. This ensures that every decision is balanced, evidence‑based and grounded in the values that underpin our sector. Their work is voluntary, time‑intensive and undertaken with great care.

We extend our sincere thanks to this year's panel:

• Kevin Shaw, Money and Pensions Service
• Paul Bowden, Wilkin Chapman LLP
• Neil Jinks, CCUA
• Helen Lord, Vulnerability Registration Service
• Steven Coppard, Independent Consultant
• Jonathan Shaw, Sigma Connected
• Alison Tooze, British Parking Association
• Tracey Stone, Welfare Together
• Sue Chapple, Chartered Institute of Credit Management

Their professionalism and impartiality are central to the credibility of the awards and to the trust the sector places in the process. We are grateful for the time, expertise and thoughtful judgement they brought to every category.

As we celebrate the achievements of our finalists and winners, we also celebrate the people who helped ensure those achievements were recognised fairly. The strength of our awards lies not only in the quality of the entries, but in the integrity of those who assess them.